MEET AUSTIN
Austin Papini,
MA, LPCC
Outpatient Therapist
He/Him – Colorado
Phonetic pronunciation: Aw-stin Puh-pee-knee
Professional Bio
Hi, my name is Austin and I’m a therapist here at Denver Mental Health Collective. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Drake University in 2022 and completed my Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology at The University of Denver in 2024. Since then, I’ve been working as a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate here at DMHC and accruing hours toward full licensure which I hope to achieve in the near future! I primarily work with clients who are looking to improve their ability to practice mindfulness, regulate emotions, tolerate distress, and communicate effectively with others. Together we can practice slowing down, building awareness of your emotions, sitting with discomfort, and thoughtfully choosing how to respond to what you’re feeling. Outside of therapy, I love to read fiction books of all sorts of genres, go on hikes, or catch a movie at a theater!
At a glance
State / Region of Licensure
Colorado
License
Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate (LPCC)
Populations Served
Adults, Older Adults
Austin may be a good fit if you are navigating:
Depression
Anxiety
Interpersonal Difficul...
Grief
Stress
Life Transitions
Relationships
ADD / ADHD
Depression
Self-Esteem
Austin's therapeutic approach
Austin draws from approaches such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Humanistic. Sessions are shaped around the client’s goals, pace, lived experience, and the kind of support that feels most useful.
Approaches may include
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Humanistic
Why I do this work
I witnessed others in my personal life struggling with mental health concerns first hand from a young age which sparked my interest in the field and continues to motivate the work that I do now.
Best part of my job
The best part is easily getting to connect with others and support them in their journey toward change and growth. The moment when an insight or coping skill finally clicks for someone is so special!
Beyond the therapy room
I love to read fiction! Pretty much any genre. I really enjoy a hike, especially if there is some sort of feature like a waterfall or a lake along the way. And on many weekends you can find me catching a movie at a theater!
Favorite quote
“…things get broken, and sometimes they get repaired, and in most cases, you realize that no matter what gets damaged, life rearranges itself to compensate for your loss, sometimes wonderfully.” – Hanya Yanagihara, A Little Life
Recommended resources
- No Bad Parts by Richard C. Schwartz
- PhD
- The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
- Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
You don’t have to do this alone anymore. With the support of a highly trained therapist, you’ll soon have a path and roadmap out of your suffering, and each step of the way, you’ll be accompanied by a kind, dedicated guide.