Through the Eyes of a Therapist Podcast

In Pursuit of a PhD

For those of you who are interested or curious about the PhD track in therapy, here are two of my colleagues talking about their experiences in higher education. Viridiana Sigala and Federico Mendez discuss balancing personal and work life, first generation student struggles, bilingualism, marginalization, biculturalism, and more.

 

My new Patreon—> https://www.patreon.com/Therapistcristal

 

Here’s more about today’s guests:

 

Federico Mendez, (he/him), is a cisgendered, Hispanic, gay, male who is a bilingual (English/Spanish) therapist in North Richland Hills, TX. He sees individuals, couples/marriage and families struggling with anxiety, PTSD, trauma, marital issues, sexuality, and overall relationship issues. He has his own private practice, Intimacy Counseling & Consulting, serving clients online throughout the State of Texas or in-person in the Fort Worth, TX areas. He is also the Director of Veteran Mental Health Services at a local non-profit providing therapy to Veterans and their families. Federico is also pursuing his PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy from Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth with research interest in male sexual fluidity and romantic relationships. You can reach him by visiting his website at: www.intimacycc.com

or on social media FB: @Intimacy.cc or TikTok: @intimacycounseling or IG: freddy_junior2000

Viridiana Sigala (she/her) LCSW-S, is a bilingual (English/Spanish) clinician who has experience in medical social work, mental health services with Native American and Hispanic children, adolescents and adults, crisis intervention, and mental health program administration. Her research interests include mental health disparities in minority communities, cultural competence, community-based behavioral health practice, and immigration. She is currently the Mental Health Coordinator at Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and has been there almost 6 years now. Viri is a Ph.D.Candidate at Our Lady of the Lake University pursuing her doctoral degree in Social work. She is also a part time faculty professor at the University of Texas at El Paso. You can reach her at vsigalamh@gmail.com

Therapists Looking for Love

Get your cafecito because this is gonna be juicy!  Cristal asks 3 therapists who are in the dating scene what it’s like out there looking for love. She speaks with Ashley, Zamanda, and Carmen, three therapists who are at different stages of companionship seeking. Dating apps, running into clients, attachment styles, and queer love are discussed. Cristal’s marriage tips/perspectives are included! 

 

Here’s more about today’s guests:

 

Ashley Zayas, LCSW (they/xe) has been a therapist for 9 years and founded their private practice in 2020. Xe works primarily with BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ adults who experience a range of things such as depression, anxiety, and trauma from a decolonial and anti-oppressive lens. They are licensed in New York and New Jersey, for more information, visit www.bipocrestorativetherapylcsw.com

Zamanda Martinez Is a bilingual therapist in Arlington, TX. She sees adolescents and adults struggling with grief & loss, anxiety, depression and trauma. As a proud first generation American coming from strong Mexican roots, She works collaboratively with individuals and families to provide a culturally sensitive approach to tailor the individual needs of the client. Apart from being a therapist, she enjoys running, hiking, yoga, reading and playing the ukulele.

Carmen Rodriguez is an Immigrant from Mexico and lives in the Midwest. She is a social worker who currently works in a community mental health agency. The population she serves are children and teens in a school setting. She enjoys watching B rated horror movies, playtime with her dog and learning new hobbies (currently taking pottery classes).

 

Remember to interact with Cristal on Instagram @throughtheeyesofatherapistpod

 

https://instagram.com/throughtheeyesofatherapistpod

 

Part Two: Gender Affirming Care in Texas

Brenda Risch, PhD, LCSW and Cristal Acosta, LPC-S, NCC, CCTP, continue the conversation about the bigger picture related to gender affirming care in Texas.  With recent opinions from the Texas Governor and Attorney General saying that this type of care should be reported to DFPS, the implications are far reaching.  

 

We hope that this two part series has provided sound evidence that gender affirming care seeking families and caregivers should not be reported to DFPS. Please continue to utilize the resources available to you (such as the Borderland Rainbow Center) for cutting edge training on these topics. Study your laws, ethics, and best practices.

 

To continue the support of our local trans-affirming haven, I will be hosting a giveaway on instagram! So please visit my page https://instagram.com/throughtheeyesofatherapistpod for details!

 

Thank you again to Dr.Risch for her time and energy.

 

And to my audience, I appreciate your willingness to listen to our points of view on these two episodes! Please visit www.borderlandrainbow.org and click the big DONATE button to securely donate through PayPal.

 

Part One: Gender Affirming Care

In this two part series, 2 therapists explore what is happening in Texas with Governor Greg Abbott and Trans Youth.  In a recent upheaval on the Texas Capitol, Texas Governor and Texas Attorney General stated their opinion that offering trans affirming care should be considered child abuse and that the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (AKA, CPS) should investigate those who are allowing the trans youth in their care to access and receive these services.

 

This obviously caused panic and trauma amongst the trans community–their caregivers and providers who protect and serve them.

 

Implications of denying this care stretch far and deep.

 

Let’s discuss!

 

And if you want to make a quick and meaningful difference please visit www.borderlandrainbow.org and click DONATE to securely donate through PayPal.

”Ok Here’s the Encanto Episode”

Marilyn F. Corbin-Burdick, LPC and Cristal Acosta, LPC-S, NCC, CCTP (both Borderland, Latine Therapists) FINALLY saw Encanto and FINALLY discussed it on the podcast.  Themes about intergenerational trauma, shared language with clients, representation in media, and miraculous happy endings (thanks Disney) are SQUEEZED into a 30 minute episode.  

 

Let us know what you want to hear more about by giving me feedback on www.instagram.com/throughtheeyesofatherapistpod

Therapist Joy

Elisa D. LCSW and Cristal Acosta, LPC-S, friends and colleagues, are back together on this episode to have a chat about what makes them happy.  Joy is an important part of self-care and replenishing the “therapist self”.  Listen in as they talk about video games, Paw Patrol, and Seinfeld.  

Tell us what makes you happy on Instagram https://instagram.com/throughtheeyesofatherapistpod

 

*This podcast is not therapy. This podcast is not a substitute for any advice from a medical professional.

 

Visit www.clarityelpaso.com for therapy services in Texas.

 

Therapists in Therapy

What are the hazards of being a counselor? Loneliness, existential dread, and VT of course!

In this episode, Cristal shares a few reasons why a therapist would choose to see their own counselor…aside from occupational hazards!

 

Mentioned in this episode:

HTTPS://www.sondermind.com

 

Latinxtherapy

https://latinxtherapy.com/find-a-therapist/

 

Clinicians of Color: https://www.cliniciansofcolor.org/find-a-therapist/

 

Therapy in Color

https://www.therapyincolor.org

 

www.psychologytoday.com