Say hello to Autonomy Therapist Allica Cardona (She/Her)

Supervised by: Kim Fry, MS, LMFT-S

Marshall University Graduate Student

Therapist in training

If you’re new to therapy, returning after a break, or feeling unsure but willing to try, you’re not alone. Many of the clients I work with arrive feeling nervous, overwhelmed, or uncertain about what therapy is supposed to look like or whether it will really help. My goal is to create a space that feels safe, welcoming, and collaborative from the very beginning, where we can take time to orient, ask questions, and figure out together what you’re hoping to gain from this experience.

I especially enjoy working with adolescents and young adults, and I also work with children (ages six and up), couples, and families. I am particularly drawn to supporting clients navigating anxiety, depression, stress and burnout, identity exploration, existential concerns, self-esteem, perfectionism, body image concerns, eating disorders or disordered eating, interpersonal conflict, and boundary-setting. I am passionate about LGBTQ+ affirming care and value creating a space where clients feel safe exploring who they are and how they want to show up in the world.

In session, my style is warm, relaxed, and relational. Therapy with me often feels collaborative and conversational, with room for humor, honesty, and real connection. I believe that while therapy can involve deep and meaningful work, it does not always have to feel heavy. I intentionally bring moments of lightness into the space when appropriate, helping clients find steadiness and relief even while working through difficult experiences. Clients often notice that I pay close attention to details and prioritize comfort, whether that means adjusting the environment, meeting clients where they physically and emotionally feel most at ease, or tailoring sessions to what feels most supportive in the moment.

My approach to therapy is rooted in Choice Theory, with a focus on empowerment, personal agency, and helping clients understand the patterns and cycles they may feel stuck in. I also draw from Dialectical Behavior Therapy and mindfulness-based practices to offer practical tools for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and self-awareness. I stay curious and collaborative, gently challenging clients when appropriate while honoring their pace and readiness for change. I believe growth can be slow, nonlinear, and deeply meaningful, and that progress is still progress, no matter the speed.

Above all, I strive to create a therapeutic space that clients feel good about showing up to, one that feels warm, intentional, and genuinely caring. My hope is that therapy becomes a place where you feel supported, understood, and empowered to better understand yourself, explore your choices, and move toward a life that feels more aligned, authentic, and fulfilling.

Fun facts about Allica

Favorite Movie: Twilight

Favorite Candy: Mexican Candy

Favorite Animal: African Elephants

512-549-2512 

allica@autonomytherapyatx.com