LMFT, 4 years of experience
Hi! I'm Jessica, a licensed individual, couples, and family therapist based in Austin, Texas. 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. I specialize in working with children, teens, and adults who are dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and trauma. I believe trauma is stored in the body and revealed in relationships and being strong is exhausting. It's time to stop walking on eggshells, push yourself out of your comfort zone, and heal!
In our sessions, you can expect a safe, non-judgmental, and welcoming space to share and be your true self. Tell me that embarrassing story you swore you'd never tell anyone. I believe laughter can be just as healing as tears and I'm here to support you every step of the way with a little humor, a lot of heart, and a belief in your incredible potential.
I have been lucky to work with clients from all walks of life. Each client brings a unique story, a new perspective, and an opportunity for growth. My background in both private practice and an agency setting means I understand how real life gets. I know what it's like to juggle work, family, and those curveballs life throws at us. This has helped me create a practice that is down-to-earth, encouraging, and safe. That vision is also reflected in the name of my practice-Luna Encadenada Psychotherapy. It's a tribute to my roots: honoring my paternal grandmother's maiden name, Luna, and my maternal grandfather's surname, Cadena. Merging the two reflects a deep connection to ancestry, resilience, and identity. "Luna" evokes healing, cycles, and intuition while "Encadenada" (linked or chained) symbolizes the strength that comes from connection-whether to family, self, or greater purpose. My practice embodies this blend: a space where you can reconnect with who you are, honor where you come from, and break free from patterns that no longer serve you.
As an individual, couples, and family therapist I provide a supportive space to explore the unique pressures clients face today. I am well-suited to assist clients dealing with significant life transitions, relational dynamics, managing school-related stress and burnout, or navigating the ups and downs of identity and peer relationships. I utilize a combination of treatment approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Collaborative Therapy, and EMDR Therapy, with a focus on systemic and trauma-informed perspectives. If you are not familiar with any of these approaches that is OK! The undercurrent here is that I am just a human soul connecting with another human soul.
3 ratings with written reviews
June 13, 2025
Overall she made us feel welcome and was concerned with what concerned us. She seems goal-oriented and focused on helping us. Thanks so much!
April 2, 2025
I had a great first session with Jessica. She was quite perceptive and quick to understand my situation and some of the challenges that I have been dealing with. I felt seen, heard, and understood. She was willing to help me with finding resources and was quite empathetic to my situation. I really appreciated my time with her.
February 15, 2025
It was very nice to meet you and we look forward to our next session.
Jessica Santos offers therapy covered by UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicaid in Texas.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) approach will be utilized to help the client identify and challenge negative thought patterns contributing to their symptoms.
I integrate narrative therapy to help clients explore the stories they have internalized about themselves, their relationships, and their lives. This approach invites a shift in perspective, separating the person from the problem and uncovering strengths, resilience, and values that may have been overshadowed by hardship. Together, we work to re-author your story in a way that reflects your truth, growth, and hopes for the future.
My approach is collaborative and grounded in systems theory. I examine the patterns within the family, not just individual behaviors, to help strengthen communication, resolve conflicts, and support healthier dynamics across generations.