Catherine Powers-James
Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, Division of Cancer Medicine
Present Title & Affiliation
Primary Appointment
Assistant Professor, Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
Dual/Joint/Adjunct Appointment
Assistant Professor, Department of Palliative Care and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Education & Training
Degree-Granting Education
| 2012 | The University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, US, Clinical Health Psychology & Behavioral Medicine, Ph.D |
| 2005 | The University of Texas, Austin, Texas, US, Psychology/Minor Sociology, BA |
Postgraduate Training
| 2012-2013 | Clinical Fellowship, Post-Doctoral Primary Care Psychology Fellow, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, Texas |
Licenses & Certifications
| 2025 | PsyPact |
| 2013 | Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologist |
Experience & Service
Faculty Academic Appointments
Instructor, Department of Palliative Care and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2017 - 2021
Instructor, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 2012 - 2013
Administrative Appointments/Responsibilities
Team Lead for Mind Body Programs, Department of Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, 2024 - Present
Other Professional Positions
Board Member, Hope to Help Foundation, Palm Coast, FL, 2015 - 2021
Staff Psychologist, The University of TX MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2013 - 2017
Intern, Clinical Psychology, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, Texas, 2011 - 2012
Extern, Psychology, John Peter Smith Hospital, Ft. Worth, Texas, 2010 - 2011
Psychology Extern, The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Ft. Worth, Texas, 2010
Research Assistant, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, 2007 - 2012
Psychology Clinic Clinician, The University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, 2006 - 2009
Research Assistant, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, 2006 - 2010
Intramural Institutional Committee Activities
Member, MD Anderson Faculty Senate, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2021 - 2024
Extramural Institutional Committee Activities
Member, 26th Supportive and Palliative Care Clinical and Research Symposium Planning Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2024 - Present
Honors & Awards
| 2024 - Present | Top 20 Posters, Society of Integrative Oncology Annual Meeting |
| 2018 | Exceptional Care in an Ambulatory Setting, Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CGCAHPS) |
Professional Memberships
Selected Presentations & Talks
Local Presentations
- 2025. Integrative Medicine and Pain Management. Invited. Pain Department’s Wellness Series. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2025. Less Pain, More Zen: Exploring Integrative Medicine Utilization for Pain Management in Oncology Patients. Invited. Palliative Care, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine Rounds. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2024. Integrative Medicine program. Invited. MD Anderson Legal Meeting. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2024. To Be In-Person or Not to Be? Comparing CBT-I Delivery Methods. Invited. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2024. Integrative Medicine Modalities for Mind and Body. Invited. Pain Department Wellness Series. Houston, TX, US.
- 2024. Coping Through Connection: A Stress Management Group for Cancer Patients. Invited. Palliative, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine Rounds. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2023. From Clinical Practice to Dissemination: Telehealth Delivery of the IM Healthy Group. Invited. Palliative, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine. Houston, TX, US.
- 2022. Lifestyle Change Programs in Integrative Medicine. Invited. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2021. Return to Normal, Forever Changed. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2021. ABCs of Healthy Living in Challenging Times. Invited. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2021. Managing Anxiety: Reconnecting after COVID-19. Invited. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2021. Return to Normal, Forever Changed. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2021. Stress Management in 2021. Invited. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2021. Lifestyle Change in 2020: A Multidisciplinary Lifestyle Modification Program for Cancer Survivors. Invited. The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Palliative Care, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine Rounds. Houston, TX, US.
- 2020. Stress Management. Invited. Pediatric Wellness at MD Anderson. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2020. Coping with Social Isolation During Covid-19. Invited. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2018. Post-traumatic stress disorder in cancer survivors. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2018. Post-traumatic stress disorder in cancer survivors. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2016. Fear of Recurrence. Invited. Cancer180 Young Adult Survivorship Symposium. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2015. Psychological & Behavioral Counseling. Conference. Integrative Medicine Workshop. Houston, TX, US.
- 2015. Psychosocial Issues and the Role of Mind-Body Practices in Integrative Oncology as Part of Comprehensive Cancer Care. Conference. Yoga for Health: Integrative Mind-Body Practices in Oncology Conference. Houston, TX, US.
- 2015. Coping with the fear of recurrence: Living with uncertainty. Conference. Cancer Survivorship Conference. Houston, TX, US.
- 2015. Sleep Habit/Stress and Impact on Cancer Occurrence. Conference. Updates in Cancer Risk Factors and Prevention Conference. Houston, TX, US.
- 2015. Integrative Medicine Sampler for the Spine Tumor Patient: "The Mind, Body and Spirit Connection.". Conference. 6th Annual Spine Tumor Patient Education Conference. Houston, TX, US.
- 2015. From Cancer to Health: A Stress Management and Coping Intervention. Conference. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Houston, TX, US.
- 2015. Coping with the Fear of Recurrence: Living with Uncertainty. Invited. Sugarland Breast Friends Support Group. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2015. Coping with the Fear of Recurrence: Living with Uncertainty. Invited. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2015. Coping with the Fear of Recurrence: Living with Uncertainty. Conference. Partners in Knowledge News in Cancer. Houston, TX, US.
- 2015. Learning to Live the Anti-Cancer Life. Conference. Friends of Integrative Medicine. Houston, TX, US.
- 2015. Treating Insomnia in Cancer Patients with Mind-Body Techniques. Conference. Integrative Medicine Program Journal Club. Houston, TX, US.
- 2014. Oncology Mind-Body Literature Review. Conference. 11th Annual Conference of the Society for Integrative Oncology. Houston, TX, US.
- 2014. Multi-disciplinary Tumor Board. Conference. 11th Annual Conference of the Society for Integrative Oncology. Houston, TX, US.
- 2014. Learning to Live the Anti-Cancer Life. Conference. Friends of Integrative Medicine. Houston, TX, US.
- 2014. Change and Motivation. Conference. Nurses Integrative Care Retreat. Houston, TX, US.
- 2014. Tai Chi and Qigong at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Conference. 10th Annual Integrative Oncology Training Conference. Houston, TX, US.
- 2014. Psychosocial Issues in Cancer Care. Conference. 10th Annual Integrative Oncology Training Conference. Houston, TX, US.
- 2014. Meditation Case Studies. Conference. 10th Annual Integrative Oncology Training Conference. Houston, TX, US.
Regional Presentations
- 2021. Motivational Interviewing. Conference. UT Health PM&R Grand Rounds, US.
- 2021. Return to Normal, Forever Changed. Conference. Junior League General Meeting, US.
- 2015. Life after cancer. Conference. Hope to Help Learning Institute. St. Augustine, FL, US.
- 2015. Coping with the Fear of Recurrence: Living with Uncertainty. Conference. Sugarland Breast Friends Support Group. Sugarland, TX, US.
- 2012. Results of utilizing a multi-dimensional sexual health measure for returning Veterans’ sexual health concerns. Poster presented. Conference. Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality Eastern & Midcontinent Regions Conference. Bloomington, IN, US.
National Presentations
- 2025. Healthy Psychology and Lifestyle Programs. Invited. Integrative Medicine Program Workshop. Houston, TX, US.
- 2025. Life After Thyroid Cancer: Worry Less, Sleep More, and Feel Better. Invited. 28th International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2025. Preventing and Managing Caregiver Burnout. Invited. Survivorship Week MD Anderson Cancer Center. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2025. Healthy Psychology and Lifestyle Change Programs. Invited. Integrative Medicine Program Virtual Workshop. Houston, TX, US.
- 2024. Healthy Psychology and Lifestyle Change Programs. Invited. Integrative Medicine Program Virtual Workshop. Houston, TX, US.
- 2023. Management of Pain: Role of Integrative Medicine Interdisciplinary Team. Invited. 26th Supportive & Palliative Care Clinical and Research Symposium. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2021. Health Psychology and Lifestyle Group Programs. Invited. Integrative Medicine Workshop. Houston, TX, US.
- 2020. IM Fit: A Multidisciplinary Lifestyle Modification Program for Cancer Survivors,. Invited. The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Palliative Care, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine Rounds. Houston, TX, US.
- 2020. Intensive, Multidisciplinary Lifestyle Modification Program (IM Fit) for Overweight/Obese Cancer Survivors. Conference. Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine & Health, US.
- 2019. The effects of inpatient music therapy on self-reported symptoms at an academic cancer center: a preliminary report. Conference. Supportive Care in Cancer, US.
- 2019. Intensive, Multidisciplinary Lifestyle Modification Program (IM Fit) for Overweight/Obese Cancer Survivors: A Preliminary Report. (Poster),. Conference. American Psychosomatic Society, US.
- 2016. The influence of spirituality and religiosity on the personal use and practice patterns with complementary and alternative medicine (CAM): A national survey of US oncologists. Poster presented. Conference. Palliative Care in Oncology Symposium. San Francisco, CA, US.
- 2015. Integrative Medicine Sampler for the Spine Tumor Patient: "The Mind, Body and Spirit Connection". Invited. 6th Annual Spine Tumor Patient Education Conference. Houston, TX, US.
- 2013. A successful team approach with two Veterans initially refusing vital amputations. Poster presented. Conference. Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals Conference. Las Vegas, NV, US.
- 2013. Appraisals of Disability: Primary and Secondary Scale and Life Satisfaction. Poster presented. Conference. Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals Conference. Las Vegas, NV, US.
- 2013. The Patient Health Questionnaire Depression Screen in Spinal Cord Injury. Poster presented. Conference. Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals Conference. Las Vegas, NV, US.
- 2013. Appraisals of Disability: Primary and Secondary Scale (ADAPSS) - Normative Data. Poster presented. Conference. Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals Conference. Las Vegas, NV, US.
- 2013. Let’s talk about sex: Discussing sexual health with Veterans. Poster presented. Conference. Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals Conference. Las Vegas, NV, US.
- 2013. Caring for suicidal Veterans with SCI/D. Poster presented. Conference. Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals Conference. Las Vegas, NV, US.
- 2013. Ethical issues in pressure wound care of severely non-compliant Veterans. Paper presented. Conference. Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals Conference. Las Vegas, NV, US.
- 2013. Prediction of current level of distress: perceived pain and negative affect. Poster presented. Conference. American Pain Society's 32nd Annual Scientific Meeting. New Orleans, LA, US.
- 2013. Understanding sexual health issues through semi-structured interviews with returning Veterans. Poster presented. Conference. Association of VA Psychologist Leaders Conference. San Antonio, TX, US.
- 2012. A milieu approach to psychosocial spinal cord injury rehabilitation. Poster presented. Conference. Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals Conference. Las Vegas, NV, US.
- 2012. Implementation of tailored group therapies for spinal cord injury inpatients. Poster presented. Conference. Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals Conference. Las Vegas, NV, US.
- 2012. Managing Potential Treatment Relationship Dysfunctions in Spinal Cord Injury Care. Poster presented. Conference. Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals Conference. Las Vegas, NV, US.
- 2012. Challenges to Professional Boundary Maintenance in Spinal Cord Injury Care. Paper presented. Conference. Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals Conference. Las Vegas, NV, US.
- 2012. Inhibition of negative affect and lifestyle behaviors as predictors of cardiovascular functioning. Poster presented. Conference. Society of Behavioral Medicine Convention. New Orleans, LA, US.
- 2012. Suicide risk assessment and prevention procedures in an SCI rehabilitation setting. Paper presented. Conference. Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals Conference. Las Vegas, NV, US.
- 2012. Sexual health issues of OEF/OIF Veterans seeking VHA care. Conference. Association of VA Psychologist Leaders Conference. San Antonio, US.
- 2011. Evolutionary implications of female orgasm from intercourse. Poster presented. Conference. Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality. Houston, TX, US.
- 2010. Understanding predictors of female orgasm from intercourse. Poster presented. Conference. Association for Psychological Science. Boston, MA, US.
- 2009. How do perceived intensity and type of emotion affect heart rate? Poster presented. Conference. Association for Psychological Science. San Francisco, CA, US.
- 2008. Intrinsic and extrinsic spirituality and cardiovascular health in college students. Poster presented. Conference. Association for Psychological Science. Chicago, IL, US.
- 2008. Cardiovascular health: Daily hassles and exercise frequency impact college. Poster session. Conference. Association for Psychological Science. Chicago, IL, US.
- 2006. Physical activity in sexual health: A review of the literature. Poster presented. Conference. Society for Sex Therapy and Research (SSTAR). Philadelphia, PA, US.
International Presentations
- 2024. Healing Through Writing Support Group: Real-World Analysis of a Virtual Expressive Writing. Poster. The International Conference of the Society for Integrative Medicine. Costa Mesa, US.
- 2024. Lifestyle Modification Program (IM Healthy) for Cancer Survivors: Implementation of a Reimbursable Telehealth Group Program during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Poster. The International Conference of the Society for Integrative Medicine. Costa Mesa, US.
- 2024. Life After Thyroid Cancer: Embracing Your New Normal. Invited. International Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference. Houston, US.
- 2019. Intensive, multidiciplinary lifestyle modification program (IM FIT) for overweight/obese cancer survivors: A Preliminary Report. Poster. American Psychosomatic Society. Vancouver, CA.
- 2018. Group yoga effects on cancer patient and caregiver symptom distress: assessment of self-reported symptoms at a comprehensive cancer center. Conference. Mind-body, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research. International Research Congress on Integrative Medicine & Health,, US.
Selected Publications
Peer-Reviewed Articles
- Christie, AJ, Powers-James, C, Cohen, L, Cusimano, A, Wagner, R, Nelson, M, Narayanan, S, Lopez, G. Lifestyle modification program (IM Healthy) for cancer survivors. Supportive Care in Cancer 33(3), 2025. e-Pub 2025. PMID: 39912954.
- Schall, SA, Martin, LA, Kernes, JL, Powers-James, C. Humor styles moderate the association between health difficulties and quality of life in individuals diagnosed with a chronic disease. Humor 38(1):117-137, 2025. e-Pub 2025.
- Brehm, CA, Christie, AJ, Cohen, L, Lilly, SE, Powers-James, C, Lopez, G. Physical Therapy as Part of a Telehealth Multidisciplinary Lifestyle Modification Program (IM FIT). Integrative cancer therapies 23, 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 39497653.
- Lopez, G, Chaoul, MA, Warneke, C, Christie, AJ, Powers-James, C, Liu, W, Narayanan, S, Delgado Guay, MO, Li, Y, Bruera, E, Cohen, L. Self-administered Meditation Application Intervention for Cancer Patients With Psychosocial Distress. Integrative cancer therapies 22, 2023. e-Pub 2023. PMID: 36680352.
- Powers-James, C, Christie, AJ, Narayanan, S, Liu, W, Gomez, T, Cohen, L, Lopez, G. Frequencies and predictors of health psychology referrals after integrative oncology consultation. Supportive Care in Cancer 30(8):6963-6972, 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 35545723.
- Christie AJ, Powers-James C, Narayanan S, Chen M, Eddy C, Gomez T, Crawford K, Cohen L, Lopez G. Multidisciplinary lifestyle modification program (IM-FIT) for cancer survivors: implementation of a reimbursable model in a cancer hospital. Support Care Cancer 29(12):7365-7375, 2021. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 34050398.
Review Articles
- Powers-James, C, Morse, M, Narayanan, S, Ramondetta, LM, Lopez, G, Wagner, R, Cohen, L. Integrative Oncology Approaches to Reduce Recurrence of Disease and Improve Survival. Current oncology reports 26(2):147-163, 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 38180690.
Professional Educational Materials
- Moadel-Robblee A, Christie A, Powers-James C. Stress management. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 2018.
- Powers-James C, Zuniga, D, Christie, A. Health Psychology during and after cancer care.
Abstracts
- Price, E, Martin, LA, Critelli, JQ, Prazak, M, Purdum M, Powers, C. Gender Differences in Mindfulness Skills and Physical Symptoms in Young Adults. Annals of Behavioral Medicine 45(Suppl B-133), 2013. e-Pub 2013.
- Martin, L A, Critelli, J W, Purdum, M, Powers, C, Miranda, V, Prazak, M. Inhibition of Negative Affect and Lifestyle Behaviors as Predictors of Cardiovascular Functioning. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 43(Suppl 1), 2012. e-Pub 2012.
- Lee RT, Powers-James C, Alvarez AL, Milbury K, Adan F, Lopez G.. The influence of spirituality and religiosity on the personal use and practice patterns with complementary and alternative medicine (CAM): A national survey of US oncologists. Journal of Clinical Oncology.
- Lopez G, Christie A, Powers-James C, Bae Mi Sun, Dibaj SS, Gomez TI, Williams JT, Bruera E.. The Effects of Inpatient Music Therapy on Self-Reported Symptoms at an Academic Cancer Center. Society for Integrative Oncology 16th International Conference.
- Christie, A, Powers-James C, Eddy, C, Gomez, T, Crawford, K, Lopez, G, Cohen, L. Christie A, Powers-James C, Eddy C, Gomez T, Crawford K, Lopez G, Cohen L. Intensive, Multidisciplinary Lifestyle Modification Program (IM Fit) for Overweight/Obese Cancer Survivors: A Preliminary Report. , 2019. Cancer Survivorship Symposium.
Book Chapters
- Powers-James C, Cavazos, M, Lopez, G. Journaling and Expressive Writing. In: Integrative Oncology.
Web Publications
- Powers-James C. How to practice self-care this holiday season despite the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2025.
- Powers-James C. How to support cancer patients during mental health struggles. MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2022.
- Powers-James C. Caring for your mental health after a new cancer diagnosis. MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2021.
- Powers-James C. Managing social anxiety: How to regain the ground you've lost during the COVID-19 pandemic. MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2021.
- Powers-James C. Coping with burnout: 3 steps to get started. MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2021.
Patient Reviews
CV information above last modified March 12, 2026