Therapist Spotlight: Kristy Demers
Quick answer: Kristy Demers is a therapist at Austin Mindfulness Center whose work centers on human connection, self-regulation, and mindfulness. In this therapist spotlight interview, she shares why she became a counselor, the one skill she'd teach the world, and how she brings mindfulness into her sessions.
Choosing a therapist is easier when you know the person behind the title. In this spotlight, we asked Kristy Demers about her path to counseling, her own experience as a therapy client, her favorite books, and how she practices what she teaches.
Why did Kristy Demers become a counselor?
Kristy became a counselor because she has always loved connecting with people.
"Once I woke up to my own journey of healing, growth, and self-love, it seemed natural to support others on their journey as well," she says. That personal experience of growth is the foundation of how she works with clients today.
What one skill would she teach the world?
Self-regulation—the ability to notice your body's response to feelings and calm your body and mind before reacting.
"So many hurtful things are done and said, to ourselves and others, in moments of anger," Kristy explains. "The more aware we become of our body's response to feelings, the quicker we will be able to calm our bodies and minds with whatever tools we find most helpful." Whether we're upset with our children or partner, she notes, we will only be heard if we first connect and then redirect. This same skill is central to mindfulness-based therapy.
Has she been in counseling herself?
Yes—counseling has been an imperative part of Kristy's own healing and growth journey.
"I have learned so much about myself, including how much stronger I am than I thought," she says. "I also learned the importance of listening to my body and trusting my own intuition more." Therapists who have sat in the client's chair often bring extra empathy to the work of individual counseling.
What books does she recommend to clients?
Kristy can't narrow it down to one, so she recommends two: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk and The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer.
Both books explore how our bodies hold experience and how awareness can free us from old patterns—themes that run through her clinical work.
Who is her ideal client, and what inspires her?
Her ideal client is someone who is willing to show up for themselves and do the work.
What inspires her to help others? "Others that help others, and human connection." For self-care, she meditates, spends time outside, and surrounds herself with people who lift her up. And if she could host a dinner party with any three people, she'd invite her grandma and grandpa—because she misses them—and Jesus: "Religious beliefs aside, I would love to hear what that guy has to say about pretty much anything."
How does she use mindfulness in sessions?
Mindfulness is a big part of Kristy's daily life, and she brings it into sessions through discussion and by introducing different tools clients can try for themselves.
"Sometimes through meditation, sometimes by taking time to think before I respond, and sometimes by doing a quick body scan and taking a few deep breaths," she says. In session, clients get to explore different mindfulness tools and decide what feels helpful and works for them.
Getting to know your therapist matters
Kristy Demers brings personal experience, a love of human connection, and a practical mindfulness toolkit to her work at Austin Mindfulness Center. If her approach resonates with you, reaching out is the natural next step.
Getting started. Looking for a therapist whose approach fits you? Start with individual adult counseling at Austin Mindfulness Center.
Frequently asked questions
What is self-regulation and why does it matter?
Self-regulation is the ability to notice your body's response to emotions and calm yourself before reacting. As Kristy notes, many hurtful things are said in moments of anger—awareness of the body helps us connect first, then redirect.
Do therapists go to therapy themselves?
Many do. Kristy describes counseling as an imperative part of her own healing and growth—it taught her she was stronger than she thought and to trust her intuition.
How is mindfulness used in a therapy session?
Therapists like Kristy introduce tools such as meditation, body scans, and deep breathing through discussion, so clients can experiment and decide what works best for them.
Get started with a therapist at Austin Mindfulness Center—in person in Austin or online across Texas.
