- EMDR therapy
- CBT techniques
- Attachment focus
About Melissa
Melissa Mendez is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensed in Texas and Oklahoma with eight years of experience. She practices from Waco, Texas, and works primarily with adults on stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship concerns, parenting strains, and recovery from trauma and abuse.
Melissa shifted into mental health after studying Nutritional Sciences at Texas A&M University. She has been offering telehealth services since the start of the pandemic and has spent recent years using EMDR to address trauma responses, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.
Her approach is person-centered and collaborative. Sessions are generally direct and reflective, with attention to attachment patterns and how early family roles continue to influence present behavior. She aims to help people notice how family of origin patterns affect relationships, self-worth, and coping in adulthood.
Clinically, Melissa uses a mix of client-centered methods, cognitive behavioral techniques, trauma-focused work, and EMDR when appropriate. She also draws on motivational interviewing and structured parenting resources when clients bring parenting or caregiver stress to sessions.
She helps people develop practical skills for regulating nervous-system responses, managing symptoms, and improving day-to-day functioning. Treatment length varies by need, and she balances structure with flexibility so people can work at a realistic pace.
Melissa describes her role as collaborative and straightforward. She works with adults who are willing to reflect on patterns and practice new ways of coping to reduce distress and build more reliable routines.
How therapeutic approaches are used in online sessions
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and helping people reflect on their own thoughts and feelings. It is useful for exploring how family roles and expectations shape current choices and relationships.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at patterns of thought and behavior and teaches practical skills to change them. It is often used for anxiety, depression, and managing day-to-day stressors.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) targets distressing memories and the responses they trigger. When appropriate, EMDR can be used to reduce the intensity of trauma-related reactions and support regulation of nervous-system responses.
Choosing an approach is collaborative. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and how symptoms show up, then recommend techniques or a mix of methods. Clients and the therapist review progress and adjust the plan when needed.
Confirm the specific session formats available before booking. Many people find online work helpful because it can fit around work and caregiving, reduce travel time, and make scheduling shorter check-ins easier. Some formats are better for skill practice while others suit longer trauma processing, so Melissa will discuss which session structure fits each person’s needs.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
8+ years
Listed in
Texas, Oklahoma
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What issues does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship concerns, parenting strain, trauma and related symptoms, and family of origin issues.
What is her therapeutic style?
Her style is person-centered and direct. She is collaborative and encourages self-reflection while offering structured tools.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has eight years of experience in the mental health field, including recent years focused on telehealth and trauma work.
Which credentials and location apply?
She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensed in Texas and Oklahoma and practices from Texas.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Are international clients accepted?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions paid for?
Cost varies with location. Sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Looking for someone else? Find them by surname.