Rate Virginia Cruz

"There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”

~ C.S. Lewis

We often look outside ourselves to help fill our need to be happier, fuller, and more purposeful. This is often reinforced by society that teaches us that it is the external that we need in order to be fulfilled. Or, on the other hand, we only look to ourselves to control our situations, our lives, not asking for help. Or living in fear nothing will change or get better for us. One of the main goals I see as a therapist is to help my clients work towards developing a rich and full life by turning the focus to their spirituality and helping to relinquish our false sense of control (over many things. We do have control over some, such as our actions) . My approach to therapy is looking at our relationships to our selves, others and our Higher Power, as I believe life is just not about being happy, but embracing life on life's terms, with all of its joys and sorrows, while working on the path towards self growth and love.

I have a background in theatre arts and social work. I graduated in 2011 from the University of Texas where I completed an intensive internship at the counseling and mental health center at UT. I have had training in acudetox (auricular acupuncture), mindfulness practice, neurobiology, couples counseling, andtrauma. After graduation I have worked in a various settings including private practice, college counselor, as a counselor at a methadone clinic working with opioid addictions and as a program counselor leading intensive outpatient groups for substance abuse and chemical dependency.

I specialize in the exploration of various topics including chemical dependency, addictions and addictive behaviors, mood disorders, self-esteem, self-compassion, perfectionism, and life transitions, especially new mothers and those embarking on college or career changes.

Relationships are an integral part of what it means to be human. Much of my work is based in relational and attachment theory. As you grow and develop a healthy relationship with yourself, by fostering your own well-being, you also gain tools to build healthier and more vibrant relationships. The therapeutic relationship itself can be one of great value and full of healing potential. This is why I work from a relational perspective, committed to helping bridge what is accomplished in a therapy into the world outside the session.

As a therapist, my work is based on two core concepts: mindfulness and self-compassion. While working in the here-and-now, or present moment, we are able to tolerate and hold onto uncomfortable emotions that we may often push aside as unfavorable or unnecessary, such as anger, sadness, and fear. Through the practice of mindfulness, we can develop more awareness in the present moment as we struggle with these difficult emotions. Self-compassion, the other central concept in my work, focuses on how we may respond to these emotions with loving-kindness for ourselves.