It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves
- William Shakespeare
In-person (North and South Locations), Telehealth
Adults
Offers in-person sessions Monday to Thursday at our south location
Virginia Cruz, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Professional Profile
Virginia has a background in theatre arts and social work. She graduated in 2011 from the University of Texas where she completed an intensive internship at the counseling and mental health center at UT. Virginia has training in acudetox (auricular acupuncture), mindfulness practice, neurobiology, trauma, and sex therapy. After graduation she worked in 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.
Specialties
Anxiety
Attachment
Depression
Life-Transitions
Mood Disorders
New Parents
Parenting
Self-Esteem
Spirituality
Substance Use
LGBTQ+
Insurance
Aetna, Oscar, Optum, Oxford, Sana, United, Private Pay / Self Pay
Welcome
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. 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 the internal. My approach to therapy is rooted in eastern philosophy and Buddhism, 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-actualization.
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.
How I Work
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.
