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Mirella R. Mendoza, MSW, LCSW I am grateful that our world is more understanding and accepting of addressing and taking care of our behavioral health/mental health needs today. Do not feel shame, guilt or fearful of deciding on taking this important step in your life. It is NOT selfish to take care of you first. It is vital. You are not able to provide, help, or begin to think of someone else's self care effectively while your own mental health is suffering. I fully understand by experience and from many years of working with families and children of trauma, how difficult it can be to function in life and fulfill endeavors due to unhealed trauma and pain. I applaud you for thinking about yourself and taking the first step.
My approach
My approach integrates psychodynamic, logotherapy, solution focused, strength based, mindfulness, person centered, cognitive behavioral therapy (cbt), and motivational interviewing. I am a strong believer that environment, relationships, upbringing and trauma has a great effect on our adult lives. Understanding that, will help break negative cycles and strengthen positive ones. I also believe in pulling from strengths you already have to help you succeed in life and get to where you want to be. I feel there are three important tools that help the therapeutic process along: listening, understanding and healing.
My focus
I am passionate about working with adults who are experiencing and dealing with depression, anxiety, PTSD, panic attacks, work stress, addiction, life transitions/changes, grief, divorce and relationship issues. I have experience working with those who have gone through childhood trauma, physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, substance use/addiction, domestic violence, parenting issues, loss of children, separation from parents, family court/cps issues, and foster care placements.
My communication style
My goal is to help you find and gain self-fulfillment, happiness, positive self-esteem, autonomy for your own life, while teaching you healthy coping skills for working through life's challenges and changes. I believe that providing a non-judgmental, empathetic, yet direct approach builds trust, and assists you in starting your healing process more effectively.
My journey to mental healthcare
Growing up I was always the child/teen and adult who loved to help others and advocate for justice and equal treatment. I found that I was able to do that more being a social worker. After 18 years of social work, I leaned towards wanting to help understand trauma and how it affects us all. I find providing therapy, has the greatest rewards.
My goals for you
When helping you set goals, I typically review what's working and what is not working in your life. I challenge you to think about what you want to be different and how you believe you can get to that point. I provide tools that are necessary to help you attain those goals, such as reassurance, redirection, and guidance.
My first session with you
In our first session, we will gather family history, medical history, review of symptoms, functional impairments in life currently, goals, and what you're wanting to learn and achieve in therapy. We will also develop a plan that you actively participate in.
