ABOUT CHRISTINE
Christine Molina, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Trauma, Anxiety, ADHD, and EMDR Counselor
EMDR Consultant
AEDP Therapist
Becoming a Therapist: My Story
Being in my own therapy led me to grow in ways I didn't think were possible. My experience as a therapy client led me to want to help others achieve the same peace, freedom, and confidence that therapy gave me.
In addition, in my previous career in the corporate world, I mentored coworkers, so I knew that I loved helping others believe in themselves, realize their strengths, and move forward in their lives.
I’ve found helping my therapy clients succeed is incredibly rewarding. I love to see them heal, feel better, believe in themselves, take risks and make the most of their lives so they can be who they were meant to be.
Being a therapist is my calling. It is fascinating work and challenges me to continue learning and improving my skills.
My Strengths as a Therapist
My approach is warm, gentle, and compassionate. I do my best to create a welcoming environment where you can feel safe and be yourself. Research shows that feeling safe and comfortable with your therapist is the NUMBER ONE predictor of positive outcomes in therapy.
I'm flexible – With my diverse and extensive training and experience, I have many ways to help you heal. We will try another strategy or tool if something isn't working. I'm dedicated to doing whatever it takes to help you get relief from your symptoms.
I’m passionate about EMDR therapy, one of the most effective therapy approaches. I’ve pursued advanced training in EMDR and use it in ways that maintain fidelity to the model and are also flexible, adaptable, and creative when needed.
I regularly invest in high-quality training and consultation to improve my knowledge and skills.
I continue to engage in my own therapy. I believe the best therapists do their own therapeutic work. It can be an important part of our training because it increases our self-awareness, our ability to be fully present for clients and our understanding of how to use therapy models effectively.
I'm well-versed in ADHD and the field of neurodiversity, which recognizes that people are diverse and there are a variety of ways that humans learn and process information. Many of my ADHD clients learn to love their ADHD brain and play to their ADHD strengths!
I keep track of your progress in therapy and explain how our work relates to your goals—this helps people feel like they are moving forward in therapy.
I see the best in people and naturally recognize their strengths. This is important because the experience of being genuinely SEEN and VALUED in therapy is healing and empowering—and can help you feel safe sharing your feelings, internalize your gifts, and shift how you relate to yourself and others.
I am a second career therapist. My real-life experience in the business world has given me skills that clients find helpful when exploring career options, identifying professional strengths and navigating difficult work situations.
I have the highest respect for my clients. I will always do my best to honor and support your values, spiritual beliefs, and life experiences, whatever they may be.
Professional Background and Experience
Counseling, Consulting, and Training Experience
I have a wide range of experience in helping people improve their lives. I worked in inpatient, intensive outpatient and outpatient settings from 2010 to 2019. Since 2014, I've provided individual counseling to adults at a local agency and now in my private practice.
I've worked with clients on a number of concerns, including depression, anxiety, panic attacks, ADHD, grief/loss, transitions, work/school challenges, relationship difficulties, trauma, substance use, and career exploration.
In addition to counseling, I've developed and taught trainings for therapists, businesses, and the general public on ADHD, neurodiversity, DBT skills and other mental health topics. I've also provided EMDR consultation to therapists individually and in groups.
Education, Certifications and Specialized Skills
Master of Science in Social Work (Clinical Concentration), The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
EMDR Certified Therapist, EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)
EMDRIA Approved Consultant, EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)
AEDP Level 2 Therapist, AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy) Institute
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Internship with Adult DBT Intensive Outpatient Program at Seton Shoal Creek Hospital, Austin, TX
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Intensive Level 1 CBT, Beck Institute for CBT, Philadelphia, PA
Additional Counseling Training
In addition to the above training, I have completed over 50 additional training courses in EMDR and the counseling field.
My Life Outside of My Therapy Work
I sincerely appreciate other cultures. My father is German, and my mother is American, so I was brought up with 2 cultural traditions. I’ve also lived in Germany, France, and several locations around the United States, which has shown me the challenges and joys of starting over in a new place and rebuilding one's life.
I'm an introvert who loves to putter around the house, read, and spend time with my husband, family, cat, and friends. It's the simple things that give me joy, such as standing on a mountain peak and enjoying the beauty while feeling honored to be in that moment.