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Monica D. Mendoza, LPC-S, LCDC, NCC, LPC - Texas Therapist at Grow Therapy

Monica D. Mendoza, LPC-S, LCDC, NCC

Monica D. Mendoza, LPC-S, LCDC, NCC

(she/her)

LPC
22 years of experience
Authentic
Warm
Solution oriented
Virtual

I often reflect back to the period of time when I decided to enter the field of psychology and counseling.  There were many life challenges along the way that extended a hand in my decision to pursue a career in the world of behavioral health. I have spent the last 22+ years growing as an effective clinician, learning along the way that achieving holistic health and reaping the rewards through genuine fulfillment, takes courage and calls for commitment of the mind, body, and soul. Commitment to therapy as a pathway to optimal emotional health is not inconceivable and is a journey you do not have to walk alone. Being a part of someone else's healing process, or "search for meaning" is an extraordinary experience and certainly a privilege. 

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

Cultivating an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment is a vital part of the therapeutic experience. While it is important to keep the therapy work in mind, I find it as important to create a friendly and comfortable talking environment. An initial emphasis is encouraged on setting one's own comfort pace in sharing. Some people may be at a point where they truly need to get all their thoughts and emotions out without delay, while others may need to ease into it. There is no wrong answer here; the right answer is the one that feels right for you. Most of us desire to feel connected and are more likely to commit to therapy when it does not continuously feel like therapy, yet still arrive at the same successful outcome.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

My professional experiences in outpatient and inpatient settings - providing care, training and managing clinical and operational teams, developing treatment programs - have seasoned me in most behavioral health conditions, to include crisis assessment, intervention, and stabilization.  Despite these experiences, I embrace the importance in malleability of mind and perspective. I remain as much a student today as I was one to two decades ago and have resigned to the conception of life-long learning and personal growth.

About Monica D. Mendoza, LPC-S, LCDC, NCC

Identifies as

Specializes in

Serves ages

Licensed in

Accepts

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

CBT involves efforts to change maladaptive thinking patterns. These strategies might include: Learning to recognize one's distortions in thinking that are creating problems, and then to reevaluate them in light of reality. Gaining a better understanding of the behavior and motivation of others. I have utilized these strategies in practice for over 12 years.

Dialectical Behavior (DBT)

DBT is a form of psychotherapy aimed to individuals who experience emotions very intensely. The four primary skill building techniques utilized in therapy are emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. I have practiced this as a clinician for over 10 years.

Eclectic

Eclectic therapy is a type of psychotherapy that uses a variety of techniques and theoretical approaches to address the unique needs of each individual. The aim is to understand each individual’s complexity, including their thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and relationships. They then identify common elements across different psychotherapy theories to help clients solve their problems. As a therapist, it is important to me not to practice off of the theory that best fits me, but to access the most fitting approach for the individual and that individual’s situation.

Person-centered (Rogerian)

This approach is based on the idea that people are inherently driven toward growth and self-actualization. The therapist creates a nonjudgmental environment to encourage honest self-exploration. This comes with the demonstration of unconditional positive regard and simplifies the therapeutic experience by creating a warmer and optimistic environment. In practice, there are times when an individual just wants to be heard and validated as opposed to trying to understand the constructs of why and how to recondition thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Psychodynamic

Psychodynamic therapy uncovers how the past shapes the present. In therapy, focusing on current day is typically the aim, however there are times when exploring the past is beneficial toward making progress forward in present day.