Episodes
Monday Sep 03, 2018
Monday Sep 03, 2018
Welcome to "Through the Eyes of a Therapist"! This is the podcast that’s all about mental health! I am your host, creator, and editor of this podcast, Cristal Martinez Acosta, LPC, NCC! I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Mental Health Therapist.
This episode contains a very special interview with a person who I admire very much! Richard Salcido is an LPC-Supervisor who also lives, works, and plays in El Paso, Texas. He was THE supervisor who helped me launch my career after graduate school and oversaw my completion of 3,000 hours of therapy practice to become fully licensed. He has trained many interns over the years and helped shape the next generation of therapists. He has been a therapist since the 1970s and has a great perspective on mind and body health. In this episode he gives us information on the 5 Domains of Healthy Living. Richard will walk us through each domain, giving us tips and things to try along the way.
And Yes, I asked if there will be a book.
We got a maybe on that one....but YES to a powerpoint presentation.
I hope to continue to make my first post-grad supervisor and mentor proud! Thank you Mr. Salcido for the push you gave me to launch my counseling career.
If you want to find out more about Family Service El Paso or have any questions about their services, you can contact them at 915-781-9900. You can find their contact info on my Facebook page or at my website www.mypodtherapist.com
Please follow me and get in touch through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Podbean! You can also send me an email cristal@mypodtherapist.com
*Recommendations, discussion, and disclosures are for informational/entertainment purposes only. You should never substitute consultations/information from your own mental health/medical professionals with information in this podcast.*
Wednesday Jul 04, 2018
Wednesday Jul 04, 2018
Stay fit to fight!
Major Amileah Davis is a licensed Counseling Psychologist and is currently serving on active duty in the United States Air Force. She completed her Ph.D. at New Mexico State University, and her clinical work emphasizes evidence-based practice, trauma treatment, prevention, cross-cultural psychology, and organizational consultation. Major Davis has led two mental health clinics, a substance use clinic, a family treatment program, and a base-wide suicide prevention program. She has also deployed to several countries in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE, Operation FREEDOM’S SENTINEL, and the Global War on Terror.
Major Davis and I have discussions about:
- Confidentiality for military members seeking mental health services.
- Various levels of care available to Active Duty Members as well as Veterans.
- What therapists who treat military members should do to improve their practices and cultural competency.
Mentioned in the podcast and more provided by Major Davis:
Resources for service members, veterans, and their families: |
Services offered by Department of Defense (DoD) & Veterans Affairs (VA): - Chaplain - Mental health clinic - Substance use clinic - Military Family Life Counselors - Veterans Crisis Line – 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1) - Many mores services available, depending on your service branch!
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Programs highlighted in the podcast: - BHOP Factsheet - VA Coaching into Care Program - SOCOM Preservation of the Force and Family (POTFF) program
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Other services
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Excerpt from “Eradicating Mental Health Stigma in the Military and Beyond”
Reasons to defy unjustified stigma and seek treatment: ü Your life is more valuable than the uninformed opinions of others who have not walked in your shoes. ü By speaking up, you are not only helping yourself, you are giving permission for others to do the same. ü You are part of the fight against stigma. ü You are taking a step toward self-empowerment. ü Your friends and family will thank you. ü Your future self will thank you. |
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Resources for mental health providers |
- Continuing education offered by the Center for Deployment Psychology (including a FREE cultural competence course!) - DoD/VA Clinical Practice Guidelines providing evidence-based recommendations for suicide risk assessment, depression, PTSD, and substance use among service members and veterans - Air Force careers for clinical/counseling psychologists and LCSWs - Military and other government careers via USAJobs.gov - Military Command Exception and HIPAA
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If you have a question about any of the resources listed here or how to find other services in your area, please contact Cristal@mypodtherapist.com
Please review my podcast on iTunes or Google! Visit my FB page for Ask-A-Therapist LIVE every other Monday!
*All content in this podcast is for informational purposes only. You should always consult with your own doctor or mental health professional.*
If you or someone you know are in immediate danger call 911, Text 741-741, or visit your local emergency room.*
Saturday Jun 09, 2018
SUICIDE-Assessment, stats, and how to find help.
Saturday Jun 09, 2018
Saturday Jun 09, 2018
Suicide is a tough subject.
Anthony Bourdain, Kate Spade....these are the two most recent high-profile suicides to impact our society. In this episode, I broach the subject of suicide assessment. As a therapist, this is a part of my day-to-day practice (sadly). Here, I give insight on what a therapist might assess for.
If you or someone you know wants to die by suicide, please reach out to them and give them resources and hope!
Here are some of the more notable resources out there for suicide prevention:
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
1800-273-8255
or TEXT 741-741
As always, if you have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contact me!
https://www.facebook.com/CristalWonderCounselor/
@cristalwondercounselor
https://www.instagram.com/wonder_counselor/
https://twitter.com/CounselorWonder
*Anything on this podcast is for informational/entertainment purposes only. You should always seek the advice of your own doctor or mental health professional.*
Saturday May 12, 2018
A Deep Dive Into Depression- Stigma, Meds, and Therapy
Saturday May 12, 2018
Saturday May 12, 2018
Hello listeners! It’s me, Cristal Martinez Acosta, Licensed Professional Counselor, Nationally Certified counselor. It's #mentalhealthawarenessmonth and this episode is part 3 of 4!
In this episode, my special guest, Carlos, speaks about his depression. I have to say, this is one of the most candid and detailed interviews I have had on the podcast.
He talks about how being a gay, depressed college student in a mostly-Hispanic/Catholic community takes its toll. We talk about his struggle with depression, anxiety, and a history of suicidal thoughts. We also discuss medication types, side effects, how to help a depressed person, and of course, THERAPY.
He has a special message for all of you out there who are battling mental illness at 18:15.
If you or someone you know needs immediate counseling from the National Suicide Prevention hotlines you can text the number 741-741 or call 1800-273-8255 any time of day or night.
*Podcast Content is for informational purposes only and you should always seek your own consultation/therapy from your own doctors and/or mental health professionals.
Monday Apr 30, 2018
From existing to LIVING- Mental Health Awareness Month
Monday Apr 30, 2018
Monday Apr 30, 2018
All of the interviews and episodes in the month of MAY will be related to #fightingthestigma and #Mentalhealthawarenessmonth.
In April, I posted openings for interviews on FB and Insta. I asked if there were any brave souls willing to talk openly about their mental health struggles. Because MH stigma is so strong, I didn't expect to get many responses. Luckily, I am friends with many fearless mental health warriors, and here I interview one of them!
In this episode, I talk with my friend, Clarissa, about her own depression and treatment. We candidly discuss medication, symptoms, and life changing interventions.
*Any and all material in this episode and on this podcast are for informational purposes. You should always consult with your own doctor or mental health professional.*
Sunday Apr 15, 2018
Acupuncture by Acufunkture: an old, new way to heal body, mind, & spirit.
Sunday Apr 15, 2018
Sunday Apr 15, 2018
In this interview, acupuncturist and owner of Acufunkture in Houston, TX, Kathleen Funk L.Ac., describes acupuncture methods, purpose, and indications. This centuries old way of healing helps patients re-integrate mind, body, and spirit by using tenets of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Kathleen explains how acupuncture works for physical problems as well as emotional problems like ADHD, anxiety, and trauma.
To get in touch with Kathleen or to book an appointment go to:
To find an acupuncturist in your area go to:
www.acufinder.com or www.nccaom.org or http://acaom.org/
Mentioned in the podcast:
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma https://www.amazon.com/dp/0143127748/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_MFb1Ab0ARK4R8
*This podcast is for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your own mental health or healthcare professionals.
Saturday Apr 07, 2018
Occupational Therapist Michelle Medina on Development and Life Skills
Saturday Apr 07, 2018
Saturday Apr 07, 2018
In this episode, I speak with Dianna Michelle Medina, OTD, MOT, OTR/L who uses her Occupational Therapy skills with her own children. She gives listeners great ideas on how to teach kids life skills. She gives her expert opinion on kids' electronic use, when to seek the help of an O.T., and ignoring haters/doing what's best for you and your family. We discuss age appropriate toys, rehabilitation from injuries, and the difference between OT and PT (physical therapy).
Questions or comments? Write to me below!