Chelsi Torres

Chelsi Torres, LCSW, is a mental health provider at the UT Health Houston Trauma and Resilience Center. In this role, she provides therapy for a specialized patient population that includes survivors of intimate partner violence, first responders, and combat veterans. Reflecting on the challenges her clients face, Chelsi shares, “A majority of the patients we serve have survived some sort of trauma, so our director makes it a point for us to be trained in specific modalities for trauma therapy.”

Chelsi was first introduced to the STRONG STAR Training Initiative through her employer, which connected her to the Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) Learning Community. She explains, “From my understanding, all of the clinicians here at the clinic are set up with this kind of training.” Eager to deepen her expertise in trauma treatment, she later joined the Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) and Written Exposure Therapy (WET) Learning Communities as well.

Since completing training in these three evidence-based treatments, Chelsi has found her ability to address PTSD and trauma-related symptoms significantly enhanced. She notes, “It is one thing to hear that this treatment is an evidence-based practice and patients can get better, but actually seeing that improvement and seeing the reduction of symptoms is very mind blowing.”

One of the most valuable elements of Chelsi’s professional development has been the mentorship and support she has received through consultation. “The consultation part of training is huge,” she explains. “Just having the space to be able to ask questions is important because every client responds to trauma work differently.” This ongoing support has been particularly helpful when navigating complex client situations.

A client case stands out in Chelsi’s experience. One client, who struggled with intrusive thoughts and avoidance due to childhood trauma, worked through her PTSD symptoms in only five sessions of WET. Reflecting on this transformation, Chelsi shares, “It was like night and day. She was more open. She even told me that without me even suggesting it, she had been sharing her story with trusted others. She just felt more confident in being able to share her trauma experience.”

Through participation in STRONG STAR Training Initiative Learning Communities, Chelsi has not only refined her approach to trauma treatment but has also gained confidence and efficiency in supporting clients with PTSD. “These treatments really work. Patients can get better, and they do not have to be stuck in the life circumstances that their PTSD symptoms are causing for them,” she shares. “It makes your work as a clinician feel more meaningful.”

Thanks to the generous support of the Gavin Farrell Foundation, mental health providers like Chelsi and many others are equipped with training in evidence-based treatments that truly make a difference. This learning community ensures clinicians have the tools, resources, and support needed to positively transform their clients’ lives.