Cristal Martinez Acosta was born, raised, and currently lives in El Paso, Texas.  She takes her profession seriously but is unconventional in her approach. She has has a history of depression and anxiety and is no longer ashamed of being transparent about these past diagnoses.  She was treated for these disorders as a child and teenager with therapy and medication, which is why she is so passionate about her profession. Her motto is to "be who you needed when you were little". 

Cristal is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) in the state of Texas and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) through the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC). She graduated with honors from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology. Then she attended New Mexico State University (CACREP accredited), where she received a Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance with a 4.0 GPA and the Outstanding Graduate Student Award in the Educational Psychology Department. She is now adjunct faculty at her Alma Mater in the counseling program.

Cristal is an advocate for mental health and the reduction of stigma related to mental disorders.  She founded her own private practice and consultation business, writes blogs,teaches and supervises other therapists and interns, and does public speaking engagements. She is an expert in trauma treatment, trauma infomed care, and parenting.

She has experience working with children, youth, and adults who have been affected by traumatic events and chronic stress. She is certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, and in Parent Child Interaction Therapy.