Jessica Santos
Feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or tired of being "the strong one"? I help high-functioning adults and couples struggling with anxiety, relationship stress, burnout, and major life transitions. Many of my clients are used to holding everything together for others while feeling emotionally exhausted or disconnected inside.
For the past 8 years, I've been dedicated to supporting individuals and their families in crisis across Texas, particularly those in underserved communities who often face significant barriers to mental health care.
If you have been holding everything together for everyone else, it can start to feel like you've lost yourself in the process. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist with experience in both crisis and private practice settings, which allows me to stay grounded and effective even when things feel overwhelming. My work focuses on helping you move out of survival mode and into a more balanced, intentional, and connected way of living.
First session
In our sessions, you can expect a space where you don't have to filter yourself or have everything figured out. We'll explore what's been weighing on you, identify patterns that no longer serve you, and begin building tools that help you feel more grounded, clear, and in control. My style is warm, direct, and collaborative. I also believe therapy doesn't have to feel heavy all the time-there's space for honesty, real conversations, and even a little humor along the way.
Strengths
I bring balance, emotional depth, and practical guidance into my work. I don't just help you understand your patterns-I help you change them. My background in high-acuity and crisis settings allows me to stay calm, focused, and supportive, even in complex situations. At the same time, I create a down-to-earth, encouraging space where you can show up as you are and begin to reconnect with yourself and your relationships in a more meaningful way. My practice, Luna Encadenada Psychotherapy, reflects my ancestral roots and the values that guide my work. "Luna," my paternal grandmother's maiden name, evokes healing, cycles, and intuition. "Encadenada," derived from my maternal grandfather's surname, means linked or chained, symbolizing strength found in connection: to self, family, or something greater.
Ideal clients
I work best with high-functioning adults navigating anxiety, burnout, relationship stress, and life transitions. Many feel overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or disconnected despite outward success. They are often used as "the strong one" and are ready to slow down, gain clarity, set boundaries, and build healthier, more fulfilling relationships. Many are also seeking deeper self-understanding and a more balanced, intentional way of living.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT to help clients recognize and shift unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to anxiety, stress, and emotional overwhelm. Together, we focus on practical tools that create real change, not just insight, so you can feel more in control of your thoughts, emotions, and reactions in everyday life.
Narrative
I integrate narrative therapy to help clients explore the stories they have internalized about themselves and their relationships. Together, we begin to separate you from the problem, shift perspective, and reconnect with your strengths, values, and identity in a more empowering and authentic way.
Family Therapy
I use a family systems approach to understand how relationships, communication patterns, and past experiences shape current challenges. This allows us to identify patterns, improve communication, and create healthier, more supportive dynamics.
Location
Virtual sessions