Today we’d like to introduce you to Cori Callahan.
Hi Cori, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey into this healing profession began in my youth, shaped significantly by a heart of compassion and a desire to help others. I was initially inspired by my mother, who worked with families and children with disabilities in our small rural school district in Colorado Springs. I often spent my after-school hours at her office, observing her work and the community she served, which planted the initial seed for a career dedicated to supporting others.
However, the path became clearer through my own personal struggles. Throughout my school years and into early adulthood, I endured significant racism from within my own race as well as others, which fostered feelings of inadequacy, isolation, and difference. This internal conflict between my true self and who I felt others expected me to be led me to employ self-harming and eating disorder behaviors as coping mechanisms.
These behaviors eventually led my parents to seek professional help. The intervention of a warm-hearted, attuned, and compassionate Black female psychologist became the pivotal moment of my life. She helped me reframe my self-perception with non-judgment and compassion, fundamentally changing my outlook.
It was in her office that I found my calling. I knew with absolute certainty that I wanted to offer the same support and guidance she provided to me, specifically to little Black girls who felt small and voiceless. This realization marked the true beginning of my professional and personal journey, leading me to where and who I am today: a dedicated professional committed to helping others navigate their own paths to self-acceptance and healing.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has certainly not been smooth, but I am profoundly thankful for the obstacles and challenges I have faced, as they have shaped who I am and how I approach my work.
One significant struggle was living with undiagnosed ADHD until my late 20’s. This period of discovery coincided with a particularly demanding time in my life: I was working as a fourth-grade teacher, pursuing a Master’s in Counseling at Wayland Baptist University in San Antonio, TX, and raising three children under the age of five. Juggling these responsibilities without understanding the unique workings of my own brain was incredibly challenging.
However, a valuable lesson from my father always resonated with me: “If all things were easy and without challenges, everyone would be doing it.” This mindset helped me focus not just on the struggles themselves, but on how to overcome them. My strategy centered on identifying the tools that best worked for my neurodivergent brain, recognizing when to lean on my support system during moments of overwhelm, and internalizing the belief that being uncomfortable does not have to be a stopping point—it can simply be a slowing point. These lessons in resilience and self-awareness are invaluable assets that I carry with me today.
As you know, we’re big fans of Sanantonio Compassionate Counseling & Behavioral Ctr.,PLLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am the owner of San Antonio Compassionate Counseling and Behavioral Center, an independently owned psychotherapy private practice. We specialize in providing a safe space for healing and growth, with core principles rooted in care, attunement, validation, and compassion for every client.
Like many independent practices, we navigate the complexities of both administrative tasks and crucial client care, all while striving to maintain our own well-being in a world that needs mental health support more than ever. While there may be specific nuances that set my practice apart, I strongly believe that all therapists share the same fundamental goal: a united commitment to enhancing client well-being and fostering healing.
My clientele is broad yet specialized, ranging from individuals aged 8 to 80. While my enduring passion lies with children, adolescents, and teens, the growing need for support among young adults navigating college transitions and relationships has expanded our reach to older generations as well.
The common thread across all these populations is the prevalence of trauma. To address this effectively, we continuously evolve our therapeutic approach. We are currently integrating specialized techniques like Internal Family Systems (IFS) approaches and various Somatic Practices to provide the most effective, holistic care possible. Additionally, we are proud to offer Animal-Assisted Therapy for clients who consent to the presence of our gentle therapy assist dog, Bishop, whose supportive presence provides immense comfort and helps alleviate anxiety during sessions.
Brand-wise, I am most proud of our commitment to meeting clients exactly where they are in their healing journey. We want your readers to know that San Antonio Compassionate Counseling and Behavioral Center is a place where you can find support tailored to your unique needs, helping you move towards a healthier, more fulfilled life.
What are your plans for the future?
I see my practice evolving through a continuous, dedicated effort to deepen our therapeutic expertise and expand our holistic offerings. The immediate future involves solidifying our current focus on advanced trauma-informed care. As mentioned, we are actively integrating specialized approaches such as the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model and various Somatic Practices to provide richer, body-and-mind-integrated support for all our clients.
Beyond enhancing our direct client care, a significant part of the practice’s evolution will involve training the next generation of mental health professionals. This includes supervising upcoming therapists on their journey to licensure and potentially engaging in collegiate teaching for psychology students, sharing the practical insights gained from years of clinical experience.
I also envision the physical space of San Antonio Compassionate Counseling and Behavioral Center becoming a broader wellness hub. We are working toward opening our office to a variety of holistic practices and services, including:
-Parent Trainings to empower families with effective communication and behavioral strategies.
-Creative Therapies, such as Art Therapy and potentially Music Therapy, for non-verbal expression.
-Mindfulness and Meditative Practices for grounding and stress reduction.
-Nutritional Guidance to support the mind-body connection.
-Movement-based practices, including traditional and couples yoga.
-Continued Animal-Assisted Therapy with our beloved therapy assist dog, Bishop, who offers gentle support and comfort to consenting clients.
This expansion is designed to offer truly integrated and comprehensive care that addresses the whole person.
Ultimately, the evolution is about much more than growth; it is about ensuring the practice remains deeply involved in the community and a vital resource where everyone can find their voice, feel seen, and access the comprehensive tools they need to heal and thrive in a world that needs much more external care than a decade ago.
Pricing:
- Private Pay Rate: 170.00 – Initial Intake
- Private Pay Rate: 140.00- Per Session
- Most Insurances are accepted. Further details on Insurances covered can be found on our website: www.sacompassionatecounseling.net
Contact Info:
