C.O.G COUNSELING
Catalina Ortiz, LMHC, MFT, NCC
Therapist at C.O.G. Counseling, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Marriage and Family Therapist, National Board Certified Counselor.
Catalina graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2009 from Barry University in Miami, Florida. In 2013 she earned her master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy from the same institution. Catalina has worked in Mental Health clinics providing counseling, psychotherapy and psychoeducation for adolescents, adults and elders. For six years, she worked with the City of Miami Beach in their child and youth-oriented programs assisting individuals and families. She has also worked in private practice with culturally diverse clients in Miami and Doha, Qatar.
Most recently Catalina launched Guide from the Stars, providing custom personality insight guides using astropsychology as a tool to better understand the personality and unique characteristics of children and adults. These guides provide practical and personalized parenting advice as well as self awareness, acceptance and empowerment insight aimed to help individuals thrive.
Catalina was born in Miami and raised between the US and Colombia. Growing up in a multi-cultural environment gave her the opportunity to better understand the common obstacles people face in life and how psychotherapy can help them overcome these challenges.
“Everything can be taken from a man but... the last of the human freedoms - to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances.”
Viktor Frankl
A BIT ABOUT THERAPY
Personalized Attention for All Your Needs
Encountering emotional obstacles in life is not only what makes us human, but also what allows us to transform and grow into wiser individuals. As humans, we know emotions by contrast; we can only know what it is to be happy if we have ever experienced sadness. Therefore, if you are going through a difficult situation, remember you are in a moment of growth and you have in your power the opportunity of being enlightened. Let me accompany and guide you in the search for your inner strength and help you discover that the control of your life and emotions lays within you.
You are the expert in your life, hence my role as your therapist is to support and encourage you from a non-judgmental perspective. I will also help you discover useful resources that you can put into practice immediately to overcome what is affecting you.
At C.O.G Counseling, we implement effective counseling and psychotherapy methods to instill self-understanding among clients and encourage them to adopt new attitudes and feelings towards life situations. It is important to keep in mind that therapy is not a magic pill or a quick fix: therapy is a healing process that requires participation and investment from the client and caretaker alike. But in the end, making small changes in self-defeating behavior and in feelings of sadness, fear, and pain can bring life-altering results - and with our services, we will help you achieve just that.
TREATMENT APPROACH
Exceeding Expectations One Patient at a Time
Each and everyone one of us is unique, therefore therapy should also be a completely individual experience. There is no universal solution for every problem, so my priority is to discover what works for you and together find the right answers to achieve your goals. Some of the evidence-based interventions I use are:
- Cognitive Behavioral therapy
- Solution Focused Therapy
- Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy
- Narrative Therapy
- Psychological Astrology
I believe problems affect us in every area; mind, body and spirit. That is why I work from a holistic approach, and with the help of professionals in other areas, help you make the necessary changes in every aspect of your life.
Allow us to be there for you…
Tina Lifford
When you know yourself, you are empowered. When you accept yourself you are invincible.
TESTIMONIALS
My Clients’ Experiences
"Catalina is very kind, thoughtful and sensitive to our situation and is an amazing resource to have on board. I highly recommend working with. She thoroughly listens and is able to give sound actionable goals. I firmly believe she is proof that online counseling is a good form for people that are needing someone knowledgeable and caring to talk to."
After therapy with Catalina for 6 months on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, and coping with life changes.
"A great listener with beautiful empathy and understanding. I'm always made to feel comfortable and leave our sessions feeling like I have learnt something"
"I have only had a few sessions with Catalina, but I already feel so much stronger in my mental health and feel like I have a great support on her behalf. I am very happy with my treatment thus far and truly believe in working with her I can become a better version of myself."
After therapy with Catalina for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd.
"Very professional and supportive. Helped greatly with immediate issues and continued to help with others".
After therapy with Catalina for 6 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue.
"She is amazing! She has helped me tremendously in reframing my thoughts and asks great questions to help me work out my own problems. I'm so grateful for her."
"Really glad I started counselling, it really helped to have someone separate from my life to talk to and having someone who understands and listens really helps. Really recommend Catalina she’s really easy to get along with and really makes you feel like you’re in control of your life. Catalina is a great counselor!"
After therapy with Catalina for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, and relationship issues.
"Really glad I started counselling, it really helped to have someone separate from my life to talk to and having someone who understands and listens really helps. Really recommend Catalina she’s really easy to get along with and really makes you feel like you’re in control of your life".
"Best decision ever made, my counsellor is so kind and helpful and she’s on the other side of the world. It’s incredible how it allows counsellors to provide help to anyone anywhere."
After therapy with Catalina for 4 months.
"Catalina has helped me so much! I now feel very confident in my emotional intelligence, and ability to weather any storm".
"Catalina is very kind, thoughtful and sensitive to our situation and is an amazing resource to have on board. I highly recommend working with Catalina as she thoroughly listens and is able to give sound actionable goals.
I firmly believe she is proof that online counseling is a good form for people that are needing someone knowledgeable and caring to talk to".
"Catalina has been the best therapist I've ever had and has helped me so much with my treatment. She is such a great listener and always leaves me feeling so good about myself after the session. I would 100% recommend her to anyone going through difficult family struggles. Additionally because I come from a strict Islamic background, I was scared that it would be difficult to find a therapist who understands my home situation but actually Catalina completely gets it, and it makes it so much easier for me to communicate then because I don't have to go through the effort of describing every detail. Just this alone was one big hesitation I had towards doing therapy but now I am a huge pioneer of advocating therapy for everyone and this is because of the great help I have received from my therapist Catalina. 10/10 best therapist!"
After therapy with Catalina for 2 weeks on issues concerning self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd.
"She is the perfect therapist for me. Non-judgemental and asked me great questions to help me understand my life in a different way. After speaking to five different therapists in my life and having little success with each of them, I feel that Catalina brings a degree of expertise and kind understanding that allowed me to say things I had never said to anyone aloud. Thank you Catalina!"
SERVICES OFFERED
Making You Feel Better
Our services are personalized to suit everyone’s needs, and we go the extra mile to provide you with all the tools you need to feel better.
INDIVIDUAL THERAPY
A Happier, Healthier You
We work with adolescents and adults in the following areas:
- Sadness/Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress Management
- Parenting Support
- Behavioral Issues
- Life's Changes
- Teenage Adjustment
- Self-esteem Issues
- LGBT Issues
COUPLES & FAMILY THERAPY
Positive Relationships
We work with couples and families in the following areas:
- Family Conflict
- Couple's Relationship Issues
- Life's Changes
- Parenting Support
Note: Therapy can be useful in a broad number of areas and not all of them can be included above. If you are experiencing a life situation which is not listed, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
* También ofrecemos terapia en Español.
The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own. You do not blame them on your mother, the ecology, or the president. You realize that you control your own destiny.
Albert Ellis
Buddha
Happiness does not depend on what you have or who you are. It solely relies on what you think.
Your worst enemy cannot harm you as much as your own unguarded thoughts.
All the Answers You Seek, In One Place
FAQS
HOW CAN THERAPY HELP ME?
Some of the most common reasons why individuals seek therapy are; to change problem-solving perspectives, to boost their self-esteem and confidence, to modify or create new behavior patterns, to manage problem areas in their personal life, to learn skills and improve their relationships, to identify their goals in life and to find a deeper understanding of who they are (among other reasons).
Therapists do not have the power to magically ‘fix’ everything on their own. That is why the results come when you put in practice the skills you learn in your everyday life. You do not need to have a ‘disorder’ to receive benefits from therapy. Therapists offer a different way of looking at things in an objective manner, which makes it easier to guide you in the right direction and find the solutions you are looking for.
Therapists are there to teach skills, help you discover coping strategies that work for you and provide support. There are different benefits from therapy which normally vary for everyone. Therapy can help you from simple things such as personal growth in different areas of your life, to dealing with issues that are negatively impacting your everyday life.
IS THERAPY NECESSARY?
Every human being experiences challenges at some point in life. Some individuals can manage those challenges better than others, but even if you can manage them on your own and keep them under control, it is helpful and easier to have additional support and understanding to make the best out of these challenging times. Ironically it is sometimes difficult to be objective and make the best decisions when you are talking about your own life and that is when a neutral perspective accompanied by the knowledge of skills can make a big difference. Accepting that you want to change something and you can use some help is a big realization and takes a lot of courage, something you should be proud of. You are preparing yourself for an experience that will leave long-lasting benefits that will come useful even when challenges come up again.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM THERAPY?
Because each and everyone one of us is unique, therapy is also a completely individual experience. It is essential for you to be mentally prepared to make those desired changes and apply what you learn in the sessions to your life. The more you participate in the process and make use of the learned skills in your everyday life, the better results you will experience.
WHAT WE DISCUSS IN THERAPY REMAINS CONFIDENTIAL?
Perhaps one of the most important parts of therapy is that it is confidential. Therapists understand the vulnerability that comes with sharing your personal thoughts and experiences and value the development of trust over time. What is discussed in therapy remains between the client and therapist and is not to be shared with anyone else. It is up to you if you want your therapist to share any of your information with another health care provider and for this your written consent will be necessary.
Note: Because of legal and ethical procedures, confidentiality DOES NOT APPLY if abuse of any kind to a minor or elder is suspected, or if your therapist believes that you are likely to harm yourself and or another person.
HOW ABOUT INSURANCE AND FEES?
We require payment at the time of service. If required, an insurance statement of service can be provided for reimbursement purposes. Please be aware that not all insurance policies reimburse for our services, therefore you should first check with your insurance company about mental health (counseling and/or psychotherapy) coverage.
Can’t find the answer to your question? Contact me today to see how I can help.
CONTACT ME
At C.O.G Counseling, your mental health and well-being is very important. I enjoy helping my clients develop the tools they need to cope with all of life’s challenges, and I enjoy seeing them heal and thrive. Contact me today to see how I can assist you and let’s discuss the wide range of options at your disposal.
Catalina Ortiz, LMHC, MFT, NCC
P: 7862340160 - Miami Florida