“Feeling real is more than existing; it is finding a way to exist as oneself... and to have a self into which to retreat for relaxation.”
-Donald Woods Winnicott
Clinician
Catalina Young
PhD, LPC Associate, BC-TMH
Supervised by Beth Carpenter, LMFT-S, LPC-S, CEDS
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Catalina is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, National Certified Counselor, and a Board Certified-TeleMental Health Provider with a career spanning over two decades in diverse cultural and professional settings. Her background includes private clinical practice, academic roles, and work in international humanitarian efforts. She holds a PhD in Psychology from Babes-Bolyai University in Romania and a Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The Center for Applied and Psychological Family Studies at the Family Institute, Northwestern University.
Grounded in the rich psychodynamic tradition and informed by existential and phenomenological thinking, Catalina thoughtfully integrates contemporary psychotherapeutic approaches with experiential techniques. She crafts interventions for a diverse range of psychological concerns with an understanding that true change emerges in the dynamic spaces of self-awareness and connection. Catalina has consistent expertise in the practice of psychodynamic psychotherapy with adults to address concerns such as chronic anxiety and depression, anger management, self-esteem and relational challenges, self-alienation and shame, loss and unresolved grief, developmental/relational trauma, and adult-onset trauma.
In addition to her clinical practice, Catalina facilitates an international consultation group for psychodynamically-informed practitioners and is a member of the American Counseling Association. She delivers therapy in both English and Romanian across digital platforms, extending her expertise to individuals from diverse multicultural backgrounds in Texas.
INTEGRATIVE PSYCHODYNAMIC PSYCHOTHERAPY FOR SELF KNOWLEDGE AND RELATIONAL VITALITY
Catalina’s therapeutic practice is grounded in psychodynamic psychotherapy, offering a reflective space where individuals can explore their emotional and relational lives. By addressing the underlying drivers of psychological distress, her approach allows individuals to move beyond surface-level symptoms and develop a deeper awareness compatible with sustained emotional healing and relational vitality. This process has been shown to be effective for concerns ranging from anxiety and depression to relational difficulties, complex patterns of emotional disconnection, and existential crises.
In her work, Catalina applies an attachment-based perspective, where formative relational experiences are examined to understand their ongoing impact. The exploration of foundational bonds that shape expectations and behaviors in current relationships assists individuals in reconfiguring their interactions with greater emotional security and resilience. The method is particularly effective in addressing issues like relational trauma, paving the way for more authentic and rewarding connections.
Where psychological trauma is a central concern, Catalina brings a trauma-informed lens to ensure that past experiences are explored in a way that acknowledges their enduring impact on the mind and body without overwhelming the healing process. The orientation prioritizes individuals’ safety and support as they navigate their histories within the therapeutic relationship. Through balancing the exploration of past experiences with present emotional stability, therapeutic interventions help individuals consolidate a stronger sense of integration and wholeness.
Catalina’s approach is attuned to the diverse experiences of those she works with, ensuring that each person’s background and social context are acknowledged in the therapeutic space. Consideration for multicultural dimensions in one’s sense of self enriches the exploration of emotional and relational dynamics, anchoring a therapeutic environment where individuals can navigate issues of self-worth and belonging in ways that support both personal and relational well-being.
The transformative potential of the therapeutic relationship remains central to Catalina’s work. By engaging in a collaborative process, individuals are empowered to reimagine their relationships and discover new ways of relating that bring emotional depth to genuine connections within themselves and with others beyond the therapeutic space.
PROFESSIONAL TELEHEALTH EXPERTISE AND CARE
Catalina is a Board Certified-TeleMental Health Provider (BC-TMH) providing high-standard therapeutic care through virtual platforms. With a steadfast commitment to clinical excellence and advanced technology, Catalina ensures that individuals across Texas receive consistently thoughtful, personalized care, irrespective of their physical location.
By breaking down logistical and geographic barriers, teletherapy has broadened access to mental health services, offering a viable alternative to traditional in-person therapy. Catalina adeptly harnesses the potential of telehealth, ensuring that its inherent benefits - such as flexibility, accessibility, and reach – are effectively integrated into her practice. In light of deliberate considerations of factors impacting the virtual practice, she mindfully designs each telehealth session to preserve the integrity of the therapeutic relationship. Catalina’s telehealth work is committed to the same depth of inquiry and relational insight that characterizes her face-to-face practice, affirming that true therapeutic engagement and efficacy are attainable in a virtual setting when pursued with intention and care.
Read more to enhance your understanding of the telemental health framework, the array of benefits designed to enrich mental wellness, and the structured processes and standards that characterize this specialized field of clinical care.
CREDENTIALS:
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
Texas License in Professional Counseling (Associate)
National Certified Counselor
Board Certified Telemental Health Provider
Fluency in English and Romanian