Texas LPC Supervisor, CEU Provider Virtual across Texas, In person Corpus Christi, TX
Your path to creating an advanced skill set to set you apart with professional growth starts here.
Tel: 361-688-8200 Corpus Christi, Texas
Cathy Armstrong is a dedicated licensed professional counselor who assists mental health and healthcare professionals, as well as other interested individuals, in improving their overall health and wellness. With both secular and non-secular education and training, she uses functional nutrition, somatic therapies, yoga, self-care practices, mindfulness, meditation, and spiritual growth to provide a holistic mind-body-spirit approach. Cathy has advanced training in anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, addictions, relationships, grief, reproductive mental health, chronic illnesses, PTSD, personality disorders ( BPD, narcissism) and mood disorders.
Cathy offers empowerment counseling for women of all ages dealing with various mental health challenges including reproductive mental health problems, disordered eating, weight loss surgery failure, codependency, borderline personality disorders, narcissistic abuse recovery, childhood trauma, OCD, anxiety disorders, narcissistic personality disorders, trauma, complex trauma, and abuse.
Cathy brings a unique skill set to her practice as a Registered Nurse, Nutritionist, Yoga and Meditation Teacher, and Certified Chopra Health Instructor. Her advanced training encompasses EMDR, EFT/Tapping, Clinical Hypnotherapy, Brainspotting, and Mindfulness, and she is also a Certified Trauma and Grief Therapist.
With a non secular doctorate in religious studies and ordination as an interfaith minister, Cathy’s diverse education and training in world religions, neuropsychotherapy, and contemplative psychotherapy uniquely position her to address a broad range of emotional and psychological issues.
Carl Jung, a pioneering figure in the field of psychology, introduced several concepts that have profoundly influenced therapy and the roles of therapists. Among these concepts, the "inner healer" and "wounded healer" hold particular significance.
**The Inner Healer:**
Jung believed in the concept of the "inner healer," an innate aspect within each individual that strives towards healing and wholeness. This inner healer is seen as a guiding force that drives personal growth, self-awareness, and the integration of various aspects of the psyche. Jung viewed the therapeutic process as one that facilitates the activation and emergence of this inner healing capacity. By tapping into the unconscious mind through methods such as dream analysis, active imagination, and psychotherapy, individuals can access inner wisdom and resources that promote healing.
*The Wounded Healer:**
The notion of the "wounded healer" stems from the idea that experiencing and overcoming personal suffering can enable therapists to empathize deeply with their patients, creating meaningful and transformative therapeutic relationships. Jung himself experienced profound psychological suffering, referred to as his "confrontation with the unconscious," which informed his understanding of the psyche and healing. He posited that a therapist who has faced and integrated their own wounds can better support the healing process in others, as they possess a unique insight and authenticity that enhances therapeutic efficacy.
In my practice, these concepts resonate deeply. As a therapist, acknowledging and working through my own wounds has been pivotal in fostering empathy and understanding towards my patients. By embracing the role of the wounded healer, I am able to draw upon my personal experiences of healing to create a safe and compassionate space for my patients. This shared human experience helps bridge the gap between therapist and client, promoting a deeper rapport and trust.
I also strive to activate the inner healer within my patients. Through various therapeutic techniques—such as EMDR, EFT/Tapping, clinical hypnotherapy, mindfulness, and brainspotting—I guide my patients to tap into their own inner wisdom and healing potential. By recognizing and nurturing the inner healer, patients are empowered to embark on a journey towards self-discovery and integration, leading to healthier and more fulfilling lives.
Incorporating these Jungian principles into my practice has a profound impact on the therapeutic work. It inspires a holistic and compassionate approach, where suffering is viewed not just as a problem to be fixed, but as a pathway to deeper self-understanding and growth. This perspective not only enriches the therapeutic experience but enables profound and lasting transformation for my patients.
Individual counseling, hypnotherapy, functional nutrition, and mindfulness practices can be incredibly beneficial for mental health professionals and medical care providers who often face high levels of stress and emotional fatigue.
Individual counseling offers a private and supportive space for healthcare providers to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Counselors can help them identify and address issues related to burnout, compassion fatigue, and workplace stress. By learning coping strategies, setting healthy boundaries, and building resilience, medical and mental health professionals can better manage the demands of their careers and improve their overall well-being.
Hypnotherapy can complement traditional counseling by accessing the subconscious mind to address deep-rooted beliefs and patterns. For clinicians dealing with chronic stress, anxiety, or self-doubt, hypnotherapy offers tools to reframe negative thought patterns, reduce stress, and enhance self-confidence. This therapeutic approach can lead to significant improvements in mental clarity and emotional stability.
Functional nutrition emphasizes the role of diet in mental and physical health. Personalized nutritional plans can help healthcare providers manage symptoms of fatigue, stress, and burnout by ensuring that they receive the nutrients necessary for optimal brain and body function. Proper nutrition supports mental clarity, boosts energy levels, and enhances overall health, which is crucial for maintaining the demanding schedule of a medical professional.
Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindful movement (yoga, tai chi), enable healthcare providers to stay present and focused. These practices can reduce stress, enhance emotional regulation, and improve patience and empathy—traits essential for patient care. Regular mindfulness practice can also mitigate the effects of burnout and promote a sense of balance and well-being.
By integrating these approaches, mental health and medical professionals can cultivate a more holistic sense of well-being, greater professional satisfaction, and improved patient care. Combining individual counseling, hypnotherapy, functional nutrition, and mindfulness creates a comprehensive self-care regimen that addresses both the mind and body, promoting long-term health and resilience.
Counseling for medical and mental health professionals struggling with self-assertion, codependency, and people-pleasing behaviors can be instrumental in fostering healthier professional and personal boundaries. Such behaviors often stem from deep-seated patterns of self-worth tied to the approval and validation from others, intensified by the high-pressure environments in which these professionals operate. These patterns can lead to burnout, compromised care, and strained personal relationships.
Counseling can help by providing a supportive and confidential space to explore the origins of these behaviors and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Initial sessions focus on identifying and understanding the root causes—such as past trauma, attachment styles, or learned behavior patterns. Techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and self-compassion exercises are employed to challenge and reframe negative thought patterns and beliefs. Counselors also assist in developing practical skills for assertiveness, such as setting clear boundaries, practicing self-care, and engaging in mindful communication.
By fostering greater self-awareness and self-compassion, counseling allows professionals to break free from the cycles of codependency and people-pleasing, leading to more balanced and fulfilling lives both at work and home.
If you find yourself struggling to get along with coworkers, colleagues, supervisors, or supervisees, it's essential to look inward and seek the available support. Whether dealing with personal challenges that affect your professional relationships or finding it difficult to work or live with someone who exhibits these traits, individual counseling can offer significant help.
Counseling provides a safe and confidential space to explore underlying issues that may be contributing to conflicts. A professional counselor can help you develop coping strategies, improve communication skills, and find constructive ways to interact with others. For those facing personal challenges, counseling can help reprogram negative patterns, react positively to stressful situations, and reclaim a sense of inner peace and confidence.
Common symptoms of struggling with interpersonal relationships may include:
- Frequent misunderstandings or miscommunications
- Feelings of frustration, anger, or resentment
- Difficulty in expressing thoughts clearly or assertively
- Persistent anxiety or stress related to work interactions
- Avoidance of certain individuals or situations
For others working with someone exhibiting these traits, the experience may include:
- Increased tension and stress in the workplace
- Disruption of team cohesion and collaboration
- Lowered productivity and morale
- Avoidance or conflict with the individual
Help is available to overcome these challenges. Counseling can provide the tools and support needed to create healthier relationships and a more harmonious work environment. Don't hesitate to reach out and take the step towards a better professional and personal life.
Counseling, particularly with a therapist specialized in eating disorders, can help you identify and address the emotional and psychological roots of your eating patterns. Through cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), counseling can guide you toward healthier coping mechanisms, improve your relationship with food, and build a positive self-image.
Hypnotherapy, on the other hand, uses guided relaxation techniques to access the subconscious mind. This approach can be especially useful for instilling healthier eating habits, reducing cravings, and alleviating anxiety or stress associated with food. Under the guidance of a certified practitioner, hypnotherapy can help reprogram your thoughts and behaviors around eating, leading to more regulated and mindful consumption.
Both methods aim to provide comprehensive support, helping you to create sustainable changes in your lifestyle and foster a healthier relationship with food. Seeking either type of therapy could be a significant step towards achieving emotional well-being and physical health.
Anxiety disorders and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) are mental health conditions that significantly impact an individual's daily life, causing excessive worry, fear, and obsessive behaviors. Counseling and hypnotherapy are two effective approaches for managing and treating these challenges.
### **Anxiety Disorders Counseling**
Counseling for anxiety disorders often involves cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps individuals identify and change the thought patterns that contribute to their anxiety. CBT can be highly effective in reducing symptoms of various anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety, and specific phobias. In counseling sessions, therapists may teach coping strategies, relaxation techniques, and problem-solving skills to manage anxiety. Additional therapeutic approaches include acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), exposure therapy, and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), all tailored to meet the unique needs of the individual.
### **OCD Counseling**
OCD counseling typically focuses on reducing the compulsive behaviors and obsessive thoughts that characterize the disorder. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a common and effective intervention, which involves gradual exposure to feared situations or thoughts without engaging in compulsive behaviors. This method helps reduce the anxiety associated with OCD triggers and decrease the urge to perform compulsions. CBT may also be used to address the underlying thought patterns contributing to OCD, and support groups can offer additional emotional support and encouragement.
### **Hypnotherapy**
Hypnotherapy is a complementary therapeutic approach that can be beneficial for both anxiety disorders and OCD. It involves guiding individuals into a deeply relaxed state where they can access their subconscious mind. In this state, individuals are more receptive to suggestions and can work on altering negative thought patterns, reducing anxiety, and decreasing compulsive behaviors. Hypnotherapy can help uncover and address underlying issues contributing to anxiety and OCD, such as past trauma or deeply ingrained habits. It may be used alongside other treatments to enhance overall effectiveness.
### **Combination of Approaches**
Combining counseling with hypnotherapy can provide a holistic approach to treating anxiety disorders and OCD. While counseling offers structured techniques and practical strategies, hypnotherapy can help address deeper, subconscious issues. Together, these methods can promote significant and long-lasting improvements in managing anxiety and OCD.
In summary, anxiety and OCD counseling paired with hypnotherapy offers a powerful, multifaceted approach to treatment. These methods aim to empower individuals, helping them gain control over their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Grief counseling services specialized in infant and pregnancy loss provide compassionate support to parents and families navigating the profound sorrow and trauma associated with losing a baby during pregnancy or shortly after birth. These specialized counselors understand the unique aspects of this type of grief, which can include feelings of guilt, isolation, and an overwhelming sense of loss.
Therapists in this field typically use a variety of approaches, including talk therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and support groups. They create a safe space for parents to express their emotions, process their grief, and find ways to memorialize and honor their lost infant. They may also offer resources and guidance on coping strategies, help with relationship dynamics impacted by the loss, and support through significant dates and milestones that may be particularly challenging.
Such specialized counseling aims to provide empathetic and effective care, aiding parents on their journey towards healing and helping them find strength and hope in their lives after loss.