Cathy Woodyard, Ed.D., LPC
Education
1977 BS in English at West Texas State University
1986 MA in English at West Texas State University
1988 MEd in Counseling at Texas A&M—Commerce
1998 EdD in Counseling at Texas A&M—Commerce
Licenses and Certifications
Licensed Professional Counselor
Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor
Certified Teacher of English
For nine years, I was a high school English teacher. One day, a friend asked me what I would like to do if I could do any job in the world. I replied, “I’d spend all day just talking to kids.” I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was describing my dream job – that of a counselor.
For over twenty years, I have enjoyed my work as a counselor. I currently work with adults as they face the challenges and tragedies of their lives. I work with them individually, as couples, as part of a family, and in groups. I assist couples as they try to find ways to hold onto themselves while at the same time moving closer to one another. I have several ongoing groups – a personal growth group for women, a group titled “Reclaiming the Sacredness of Our Bodies,” a bereavement and loss group, and a personal growth group for men and women. I also lead what I call “The Sunday Group.” This group of women meets one Sunday afternoon a month for four hours of experiential work. I also frequently lead retreats and offer workshops on topics such as grief and loss, codependency, healing from trauma, and finding our stories.
For me, it is an honor to be a counselor. Clients share with me some of their deepest hurts, struggles, and secrets. I see myself walking beside them in their journey – not leading or directing. Instead, I assist them in finding their own answers within themselves. To me, counseling is a spiritual process that invites people to explore their inner souls and to reclaim their spirits. I truly feel blessed to be a witness to this process and to assist clients in finding their way through their journeys. This sometimes involves my helping them find methods to take care of themselves better, to develop new skills, and to learn effective methods of communication.
From my own experiences, I have learned how very, very difficult it can be to make real, long-term changes in our lives. I know that it takes courage and the willingness to risk. My hope is that I can help my clients feel safe enough to explore those areas within themselves that cause pain and encourage them as they take risks to learn new ways of being with themselves – and with others.
“When it rains, I let it.”
113 year old man in response to a question about the secret of his longevity.
