James Ochoa, LPC, Director

James' passion for counseling began in Ms. Loyce's seventh grade geography class when he was introduced to the fact that the 3 billion people in the world are all different.  He continues to be fascinated that no two people are exactly alike and facilitating clients' in discovering their own uniqueness is just as much of a passion today as it was when he first became a counselor. His family of origin clearly plays a role in his counseling career as well - he was the seventh child born out of eight, seven of whom are boys. Moreover, the first seven children were born in a span of eight years! He was introduced to the organized chaos theory and the significant role that family plays in one's life early on!

Consequently, family dynamics have always been a strong factor in James' theoretical base. His counseling approach is centered in the Adlerian, family systems, humanistic, cognitive behavioral and existential theories of psychology. These theories indicate that our primary beliefs are created by individual, family and social experiences throughout one's life. He is currently fascinated by how neurology, genetics, life history and personality are woven together to create the fabric we throughout our lives. Believing that one's entire life history is ultimately valuable, he facilitates clients in discovering their life lessons and ways in which to discover their greatest potential.

James has been in the counseling field since 1987 and has worked with clients as young as four and as wise at 84. His clinical experience is multi-faceted having worked in residential treatment, psychiatric hospitals, prisons, a pediatric practice, school systems and currently private practice.

He opened The Life Empowerment Center (formerly The ADHD Clinic) in 1999. He is dedicated to expanding the center's presence in Austin by training other professionals in his directive, action-oriented approach. He also believes in developing a strong network of therapists, medical doctors, career counselors, nutritionists, teachers, coaches, business people, etc. to be used as resources to help meet the needs of clients.

Curriculum Vitae

Contact James
james@tlec.info
Phone: 512-804-2343

Kim Lauritzen, Office Manager

Kim graduated from UT/Austin in 1983 with a BA in Journalism. She joined the organization in its first year, 1999. Kim's is the voice of The Life Empowerment Center - she is the backbone for managing appointments and assisting with community referrals. She is also the all important reminder coach! She manages office administration and keeps the center's clients and staff on track and running smoothly.

Contact Kim
kim@tlec.info
Phone: 512-804-2343

Shelly King, Accounts Manager and Executive Assistant

Shelly is the Bookkeeper and Accounts Manager at The Life Empowerment Center. She has been with the center since July 2001 and her role continues to grow as the Center expands its services. She is the owner of King's Keeping, a small business that offers services in bookkeeping, administrative assistance and organization to business owners and households.

Contact Shelly
shelly@tlec.info
Phone: 512-576-1295