Today we’d like to introduce you to Cynthia Collins-Jackson.
Hi Cynthia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was called to the Ministry at 16 years of age. I accepted the calling at age 23. I have served as minister and Youth Pastor in my 20’s. During counseling in the church I recognized that there is more that I needed to know to help other, rather than just saying to read scripture and pray. I was in a volatile relationship with my husband at the time and life was tough. I eventually left California and moved to Texas where my parents had retired to. After the marriage ended I was ecstatic because now I could go to school because during the marriage he would block every change I had to go to school. I would have been an interior designer if I had went to school when I first wanted. So I enrolled in school and got my BA in Psychology from Argosy University in Dallas and then my MS in Counseling through Capella University. I initially worked inpatient in Conroe which I loved and then a brief stint with The Harris Center before starting my Private Practice. I started my practice out of my home and eventually moved into my own office. I specialize in Trauma and utilize EMDR, I love Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and just listening to my clients and finding ways to help improve their quality of life. It wasn’t an easy path but here I am. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, I work with interns and am a Preceptor for Nurse Practitioners. I see and treat all ages and variety of diagnosis. I am certified in EMDR, with advanced training for OCD and Chronic Pain. I am certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, ADHD, and Borderline Personality Disorder.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Some of my early struggles was taking on the patients life. I can remember staying up all night trying to find help for clients. It took me a moment to realize it was not my burden to carry. This was largely due to helping them get into programs and them walking back in the hospital days later because the decided they didn’t’ want to do that.
Other struggles are the times you feel helpless because maybe someone is experiencing some abuse or neglect and you report it and nothing is done. And you keep seeing that person and they keep telling you the same thing and nothing happens.
Challenges with insurance companies and getting paid for the services you have already done. Challenges with patients not committed to therapy, them not doing assigned homework or not showing up for appointments. Then they come back when they are at rock bottom and start all over again and repeat their behaviors.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
A lot of times people tell people they need to find themselves. I disagree, I believe in “becoming” in other words be a brand new you. How do you see yourself now and what things would you like to change and improve, that’s what my practice is about. Many times we allow society dictate our lives. Many women ignore their wants because they feel they need a husband, house and children. They neglect their wants to do what someone told them the should be doing. I want to empower people to be unique and independent. You can be in a loving relationship but have the ability to take care of business. I love asking clients if you could do anything what would you do? And then asking them what has kept them from doing it. The answers I get are all over the place, but most are “I can’t right now”, “I have a family”, It’s not practical.” I am probably known for being honest, and getting to the point. I am know for my humor and connecting with my clients. I am most proud of my consistent concern for people. I over trauma therapy, individual, family, group and marriage counseling.
What’s next?
I want to start hosting wellness groups for women to get together and discuss, betrayal, divorce, grief, menopause and any issue that is keeping them stuck. I want to be able to provide personalized care including journaling classes, meditations, affirmations and all the things we need to encourage ourselves. I would like to move to more coaching in groups to help more people and to open up some time because I am also the proud Pastor of Brownwood Church in Montgomery, Texas.
Pricing:
- Sliding Scale $65-$185 an hour
- Insurance
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.brandnewyou1.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100054574473964
