Relationships work when you show up differently.
Relationship therapy for individuals and partners who are tired of having the same argument, reaction, shutdown, or conversation on repeat.
If only it were that simple, though, right?
Most of us can recognize a bad habit long before we figure out how to break it. Especially when emotions run high and our old, familiar reactions take over. That's why I'm interested in more than what happened or who's right. I want to understand what's driving the dynamic, what keeps it going, and what we can actually do about it.
Individuals
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Couples
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Co-Parents
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Adult Siblings
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Business Partners
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Fellow Therapists
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Entreprenuers
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Parents + Adult Children
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Individuals ◦ Couples ◦ Co-Parents ◦ Adult Siblings ◦ Business Partners ◦ Fellow Therapists ◦ Entreprenuers ◦ Parents + Adult Children ◦
Hi, I'm Jandri Fernández
/ˈhôndrē/ Short for Alejandra (pronounced Haundry, like laundry, with an H)
I've been a psychotherapist in Austin since 2005, and after more than two decades, I still find people endlessly compelling. Especially the things we do that make perfect sense to us and absolutely none to the people around us.
I came to this work after a successful career in management consulting. In my thirties, I traded the golden handcuffs for graduate school, bringing my analytical instincts and systems-oriented thinking along for the ride. Today, my work draws on extensive clinical training, research, and years of experience helping people understand themselves and their relationships.
And while I've learned a great deal about relationships professionally, some of my most valuable lessons have come from my own. My husband and I have spent decades building a life together, raising a daughter, and learning to navigate differences neither of us grew up knowing how to handle particularly well. It's given me a healthy respect for just how complicated relationships can be, even when you love the people involved.
I wouldn't trade this work for anything. People trust me with some of the hardest parts of their lives, and I don't take that lightly.
You’ll find that I’m not your typical therapist.
My goal isn't weekly sessions, but a realistic structure that supports meaningful progress. I prefer a dosing approach, where the frequency and duration of our work depend on your circumstances, level of distress, and coping mechanisms. You need time between sessions to try new things and see what happens.
01Intensive Consultation
We begin with an extended, in-person session at my Austin office, where we'll take a concentrated look at what's happening, what's keeping you stuck, and what might help. You'll leave with an in-depth assessment and my recommendations for moving forward.
02Follow-up Sessions
What comes next depends on what we uncover. Rather than committing everyone to weekly appointments, we'll establish a schedule that fits your circumstances, with time to put what you're learning into practice. Sessions may be held in person, by phone, or by video.
03Coaching Support
It's hard to think clearly when you're in the middle of a conflict or stressful situation. Sometimes a little perspective before you react can make all the difference. I offer as-needed support by phone and text to help you navigate difficult moments and make more thoughtful decisions.
No one grows in a comfort zone.
You don't have to come in knowing what needs to change. But you do have to be willing to consider that you might be part of it. Getting unstuck takes curiosity, honesty, and a willingness to question what you think you know, even when it's uncomfortable.
That means taking responsibility for your role in the dynamic, letting go of the need to be right, and being open to trying something different. If you're hoping I'll fix your partner or tell you who's to blame, we're not going to be a good fit. But if you're willing to examine your own contributions and do the work, we've got somewhere to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
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That depends on what brings you in, how much support you need, and what we discover during your intensive. I don't automatically schedule weekly appointments or work from a predetermined timeline. We'll develop a plan based on your circumstances and adjust as needed, with time between sessions to try new things and see what happens.
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I don't accept insurance directly, but I can provide monthly statements with the information you may need to request out-of-network reimbursement.
Coverage varies by plan. Some don't cover couples therapy, and others may only reimburse a portion of an intensive session. I recommend checking your out-of-network behavioral health benefits with your insurance provider before we begin.
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Yes. I'm licensed in Texas and Idaho, and I work with clients who travel to Austin for their initial intensive. All new clients begin with an in-person session at my Austin office. After that, we'll determine whether follow-up sessions are best held in person, by phone, or by video.
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Yes. I accept new clients by referral only, including referrals from current and former clients and other professionals. When you inquire, please include the name of the person who referred you. I'll follow up with availability, fees, and next steps.
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Individual intensives are three hours in one session. For couples and other relationship partners, the intensive totals six hours, divided into two three-hour sessions. This gives us time to understand what's happening, identify strengths and challenges, and establish recommendations for moving forward.
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Absolutely. You don't need someone else in the room to work on a relationship. Individual therapy can help you better understand your own reactions, recognize patterns, and explore what you can change in your relationships with partners, family members, friends, or colleagues.
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You don't have to arrive knowing whether you want to stay together. My job isn't to make that decision for you. We can explore what's happening in your relationship, understand the challenges you're facing, and consider your options without assuming a particular outcome.
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That's exactly why I offer an initial phone consultation before we begin. It's an opportunity for us to discuss what you're looking for and determine whether my approach is a good fit. If another provider or a more traditional therapy structure would better meet your needs, I'm happy to offer referrals.
Let’s talk.
For new client inquiries, send me an email with the name of the person referring you and whether you're seeking individual or partner therapy. I'll respond with current wait times and next steps.