Paulina Mendez (she/her/ella)

MSW, LCSWA, LCASA
Accepting Clients

I specialize in helping women and femme-identifying adults overwhelmed by societal, family, relationship, and workplace pressures.

Therapist in Arden, NC
Supervised by Monique Krape, MSW, LCSW # C013437

Services
  • Individual
  • Group

About My Clients

You’re experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, burnout (or all of the above). The feeling of being "too much" here but "not enough" there causes an internal spiral of inadequacy, confusion, guilt, and shame, leading to self-doubt and decisions that don't serve you. You're tired of feeling like you have to constantly prove yourself and give twice as much. On top of that, the world is wild! You’ve tried bubble baths, meditation apps, etc., Gah! It's exhausting, and you think, "This can't be it."

My Background and Approach

I'm an English and Spanish-speaking Queer Mexican immigrant who grew up in the South East (including the Deep South) that calls the mountains of NC home. I work with people who want to explore and maybe even deconstruct some of the "rules" society has forced on us. Some rules might fit, and some not so much. I am an LCSWA and LCASA. Professionally, I have a decade of equity and inclusion work experience, a non-profit and local government background, and a deep understanding of organizations and broader systems. My goal is to hold space for you to work through the things holding you back from experiencing the joy you want. Joy is an act of resistance, and having more peace is possible. Also, you don’t need to code-switch or “perform” for me. You can show up however you need to show up. The intention is healing, not perfection. There may be times when you feel vulnerable, but our pace and what you disclose is up to you. Being able to create healing spaces is such a privilege.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

I love clinical work because we deserve a space to heal in a world that doesn’t always prioritize our well-being. I have the privilege of serving on a board that helps make mental health services accessible to those who are uninsured or underinsured. Additionally, I am a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, Pro-Black, Pro-Choice, Pro-Land Back, Pro-Gender Affirming Care, and Pro-Palestine. And if I sat across the table with someone with directly opposed viewpoints, I'm sure we'd find more similarities than differences because I deeply (foolishly? :D) believe in our humanity. I constantly find myself both navigating and reveling in the delicate balance between life's breathtaking beauty and challenges. I mean, it’s kind of a dumpster fire out here sometimes, amiright?! However, there is so. much. sweetness. I also believe that my liberation is bound with yours. I’m trying to get free, how about you?

Techniques I Use

Specialties
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Somatic Therapy: Body-Based Healing for Emotional Trauma
Other Techniques
  • Addiction Counseling
  • Attachment Theory
  • Culturally Sensitive Therapy
  • Feminist Therapy
  • Harm Reduction Therapy
  • Holistic Therapy
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Solution Focused Brief Therapy
  • Person-Centered (Rogerian)
  • Internal Family Systems
  • Trauma Therapy

Issues I Treat

Specialties
Historical/ Intergenerational Trauma Systemic Oppression Therapy Women's Issues
Other Issues
  • Anger Issues
  • Anxiety
  • Attachment
  • Burnout
  • Career Counseling
  • Depression
  • Grief or Loss
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Racial Identity
  • Self-Esteem
Insurance Plans Accepted
  • Aetna
I offer online counseling in the following states:

At A Glance

  • Experience: 4 years of practice
  • Languages: English, Español
  • Rate: $50 - 300/session

Reach out to Paulina