Christian Counselors of Texas, Inc. upcoming events

Whole-Person Healing: Ethical Integration of Faith and Evidence-Based Counseling (08 Oct 2026)

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

IN-PERSON ONLY

Workshop Description:
Whole-person healing recognizes that emotional, psychological, relational, and spiritual well-being are often deeply interconnected. This workshop explores how counselors can thoughtfully and ethically integrate Christian faith with evidence-based clinical practice while honoring client autonomy, informed consent, cultural humility, and professional boundaries.
Participants will examine practical approaches to incorporating spirituality into counseling without imposing personal values, while also exploring evidence-based interventions such as CBT, DBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, trauma-informed care, attachment-based approaches, play therapy, and EMDR. Through clinical examples and practical application, attendees will learn strategies for addressing the whole person—mind, body, relationships, emotions, and spirituality—while maintaining sound ethical practice.
The workshop is designed to give clinicians both a strong ethical framework and practical tools they can immediately incorporate into treatment planning and clinical decision-making with children, adolescents, and adults.

We encourage guests to dinner by purchasing a meal or a beverage during the event.

Presenters:

Elizabeth Reyna-Gardner

Elizabeth Reyna-Gardner, MS, LPC-S, LCDC, PsyD Candidate, is the Owner and Clinical Director of Guidinglight Counseling & Wellness PLLC and serves as President of the Laredo Chapter of Christian Counselors of Texas (CCT).

Elizabeth earned her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology from Texas A&M International University and her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Mississippi College. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor with extensive experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families.
Her professional experience includes work with the Webb County Youth Village Detention Center, Webb County Treatment Program, United Independent School District (UISD), and PILLAR, where she also served as a full-time mental health counselor and clinical supervisor. Her diverse experience across juvenile justice, treatment, educational, and community mental health settings has contributed to her understanding of the emotional, behavioral, developmental, and relational needs of children and families.

Emma Castillo

Aracely "Shelly" Hernandez, MA, LPC-S, LCDC

Aracely Hernandez is a dedicated mental health professional with more than 18 years of
experience serving individuals, families, students, and communities. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2005 and Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology in 2008 from Texas A&M International University (TAMIU).
Aracely began her professional career in 2006 as a Drug Counselor at the Laredo Job Corps Center, where she developed a strong foundation in working with adolescents and young adults. In 2009, she joined TAMIU’s Office of Student Counseling and Disability Services, where she served students in a variety of counseling and leadership roles before becoming Director in 2015. During her 11 years of service to the TAMIU community, she was committed to expanding mental health support, promoting student success and emotional wellness, and advocating for accessibility and inclusion.
In 2020, she established Gentle Heart Counseling & Supervision, PLLC, where she provides compassionate, client-centered counseling and professional supervision. As a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) and Licensed Chemical Dependency
Counselor (LCDC), Aracely is passionate about helping others navigate life’s challenges while supporting developing professionals in their growth.
She is also actively involved with the Christian Counselors of Texas – Laredo Chapter,
serving in a leadership capacity.

Graciela "Gracie" Martinex-Vela, MS, LPC, LCDC, NCC, NCAC l, CART, SAP

Graciela Martinez-Vela, MS, LPC, LCDC, NCC, NCAC I, CART, SAP, is a behavioral health professional who has worked in the field since 2002. Her professional experience spans clinical counseling, substance use services, behavioral health evaluations, regulatory and DOT related work, professional consultation, training, and program development.

She is the owner of Just Breathe Counseling, Consulting, & Coaching, PLLC in Laredo, Texas, where her work extends beyond traditional psychotherapy to include specialized evaluations, consultation with professionals and organizations, educational programming, and collaboration with community, legal, and referral partners.

Graciela is also the Co-Founder of Kardia Mind Body Soul (Kardia MBS), an educational initiative developed to expand access to learning and wellness resources through online education. Through Kardia MBS, she has been involved in developing educational content and programs that support personal growth, behavioral health awareness, and a broader mind-body-spirit approach to well-being.

Her clinical philosophy is person-centered and whole-person oriented, integrating evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused interventions, trauma-informed care, mindfulness, relapse prevention, and psychoeducation.

Graciela currently serves as Treasurer of the Christian Counselors of Texas – Laredo Chapter and has a particular interest in helping professionals bridge evidence-based clinical practice with ethical, culturally responsive, and faith-sensitive approaches to care.

Developing a Clinical Understanding of Autism Spectrum (09 Oct 2026)

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Developing a Clinical Understanding of Autism Spectrum

CCTX- San Antonio

October 9, 2026 at 1pm to 2:30pm

In Person and Virtual (Zoom)

During this workshop clinicians will become educated in the academic, vocational, emotional and social challenges people with autism spectrum. Participants will be introduced to the concept of “soft and hard signs” and red flags in recognizing autism. Mimicking conditions will be reviewed that often mislead clinicians into an inaccurate diagnosis. The three various levels of autism will be discussed and appropriate ways to properly address their needs. Various reasons why clients with autism spectrum may come for help will be discussed along with helpful tips to support the individual as well as the family. Some assessment tools to be familiar with in measuring traits or screening for autism will be mentioned. What counselors can do in their practices to assist the autism spectrum community will be explored.

Please arrive EARLY to order ahead as we will start promptly at 1PM. Ordering food is highly encouraged.

Dr. Sandra Salazar has spent over 25 years in various roles as an educator and counseling professional. She has a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision and has contributed to research advocating for neurodiversity awareness. She has received extensive training in clinical evaluations for the diagnosis and treatment of: ADHD, Autism Spectrum, Selective Mutism, and Learning Differences.

She enjoys providing supervision, education, consultation and development of other counseling professionals in the mental health field. Dr. Salazar uses an integrative developmental approach to therapy incorporating expressive arts, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), acceptance & commitment therapy (ACT), Christian counseling, existentialism as well as other evidence-based approaches.

Dr. Salazar is regularly requested as a guest speaker to present on mental health in schools, autism and learning differences, substance use, family wellness and more. She is a member of the following professional organizations: American Counseling Association with a divisional membership in Spiritual, Ethical and Religious Values in Counseling. She is also a member of the Texas Counseling Association (TCA) with a specialization in Counselor Education and Supervision, Christian Counseling Association of Texas (CCTX), as well as the Association of
Mental Health Professionals (AMHP). She also holds a Dialectical Behavior Therapy National Certification and Accreditation Association (DBTNCAA). She became a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP) in 2021.

She practices self-care by spending time with God, her family and friends, daily walks, swimming, and attending sporting events. She loves traveling with her husband, meeting new people, while seeing the world. When faced with adversity, she finds her strength in her faith, scriptures and prayer.

Above all, Dr. Salazar believes in the hope our Lord provides over fear and possibilities over problems!

CCT Austin Fall Social (15 Oct 2026)

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

CCT AUSTIN FALL SOCIAL
Mix, Mingle & Meet Your Match!


Meeting Details	Supervisors • Associates • Graduate Students • Counseling Professionals Looking for a supervisor? Need a practicum or associate site? Looking for associates to supervise? Maybe you’re already working but thinking, “I wonder what else is out there…” Then come mingle with us! The CCT Austin Chapter is planning a special, one-time Fall Social designed to get counseling professionals out from behind their screens and in the same room making connections! Come meet some supervisors, learn what to expect from the supervision process, ask questions, explore practicum and associate opportunities, and get to know counseling professionals and organizations in the Austin area. And if you’re simply looking for a new place to work or your next professional opportunity, come! This event is for you, too. GRADUATE STUDENTS & ASSOCIATES: Come meet supervisors and professionals who may have practicum, associate, supervision, or employment opportunities. Bring your questions and come ready to connect! SUPERVISORS: Looking for your next associate? We want you there! Bring plenty of business cards and any information or materials you’d like to share with prospective supervisees. JUST LOOKING TO NETWORK? Perfect. Sometimes the best opportunities start with simply meeting the right person. Thursday, October 15 6:00–8:00 PM Parkway Counseling Center 303 E. Pflugerville Pkwy., Bldg. B Pflugerville, TX 78660 https://parkway.church/counseling/ Dinner will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis, so come early! Advance registration is required. Come for dinner. Come with questions. Come with business cards. Come looking for your next connection. Mix. Mingle. Meet some supervisors. Find your fit.
Speaker Bio and Credentials	Supervisors Attending So Far LPC-Supervisors • Leslie Bley — https://lesliebleycounseling.com/ • Suzanne Wood — https://www.tbch.org/suzanne • Casey West — https://www.caseywestcounseling.com/ • Kristen Turner — https://www.ktcounselinggroup.com/about • Vanessa Jackson — https://adjuvantbh.com/ • Francisco Peralta — https://parkway.church/counseling/francisco-peralta/ LCSW-Supervisors • Jessie Wells — https://austinwellnesscollaborative.org/directory-listing/jessie-wells/ • Michele Hake — https://www.cctx.org/Sys/PublicProfile/29144353/3968992 …and more to come!

When it Hurts To Pray: Lament, Worship, and Hope in the Midst of Pain (08 Jan 2027)

Fri, 08 Jan 2027 19:00:00 GMT

When it Hurts To Pray: Lament, Worship, and Hope

in the Midst of Pain

With Dr. Patrick Stewart

1-08-27 1:00pm to 2:30pm

Longhorn Cafe or Virtual

12311 Nacogdoches Rd., San Antonio, TX 78217

1.5 CEs

When suffering disrupts a person’s life, prayer can begin to feel like reopening a wound. Grief, trauma, loss, and unanswered questions may unsettle not only emotional well-being but also a person’s understanding of God, faith, and divine presence.

Drawing from the Psalms, Lamentations, the Gospels, Romans, Hebrews, and Revelation, this workshop explores the biblical theology of lament as the language of faith when faith is in pain. It examines how Scripture gives wounded people permission to name grief, express difficult questions, confront the experience of divine silence, and bring their pain honestly before God. Particular attention will be given to lament as an expression of worship, Christ’s participation in human sorrow, the Spirit’s help when words fail, and the hope of God’s present and future restoration.

Participants will gain a theological framework for understanding the spiritual struggles that can accompany grief and trauma, including the tension between what a person believes about God and what suffering has made difficult to experience. The workshop concludes with a five-movement framework for faithful lament and contemplation that makes room for honest pain while remaining grounded in the character, presence, and promises of God.

Ordering ahead highly recommended.
We will start promptly at 1:00pm to receive full credit for CEUs.

Dr. Patrick Stewart is a biblical scholar, author, and ministry educator whose work explores biblical lament, worship, covenant, suffering, and the presence of God. He holds a PhD in Bible Exposition from Liberty University and has served in teaching, preaching, and pastoral-care contexts.

He is the author of When It Hurts to Pray: Lament, Worship, and Hope in the Midst of Pain, which examines how Scripture gives wounded people language for grief, difficult questions, divine silence, and faithful hope. His doctoral dissertation, From Divine Absence to Eternal Presence, explores the biblical treatment of abandonment, lament, restoration, and divine presence, with particular attention to Jeremiah, Lamentations, and the fulfillment of God’s restoring presence in Christ.

Dr. Stewart’s work seeks to make rigorous biblical theology clear, accessible, and spiritually formative for people navigating suffering and the complexities of faith in real life.

The CE is free for CCT members. For non-members there is a $10 fee payable when you register.

The Zoom link will be sent in the registration confirmation email.