About Me
Dr. Crystal Benjamin, PhD., CFLE, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy - Associate (Supervised by Julia Wesley, LMFT-S)
I believe therapy should be practical and emotionally meaningful. Insight matters, but change comes from learning how to respond differently in real moments, especially when emotions run high or your body reacts before your mind catches up.
I work with individuals and couples who are highly capable, deeply committed, and quietly overwhelmed.
How I work
Therapy with me is thoughtful, structured, and human. Some sessions are reflective and quiet. Others are active, challenging, or even lighthearted. All sessions are grounded in respect, curiosity, and real connection.
Clients often tell me they appreciate my honesty, even when it stretches them. I won’t rush your process, but I also won’t collude with patterns that keep you stuck.
Availability: I provide online sessions for clients in Texas and Trinidad & Tobago
In this short video, I share who I help, how I work, and why therapy with me might be exactly what you need right now.
(I invite you to unmute the video)
My Specialities
My Story
I wear many hats. I‘m a therapist, educator, and scholar, and I genuinely enjoy people. I am curious, grounded, and value conversations that are meaningful and real.
I am also an autoimmune disease survivor, which has deeply shaped how I understand stress, resilience, and the mind-body connection.
Outside of therapy, I prioritize staying active, especially through fitness and crossfit, spending time with family and friends, and traveling whenever possible. I am originally from Trinidad and Tobago and know firsthand how major life changes can reshape identity and relationships.
Professional Highlights
Featured Speaker, First Citizens Bank Girls First Event, Trinidad and Tobago
Presenter, Nestlé Caribbean Youth Summit (2021)
40 Under 40 Youth Development Influencer, Trinidad and Tobago
2x First Class Honors National Scholar, Trinidad and Tobago
Education
Ph.D. in Family Studies, Loma Linda University
M.S. in Marital and Family Therapy, Loma Linda University
B.S. in Behavioral Sciences with an Emphasis in Psychology, Andrews University
A.S. in General Business, Andrews University
Credentials
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate – Texas License No. 206086 (Supervised by Julia Wesley, LMFT-S)
Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE)
Trainings
Gottman Method Couples Therapy – Level 1 & Level 2
Gottman Method: Treating Affairs and Trauma
Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts (SYMBIS)
Youth Mental Health First Aid USA
