Through the Eyes of a Therapist Podcast
”Through the Eyes of a Therapist Podcast”, Host-Cristal M. Acosta, TX LPC-Supervisor, Board Certified Counselor, lets you in on what it’s like to be a mental health professional. Enjoy fun, educational, and candid discussions about therapy, mental health, and psychology. Humanizing therapists, destigmatizing mental health, and demystifying therapy.
Episodes

Monday Sep 17, 2018
Monday Sep 17, 2018
Hello! Thanks for listening to the podcast that puts a mental-health spin on any topic! We've passed 1400 downloads on Podbean and even more on iTunes! Visit www.clarityelpaso.com or www.instagram.com/throughtheeyesofatherapist
This episode is about parenting young children. The greatest joy and the greatest responsibility in this life. If you interact with children or have your own, THIS IS AN IMPORTANT EPISODE. I list out four different parenting styles (survey style) so you can identify your own. Also I talk about TANTRUMS (cue Jaws music). I cover the behavioral science behind ignoring, attention, and why kids tantrums get worse.
Mentioned in this episode:
Parent Child Interaction Therapy: www.pcit.org
Next episode will be a continuation of this topic and I will cover how to create a point system or "token economy" for your child!
Stay tuned and thanks for listening to Through the Eyes of a Therapist!
*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 from this podcast.*

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.clarityelpaso.com
Please follow me and get in touch through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Podbean! You can also send me a DM www.instagram.com/throughtheeyesofatherapist
*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.*

Sunday Jul 22, 2018
Sunday Jul 22, 2018
Maybe you've heard of the popular obstacle race courses, Tough Mudder, Spartan Race, Warrior Dash, etc. In this conversation with Paulina, my muddy buddy, we talk about our physical and mental experiences during these races.
The both of us have strong backgrounds in Psychology and Sociology, so we talk about mental toughness, confidence, competition, discipline, and grit. We have done Tough Mudders, Spartan Races, Warrior Dashes, and other types of marathons/obstacle races.
We mention how we each trained for the races and how mentally prepared we must be to endure, prepare, and tough out some harsh conditions. We give honest reviews about our experiences with each type of race we have done, so you can decide if you want to Spartan Up or be a Tough Mudder.
www.instagram.com/throughtheeyesofatherapist
For more info on the obstacle course races mentioned in this episode visit:
https://toughmudder.com/
https://www.spartan.com/en
https://warriordash.com/
http://runthejailbreak.com/
*This podcast is for informational or entertainment purposes only. You should always seek the consultation and advice of your own doctors and/or other health/mental health professionals.

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
- Family Advocacy Program
- Military Family Life Counselors
- Veterans Crisis Line – 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)
- Many mores services available, depending on your service branch!
Programs highlighted in the podcast:
- BHOP Factsheet
- VA Coaching into Care Program
- SOCOM Preservation of the Force and Family (POTFF) program
Other services
- Military OneSource
- Give an Hour
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.
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
- Volunteer with Give an Hour
- Air Force careers for clinical/counseling psychologists and LCSWs
- Military and other government careers via USAJobs.gov
- Military Command Exception and HIPAA
If you have a question about any of the resources listed here or how to find other services in your area, please contact www.instagram.com/throughtheeyesofatherapist
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.*

Sunday Jun 24, 2018
Sunday Jun 24, 2018
In this short episode, or "mini-sode" as I like to call it, I give a few tips on how to gently confront a person about going to see a therapist. It's easier said than done...but what is worse...feeling a bit embarrased about bringing it up? OR...Never saying anything about it but regret it later?
www.instagram.com/throughtheeyesofatherapist
In the episode I talk about my resources page, which can be found at: www.throughtheeyesofatherapist.podbean.com (THREE LITTLE BARS AT THE TOP/DROPDOWN MENU)
OR listen to my episode about HOW TO FIND A THERAPIST
I also talk about these amazing tshirts! Visit https://bit.ly/2lAAov3 Wear one to show your love and support for mental health awareness and my podcast!
*All information in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not substitute consultation or advice from your own therapist, doctor, or mental health provider.*

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 "home" to 741-741
As always, if you have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contact me!
https://www.instagram.com/throughtheeyesofatherapist
*Anything on this podcast is for informational/entertainment purposes only. You should always seek the advice of your own doctor or mental health professional.*

Friday Jun 01, 2018
Friday Jun 01, 2018
Jorge Medina, Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, treats patients with severe mental illness and is qualified to treat children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly.
In this conversation we explore special issues related to mental health practice in the borderland. In this episode, you will also hear about common misconceptions about ADHD-medication and psychopharmacology. You can also hear HOW to become a Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practicioner.
If you have been interested in seeing a psychiatrist or a person who can prescribe medication to yourself or a family member, this is the episode is for you!
To contact Jorge Medina, FPMHNP, you may write to him at jmedina@borderlandhealth.org and as always, you can reach me at:
Through the Eyes of a Therapist Facebook Page
Instagram for TTEOAT
To pledge anywhere from 1$ to $10 per month to keep this podcast alive and kicking, please visit https://patron.podbean.com/Wondercounselor
*Information on this podcast is for informational/entertainment purposes only. You should always seek the help/advice of your personal mental health care professional or doctor.*

Saturday May 19, 2018
Saturday May 19, 2018
Hi, listeners! I just want to thank you all for all the support, messages, and positivity! My little fan-base is growing and I truly appreciate every like, share, and download!
In this episode, the last of a four part series for #Mentalhealthawareness month, I talk about how to find a therapist that is right for you.
I list out factors to consider about your therapist like: cost, affordability, geographical location, types of licensed therapists, and specialties. I, of course, mention how you should find a provider who matches your style and someone who makes you feel emotionally safe.
Mentioned in the episode:
http://nbcc.org/Search/CounselorFind
www.tfcbt.org
https://emdria.site-ym.com/general/custom.asp?page=FaTmain
http://dshs.texas.gov/counselor/lpc_search.shtm
As always, if you have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contact me!
https://www.instagram.com/throughtheeyesofatherapist
*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
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.
www.instagram.com/throughtheeyesofatherapist
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.

Sunday May 06, 2018
Sunday May 06, 2018
Letting listeners know that I am continuing the 4 part series on mental health awareness month throughout all of May. Remember to show everyone respect and kindness because you never know what kind of internal battle they are fighting.
*podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only*









