Friday, April 8, 2022
4:10 – 5:00 p.m.
ETB 1020 – **In-person**
Carmen Mota
Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors
Engineering Counselor for Texas A&M University
Talking Points:
- Recognizing Unhealthy Anxiety,
- Challenging Anxious Thinking, and
- Plan for Managing Anxiety
Title: “Your Anxiety Toolbox”
Abstract
The focus of this presentation is to increase our knowledge of anxiety, including anxiety symptoms and underlying thinking patterns. Attendees make an individualized Plan for Managing Anxiety.
Biography
Carmen Mota: I have been a counselor since 2011 and worked in the areas of developmental delays and mental health since 2002. Throughout this time, I have worked with people from diverse backgrounds and in every age group. I continue to learn from and be inspired by every person that I meet in the counseling relationship. Both the counselor and the client/student bring so much to the counseling relationship and form a therapeutic and collaborative relationship. I am trained in CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy), CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy for trauma work), Sand tray, Play therapy, Filial therapy for parents, and have some limited training in Equine therapy. The approach I use with each client/student begins with Rogerian theory, as I believe “unconditional positive regard” is essential in creating a safe space to begin the counseling relationship. As a counselor, my goal is to help clients/students find their hope and self-compassion. I strive to assist clients/students in achieving their goals, both academic and personal.
I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors, No.65959. My education was at M.A., Counseling, Sam Houston State University and have a B.S., Psychology, Minor in Sociology, Texas A&M University
A large portion of my career has been educating people on mental health awareness. I believe I have a responsibility to challenge the stigmas that still exist in society and within families. And in my work, challenging the stigmas against mental health and seeking treatment, begins with individuals. When we accept ourselves, differences, struggles, and all, we can show the world that differences are okay. That diversity is not only okay, but important. Our uniqueness should be celebrated. I am a trained family facilitator with NAMI, (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and highly encourage their support groups and educational workshops as well. We cannot ignore the effects that social injustice and stigma has on us all. I began this work with educating myself and challenging my own biases and misconceptions. I am a life-long learner, of others, the world, and myself.
As a supervisor, I get to help shape future counselors. I believe it’s necessary for the interns I work with to have a well-rounded experience, including individual, couples, and group therapy, and crisis management. It is essential that counseling interns gain insight into themselves, including their own experiences and backgrounds and particular biases that may impact helping others. When beneficial, I encourage interns to begin working with a therapist themselves. Compassion for self and others is a necessary component in supervision.
Department Website: https://caps.tamu.edu/
In-Person @ ETB 1020 @ 4:10 p.m. on Friday, 4/8/22