Say hello to Autonomy Therapist Celinda Mendoza (She/Her)

Supervised by: Phoebe Rankin, LCSW

St. Edward’s Graduate Student

Therapist in training

In this relentlessly ever-changing world, it can be easy to forget how to live our most authentic lives. Being overwhelmed by the hardships of trauma, pain, and just life in general can force us into coping mechanisms that do not always serve us in the long run. It can be hard to slow down enough to see what brings meaning to our lives, what frees us from the past, and how the world around us affects the way we show up. As your trusted therapist, I want to help you actualize the life you want to live. Together, we can start your therapeutic journey into healing by collaborating on creative ways that propel you forward. In the space we share together, you are the expert on you, and I will bring my expertise to help you find the authenticity and peace you need.

My background in higher education and meeting with students one-on-one as a tutor has allowed me to interact with people of all backgrounds who are at different levels of their learning, careers, and ambitions. Having a master’s degree in English with a focus on rhetoric and composition has emboldened me to look at life creatively and consider perspectives far different from my own. This has taught me that people are more alike than we are different, and when we allow our differences to flourish, we highlight the best parts of humanity. The love we have for ourselves becomes the love we show each other. We are all in this life together, and we are all experiencing life for the first time. It can be overwhelming when those differences are held against us or create barriers to happiness and peace.

As an enthusiastic counselor-in-training, I have a deep passion for helping individuals who struggle with their identity, anxiety, depression, and trauma. In particular, I love supporting the LGBTQIA+ community and other underserved and unrepresented individuals like immigrants, teens, and the neurodivergent. From an Existentialist and Feminist theories lens, I heavily lean on empathy, empowerment, collaboration, and authenticity to guide you through your healing journey. Healing is messy, healing has no set rules, and you are worth the work you put into healing.

Fun facts about Cel:

Five Desert Island Movies: Blade, Desperado, The Grand Budapest Hotel, Spice Girls, Silence of the Lambs

Favorite Candies: Albanese Gummies (Bears & Worms), Raffaellos, and any holiday-shaped Reese’s

Favorite Animals: All kinds of cats! Also, penguins!

512-549-2512 

celinda@autonomytherapyatx.com