Welcome, I am so happy you’re here!
My story
Hello! My name is Maureen Havelka, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Supervisor.
I moved to Austin from Ohio in 2011, it was one of the best choices of my life. I have 2 lovely elderly dogs who I adore (one that comes to the office) and I love to dance whenever possible; Esoerotic™ pole dancing is my joy and stress relief. I have been out as queer and politically active in the queer community since 1998, and I grew up with a queer mom and chosen aunties who were my mentors when my parents were unavailable. I have also identified as polyamorous and kinky for almost a decade and have been around these communities since my pre-teens.
I believe that I bring a lot of life experience to the table in addition to my formal education. I am a survivor of childhood abuse and neglect, gun violence, sexual violence, divorce, subjective poverty, career burn out/moral injury, fat phobia and sexism. I have experienced a lot of grief throughout my life, in many different forms including the traumatic passing of my mother and father (separately) within 6 months’ time. I grew up around many people in my core family unit experiencing mental health and substance abuse issues, which has given me a lot of insight into the daily experiences and needs of those with mental health and substance abuse issues, as well as their loved ones.
My therapeutic style is empathic, warm, direct and led by experience, education and intuition. I give input and validation and I will most likely swear, laugh and gesticulate while doing it! Yes, you can swear in our sessions, please swear in our sessions! I specialize in working with trauma and offer therapy for individuals, as well as trauma informed relationship and group therapy. I have extensive experience in working with the Transgender, LGBQ, Sex Worker, Kink and Polyamorous communities and I strive to provide people in these communities with the tools to heal and live the most empowered life possible
I believe in acknowledging my privilege being a cis, white, non-disabled citizen of the US. I am an intersectional feminist who is also a forever student working on deconstructing white supremacy, racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and ableism. I support Black Lives Matter, Free Palestine, all bodies are good bodies, diets are harmful to your mental and physical health, neurodivergence should be celebrated, healthcare and housing are basic human rights, education should be free and everyone deserves bodily autonomy.
I have been working in the social work field since 2007 and in private practice since 2018. I am a board approved clinical social work supervisor who believes that social work as a profession has been utilized as a tool of oppression and to uphold capitalism and needs an overhaul.
Social Work Professional Experience
(outside private practice)
Capital Area Counseling, Austin, Texas (5/2019-5/2020), Clinical Partner/Supervisor
Provided clinical supervision services to pre-graduate counseling interns on site. Facilitated peer support groups, reviewed and approved supervisees clinical documentation and coordinated internships with students’ graduate programs
North Austin Medical Center/St. David’s Austin, Texas (5/2017-5/2019), Medical Social Worker-Cardiac/Pulmonary Unit
Provided direct social work intervention, discharge planning and counseling to patients and their families with an interdisciplinary team. Assessed the patient’s social, emotional, financial, cultural and family situation and interpreted this information to the physician, nursing staff and other interdisciplinary team members to facilitate appropriate discharge planning. Assisted patients and families with linkage to the next level of care from the hospital including: Skilled Nursing Facilities, Home Healthcare, Durable Medical Equipment, Hospice, Long Term Acute Care Hospitals etc.
MHNet/Aetna Austin, Texas (October 2011-5/22/2017), Utilization Management/Care Manager
Collaborated with an interdisciplinary team in order to ensure that members with advanced behavioral health needs received the services needed through health insurance and community resources.
South Austin Medical Center Austin, Texas (September 2011-April 2012), Emergency Department Social Worker PRN
Completed Emergency Department Assessments for patients presenting with behavioral health issues and facilitated the most appropriate clinical disposition for the patient through inpatient or outpatient mental health services.
Miami Valley Hospital-Dayton, Ohio (August 2010-August 2011), Medical Social Worker
Provided direct social work intervention, transition planning and counseling to patients and their families. Assessed the patient’s social, emotional, financial, cultural and family situation and interpreted this information to the physician, nursing staff and other care team members to facilitate appropriate transition planning.
Cleveland Clinic-Cleveland, Ohio (January 2009-August 2010), Behavioral Medicine Intake
Completed Emergency Department Assessments: providing face to face assessment services for patients presenting with behavioral health issues to facilitate most appropriate clinical disposition for patient
Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center of Greater Cleveland-Cleveland, Ohio (2007-December 2009), Metro Youth Outreach Case Manager
Contributed to an interdisciplinary team in order to provide referral and case management services to homeless and at-risk adolescents between the ages of 14 and 24 in the Greater Cleveland area.j Provided safer sex education and HIV testing to adolescents and adults.
YWCA – Columbus, Ohio (2006 – 2007), Service Coordinator Intern
Delivered strengths-based case management and service coordination services that promoted guiding principles of Empowerment, Accountability, Respect, and Nurture (EARN model) for residents transitioning from being chronically unhoused with co-occuring substance abuse and mental health issues into the permanent housing program.
Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Organization – Columbus, Ohio (2005 – 2006), Social Work Intern
Provided crisis support for a hotline for LGBT people affected by violence, documented violence reported to the organization, organized and implemented a program raising awareness and support for those effected by violence perpetrated against transgendered people. Organized and implemented a self-defense program for LGBT youth and adults. Accompanied clients to court proceedings following an act of violence.
Before the Degree
Prior to these empolyment and internship experiences I was involved in multiple activist organizations starting with co-creating my high schools first Gay/Straight Alliance my junior year with two of my best friends. During my college years I was a part of multiple student activist groups for: Women’s Rights, LGBTQ rights, fighting racism, war and colonialism. Most notably I was part of the leadership team coordinating our campuses yearly “Take Back the Night” rally and march during my undergrad and graduate time at Ohio State University.