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Mayra M. Mendez

About Me

As a native Houstonian with strong familial ties to the community, I decided very early on in my pursuit of higher education that I would help people in my hometown. My experience includes teaching and working with children diagnosed with various neurodevelopmental disorders. I have also worked as a behavior therapist with children diagnosed with conduct disorders and other behavioral issues, especially those on the autism spectrum. 

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The clinical training I received included Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Non-Directive Play Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, and Filial Therapy, which aims to both empower parents and improve the relationship between parent and child. I use these therapies, as well as directive techniques and interventions, to produce opportunities for processing, learning, and coping. I seek to create the ideal conditions for children to process their emotions and communicate their needs. I believe that unconditional positive regard and a compassionate, therapeutic, environment support the mental and emotional well-being, critical to the developing mind. 

 

I found that an emphasis on the importance of the client/therapist relationship facilitates a client’s ability to replace self-blame and shame with newfound insight, curiosity, self-compassion, and genuine healing. I empower clients to make intelligent choices about their lives and treatment by creating a safe space for them to learn new habits of observation and self-discovery. I achieve this by employing modalities which involve integrating the latest neuroscience research and newer body-centered interventions. Further, through attachment therapy I work with clients to look both at childhood injuries and at lifelong adaptations to them.

 

I have a humanistic, integrative, client focused, approach to therapy, and enjoy working with adults, children, and adolescents.

Language

English & Spanish

Education

Undergraduate:

University of Houston

Degree: Psychology and English

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Masters Degree:

University of Saint Thomas​

Clinical Mental Health Counseling

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Training

  • Small Steps Nurturing Center​
  • Southwest Key Program

  • EMDR Therapy

Professional Experience

  • Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA)

Trauma counseling for adults & children impacted by abuse​

  • The Houston Area Women's Center
Crisis counseling to domestic & sexual abuse survivors â€‹
  • The Arbor School​
Lead teacher developing applied behavioral therapies
  • The Shape of Behavior
Applied behavioral analysis therapist​

Board Certifications

Licensed Professional Counselor 
Empire Behavioral Health
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