“Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.” -Brene Brown

When working with me,  we’ll establish that sense of comradery almost instantly. You will immediately sense my authenticity as we get to work on creating a rich and meaningful life that YOU are excited about. We all wake up everyday with “stuff,” but it doesn’t have to define you. You will leave sessions with tangible things that you can implement into your daily life, and I’m committed to making sure you know how to use these tools. Battling with daily anxiety, mom guilt, school dread, and executive burnout is incredibly overwhelming and exhausting. I will help you address these concerns so you can live life in a more meaningful way. I’m committed to offering my clients a transformative and empowering therapeutic experience that yields numerous benefits, fosters personal growth, healing, and self-discovery.

Hi there! I’m Amanda Mendoza, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and I am also licensed as an Independent Social Worker (LlSW) in Iowa.  I hold a Master of Social Work degree, and I’ve had the privilege of mastering my clinical skills in an agency setting for the last several years. One of the most important things I’ve learned is the importance of being a life-long learner. If I don’t know the answer, I’m dedicated to finding it. WE will figure all of this out.

As most of us know, showing up, being vulnerable and opening the door to the unknown can be hard and our anxiety will tell us that it’s too scary. So…. let me just say thank you for having the courage to be here. You’re already showing up, and that’s the first step.

As a former softball player and dancer for more than 10 years, I get the hustle and pressure that is needed to succeed. Pressure to perform? Been there. The perceived “need” to be perfect or THE best…been there, too. I’ve broken free from the pressure, so I know the proper strategies that can help.

Here’s the deal, I get it. You might be so overwhelmed with all of the stress and responsibilities that are part of life that you’re questioning everything. Maybe you’re so anxious that you stare at the ceiling at night, or you’re too afraid to go to school. Could be that you’re a parent, and hoping every day that you’re not screwing it up. Or, maybe you’re just not happy, and want to hash it out. I can help.

Aside from helping adults suffering from anxiety, perfectionism, depression, panic, toxic relationships, and work stress, did I mention that I really enjoy working with teens and pre-teens? What a great age! They are in the middle of figuring things out, and I understand all of the emotions, moods, and outbursts that come along with that ride. I have a natural ability to relate to teens on their level, and get into the nitty gritty stuff that they won’t tell anyone.

Being able to connect with teens so easily also helps me guide and coach parents on how they can best support their child during their most challenging moments. We all know that there will be more of those moments than we may like! It does not have to be a battle seven days a week. We’ll figure this out.

Throughout my life, I have experienced losses and have watched loved ones fighting horrible diseases like cancer. I know what it’s like to feel alone, and scared of the uncertainties of life. However, I am here to tell you there is hope. There is a light at the end of the dark tunnel, and you are not alone. As your therapist, I will consistently remind you that you are the expert of your life. I will give you room to access your own wisdom and collaborate with you on how to make the hard stuff easier to sit with.

While I am not limited to, I use a range of different techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Strengths-Based Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MSBR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. I creatively cater my approaches based on what my client’s needs and wants are, because once again you are the expert of your life.

You must know that your feelings, thoughts, and words matter.

Your story matters.

You matter.

Let’s unapologetically be ourselves!

I can’t wait to meet you and walk beside you on your beautiful journey.

“Imperfections are not inadequacies; they are reminders that we’re all in this together.” -Brene Brown