Hello and Welcome,
My name is Melissa and I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in the states of Texas and Oklahoma although currently residing in Waco, TX. My experience in the mental health field has been focused primarily on working with families with young children and the specific challenges that face families, parents, and children. Since the beginning of the pandemic, I have been working to build my telehealth therapy practice. I have been providing EMDR therapy to treat trauma and other issues for the past three years and have seen the effectiveness of the treatment that is an evidence-based therapy for treatment of PTSD and additional mental health challenges including depression and anxiety. I work diligently to help my clients manage trauma responses, anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, and relational challenges that are often present when dealing with a mental health struggle.
I was led to the mental health field after completing my undergraduate degree at Texas A&M University in Nutritional Sciences. I have been working exclusively online since the beginning of the pandemic. I have continued to focus on identifying trauma responses and helping our nervous systems regulate after exposure to stress, adversity, and trauma. I have 8 years experience working with depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms and the courageous clients that are seeking help and hoping for a more peaceful way of living.
My style as a therapist is typically warm but direct, collaborative, and mindful of your personal autonomy. I find myself using person-centered, attachment-informed, trauma-informed, and integrative treatment approaches to tailor your treatment plan to best meet your needs. I work best with individuals who are interested in self -reflection and developing a growth mindset. I utilize evidence-based treatments primarily including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), Circle of Security Parenting (COS-P), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). In my experience, each client has unique needs that dictate the length of therapy. I believe in both structure and flexibility in therapy.
After reading all of that, I want you to know I'm a real person just like you who is trying to live a fulfilling, meaningful life. I do not believe that therapy is a quick fix for all that ails but I do believe that with time, effort, and consistency we can work together to tap in to your innate resources to move toward wellness. As a person who has been on both sides of the proverbial couch, I know that therapy can be a powerful and important part of the journey! I wish you all the best as you carefully search for and select a clinician. If you choose, I look forward to being a part of your journey.
Additional areas of focus: LGBT, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Parenting issues, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Attachment issues, Caregiver issues and stress, Family of origin issues, Veteran and Armed Forces Issues, Mood disorders, Postpartum depression, Post-traumatic stress, Pregnancy and childbirth, Sexual assault and abuse, Women's issues, Young adult issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma-Focused Therapy
OK LPC LPC07519
TX LPC 76961
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Melissa Mendez. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
We’ve had 2 sessions, & my expectations for both have been met. I have high hopes for the remainder of my treatment & am putting my trust in Melissa.
Written on Sep 02, 2024 after therapy with Melissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, sleeping disorders, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
I've greatly enjoyed my therapy sessions with Melissa so far. She is a great listener, creates a safe and comfortable environment, and creates a thought-provoking session. In just a few sessions, I felt a greater sense of peace and feeling for the future.
Written on May 16, 2024 after therapy with Melissa for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
I have been to many therapists and counselors over the last 20+ years. By far, Melissa is the best and I trusted her very quickly! She is a wonderful fit to help me finally start healing, to grow stronger, and also learn to love myself… lots to work through, but she is such a good listener that she is likely to draw it out of me without even knowing what I said. I thoroughly trust her and find her f Ed ack and wisdom to be so helpful. I hope she will be with me for a long time!
Written on Jul 30, 2021 after therapy with Melissa for 1 year and 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Amazing! She is the best therapist I have ever had! In one year of working with her I have improved more than the past five years of therapy prior.
Written on Jun 16, 2021 after therapy with Melissa for 1 year and 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, and adhd
Melissa is always respectful and attentive. She really listens and HEARS what I have to say and responds to me in a way that I understand. She is supportive of me and it is obvious that she actually cares and does her homework in looking for appropriate methods of treatment for my particular knot of issues. She never rushes me and is gentle, confident, and patient with her questions and suggestions. She knows how to communicate with me, which isn’t always easy and builds trust, which also isn’t always easy with me. I enjoy my sessions with Melissa and would highly recommend her to anyone. She is a great match for me and I appreciate her help.
~C. R. Smith
Written on Jun 03, 2021 after therapy with Melissa for 1 year
Melissa Mendez is immensely supportive and helpful. She is respectful and there are nothing but good things to say about her.
Written on Apr 01, 2021 after therapy with Melissa for 7 months on issues concerning trauma and abuse, bipolar disorder, and adhd