Liz Hughes, M.Ed., LPCC
Founder & Therapist of Mind Body Therapy
I’m a licensed professional counselor with experience working in non-profit agencies, group practices, and inpatient hospital systems throughout Texas. Mind Body Therapy specializes in proving therapy to 20 and 30 something women on issues such as
- Generational trauma
- Relationship conflict
- Chronic worrying
- Perfectionism
- Depression/grief
While I consider my approach to be eclectic pulling from many evidence based modalities, I have advanced specialized training in Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), a leading therapy to process traumatic or emotionally charged experiences. Cognitive behavioral training, a way to challenging unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, a form of CBT that focuses on managing intense emotions.
I have found that I work best with clients who are…
- Curious about what is keeping them stuck
- Interested in honest and compassionate feedback
- Ready to put in the work to achieve their therapy goals
My Story
How I Got Started
I’m a first generation Texan, born to a Peruvian mom and Welsh dad. I identify as Latina, Peruvian culture was a large part of my upbringing in Texas. From a young age supporting others and being empathic came naturally to me. As I grew older, I quickly became my friends and family’s confidant. Now that I’ve had the privilege to learn more about myself, I identify as a highly sensitive person which I believe supports me in the work I do as a therapist.
After the unexpected loss of of my dad, I decided to hone in on these skills and pursue a career as psychotherapist. I have sat in the client’s chair and worked to be mindful of my own wounds while providing therapy to others. Losing my dad was a painful, life-changing event. Through the support of family, friends, and other healers I was able to shape into the meaningful work I do today.
I understand how mental health can destroy lives when it’s not addressed and how healing it can be when the right tools come together. I want to continue to be part of the “right tools” and be the change agent that I believe everyone deserves to have by their side.
MODALITIES I USE
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – inspecting and challenging thoughts in order to change feelings and behaviors that flow out of them
Dialectical Behavior Therapy – learning skills to manage painful emotions and decrease conflict in relationships. Focus is on four key areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness
Eye Movement desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – facilitates the accessing and processing of traumatic memories using eye movements (or other bilateral stimulation) to bring these to an adaptive resolution. After successful treatment with EMDR therapy, affective distress is relieved, negative beliefs are reformulated, and physiological arousal is reduced
Mindfulness-Based Interventions – focusing your attention on the present experience in a way that is non-judgmental, accepting of the present moment as it is and not focused on the past or future
Trauma-Informed yoga – teaches you to feel safe in your body, how to regulate difficult emotions, and helps direct attention away from constant worry or negative thought loops
Person-Centered Therapy – non-judgmental and empathic style of therapy that meets you where you are
Education & Training
3000 hours of training to become an independently licensed professional counselor (LPC) in Texas & California
Certified in EMDR through the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association
EMDR trauma training through The Institute for Creative Mindfulness
Ketamine assisted therapy (KAP) training through PRATI
Trauma training, Ego State Interventions by Robin Shapiro
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), a form of CBT through Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) training through DBT Center of Houston
Registered yoga teacher at the 200 hour level through Big Power Yoga
Trauma Informed Yoga Training through Thrive Trauma Informed Yoga
Disruptive event management (DEM) training through R3 Continuum
Motivational Interviewing by Cathy Crouch, LCSW at Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers
University of Houston / Master’s of Education in Counseling
Texas State University / Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors License #81077
California Board of Behavioral Sciences License #15560