Cindy Presenting

Cindy Morrin
Professor, Counseling


Email: 

Cell Phone: 858-717-5617 (texts ok but tell me your name and which class you are in)
Office: G-200, Counseling Center
Office Hours Available by appointment on Zoom


The best way to contact me is through email and I will respond within 24 hours. If I don't respond, please email me again as I may have missed your email.

 

Welcome

Hi, I’m Dr. Cindy Morrin — a clinical psychologist, professor, and passionate advocate for student growth and success. I bring over 25 years of experience in education, counseling, and leadership to my work here at Cuyamaca College, where I strive to create inclusive and empowering learning environments for all students.

 

My Teaching Philosophy

I believe that all students have the potential to be successful and discover their passions when given the right support, tools, and guidance. My goal is to help students overcome both internal and external barriers that may stand in the way of their educational and career goals.

In my classroom, I emphasize critical thinking, self-reflection, and social responsibility. I encourage students to contribute meaningfully to our campus and community, and to challenge systems of inequality by practicing empathy, social justice, and anti-racist values. My purpose is to help students recognize their talents, understand their values, and become lifelong learners committed to personal and collective growth.

Integrating Therapy and Teaching

As a postdoctoral therapist, I specialize in trauma-informed and mindfulness-based approaches to healing. I bring many of these principles into my teaching — helping students not only succeed academically but also build emotional resilience, self-awareness, and confidence.

My background in counseling allows me to understand the psychological challenges students may face in college, and I incorporate strategies for managing stress, motivation, self-image, and identity development. Whether we're discussing career goals or personal values, I aim to create a space where students feel seen, supported, and empowered.

 

Courses I Teach

Counseling 120, College and Career Success - Syllabus

This course teaches practical strategies to support academic achievement, personal growth, and long-term success. Topics include:

  • Self-assessment of interests, values, and personality

  • Time and money management

  • Study skills and learning styles

  • Motivation and memory techniques

  • Stress management and wellness

  • Educational planning and career exploration
    Students will develop tools to thrive in college, plan for the future, and live a balanced, healthy life.

Counseling 140, Self Awareness and Interpersonal Adjustment 

In this course, students explore major psychological theories — including cognitive, behavioral, humanistic, and existential approaches — to better understand themselves and their relationships. Topics include:

  • Identity development and emotional intelligence

  • Healthy communication and conflict resolution

  • Coping strategies and behavior change

  • Building self-esteem and resilience

  • Developing an empowered sense of self
    This course encourages students to reflect on their personal experiences and apply psychological insights to improve their well-being and interpersonal effectiveness.

Work Experience 110 - Syllabus

This course provides structured, supervised workplace learning to help students connect classroom knowledge with real-world career experiences. Students will:

  • Gain hands-on experience in professional settings related to their field of study

  • Learn to navigate workplace culture, expectations, and dynamics

  • Reflect on how their academic skills apply to real job tasks

  • Develop career readiness tools, such as professional communication, self-evaluation, and resume-building

  • Set goals, maintain a reflective journal, and receive feedback on their performance
    This supported internship-like experience empowers students to explore career options, build confidence, and grow personally and professionally.

"Find your Purpose... Find Your Passion... Find your Pathway... Do What You Were Meant to Do and Become Who You Were Meant to Become!" - Cindy Morrin

 
Connect with me at LinkedIN