Cynthia Mulder, LCSW-S

ORIENTATION Psychotherapy is an unfolding process of discovery: to understand your emotions, your self and your relationships, to make meaning, to link past experiences to present challenges, to identify values and to consider choice. My therapeutic approach is an in-depth exploration of how a person develops a self, from early relationships that are carried forward, both conscious and unconscious, to all relationships. I listen closely for shame, a hidden emotion, correlated to psychological distress. I believe symptoms have meaning and are expressions of internal pain. These dynamics in combination often create ruptures that impact our ability to trust in ourself and others. Psychotherapy can become a foundation, a space to develop a new trusting relationship, that helps repair these ruptures and to create genuine connections in life. CREDENTIALS As a licensed clinical social worker and psychoanalyst, I have more than 25 years in clinical practice. I received a MSW from Smith College School of Social Work as well as a certificate in Advanced Clinical Supervision. In 2020, I graduated from the Center for Psychoanalytic Studies in Houston. I began my career working in community mental health with victims of trauma, then as a family therapist at the Austen Riggs Center, a psychoanalytic hospital in Stockbridge Massachusetts. In 2010, I relocated to Houston to work at the Menninger Clinic Professionals in Crisis Unit. I worked as an individual, couples and family therapist and began facilitating Brené Brown’s curriculum, The Daring Way, on shame, vulnerability and authenticity. In 2013, I was promoted to Director of Education and Training overseeing multidisciplinary training programs, hosting Family Education Day, and coordinating local and national continuing education events. I was a frequent presenter on behalf of Menninger at local and national conferences and on national webinars with a focus on shame, suicide, and resilience. Currently, I am currently in full-time private practice as an individual and couple/family therapist and consultant. I am on Faculty at the Center for Psychoanalytic Studies and on Faculty. I am Advisory Chair to the Houston Psychoanalytic Institute and a frequent facilitator of study groups. GETTING STARTED I begin with an initial phone call to describe my approach and then schedule a consultation to learn what brings you into therapy, to hear about your history of strength and struggle, and how you have tried to solve the issues creating challenge. We will ascertain a goodness of fit and discuss next steps. I approach clinical consultation in similar way: to hear about your practice, your clients, and questions that are prompting your inquiry. I do not accept insurance but will provide a statement for you to seek reimbursement.