Yvette Mendoza, LPC, M.Ed
Hi there and welcome to Mind Trek Counseling! I’m Yvette and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor with eight years of experience. My work is centered on creating a safe, inclusive, and affirming environment for all clients, with a strong emphasis on cultural sensitivity and responsiveness.
My Background
My educational background includes a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Bachelor of Arts in Conflict Management/Mediation and Negotiation, both from Kent State University. My professional experience spans various settings, including community-based services, residential treatment care, and private practice, where I have provided mental health services to children, adolescents, and adults. I have also worked in corrections and reentry services, bringing an open mind, heart, and attitude toward all who seek to heal or create a better life.
I have been extensively trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI).
If you are….
I work with clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, or perinatal challenges, including identity-related issues faced by BIPOC or LGBTQIA+ individuals. If you are seeking a safe, affirming space to explore mental health concerns, address trauma, and develop coping strategies, I’m here. A new focus for me is perinatal therapy because our lives begin with our first relationships, and I strive to create a healed world. e with you! I would love to help you gain emotional stability, self-awareness, resilience, growth, or fulfillment. Together, we'll build a path toward healing, empowerment, and a deeper understanding of self.
As a person who identifies as Mexican American and Native American, I welcome BIPOC clients. Additionally, as a strong ally of the LGBTQIA+ community and a mother of a child who is part of the LGBTQIA+ population, I understand the impact coming out can have on an individual who may not be received with love by their primary family. I work consistently to make the journey toward self-love and acceptance central in all that I do.
My Specialties:
My top three specialties are trauma-informed care, anxiety and depression management, and culturally responsive and LGBTQ+ affirming care.
In trauma-informed care, I utilize evidence-based interventions such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) to help clients process and heal from past traumas. Trauma can profoundly impact mental health, and I provide a compassionate, safe space for clients to explore and address their traumatic experiences. My experience includes both group and individual therapy sessions focused on trauma, helping clients build resilience and regain control over their lives.
For anxiety and depression, I employ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) to help clients manage symptoms and develop effective coping strategies. Anxiety and depression can be debilitating, so I focus on empowering clients to regain control over their lives and achieve emotional stability. My approach integrates CFT, which fosters self-compassion and reduces self-criticism, essential for clients struggling with these conditions.
In culturally responsive and LGBTQ+ affirming care, I create an inclusive environment where clients from diverse backgrounds feel seen, heard, and respected. My interventions are tailored to each individual's unique experiences and needs. I am trained in Motivational Interviewing (MI), which helps clients find the motivation to make positive changes in their lives. Clients from marginalized communities often face unique mental health challenges, and I strive to provide support that acknowledges and addresses these specific issues. My work is centered on creating a safe, inclusive, and affirming environment, ensuring that clients feel supported and validated in their journey towards mental well-being.