About Me
Hi, I’m Brianda — a bilingual (English/Spanish) psychotherapist based in Austin, TX. My work is rooted in holding space for teens, young adults, and first- and second-generation individuals, especially those navigating the often complex layers of identity, family dynamics, and cultural expectations. I’m passionate about creating a space where clients feel seen, heard, and safe to explore both the messiness and beauty of their lived experiences.
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My journey into this field started at St. Edward’s University, where I spent nearly a decade growing both personally and professionally through my undergrad and graduate studies, as well as working within the university community. That experience helped shape my belief that healing is a collaborative process—one that thrives on honesty, directness, and a sense of humor. I’ve found that these qualities resonate deeply with the clients I work with, especially teens and young adults who are looking for a therapist they can genuinely connect with.
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Many of the individuals I serve are navigating feelings of being “in-between”—whether it’s between cultures, generations, or personal transitions. I bring a culturally responsive lens to therapy, which means I honor and incorporate the unique histories, values, and identities that each client brings into the room. About half of my caseload is Spanish-speaking, and I take pride in offering therapy that feels authentic and accessible in both languages.
Personal Note
Coming from a Mexican cultural background, therapy was always considered taboo. My journey into the mental health field began after my divorce, when I made the difficult yet empowering decision to seek support beyond my family and friends. While confiding in them was comforting at first, I started to feel like a burden—stuck in my pain while their lives continued moving forward.
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My first therapy session actually went well, but I quickly realized that expecting to “fix” everything in just a few sessions was unrealistic. I remember sitting in one of those early appointments thinking, “I could do this—and maybe even do it better!” Looking back, I admire that spark in me. But I also recognize what was missing from those sessions: cultural connection and relatability. My therapist was kind and compassionate, but we came from very different worlds. As a result, I often felt misunderstood.
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Fast forward to today- after connecting with several different therapists along the way- I’ve become a mental health therapist myself, deeply committed to serving the Latinx community. And yes, I finally found a therapist who truly understands and relates to my story. I’m now a proud mental health advocate, working to break the stigma in our cultura. I’ve brought this passion to life in a few different ways: I co-host the Latinas Talkin' Therapy podcast, and I serve as an ambassador for Austin Latinas Unidas. Through these platforms, I’m able to connect with others who share similar experiences and help ease the fear of seeking support outside of our inner circles.
EDUCATION
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M.A. in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health, LPC Focus
St. Edward’s University
August 2020
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B.A. in Communication
St. Edward’s University
December 2014
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LICENSURE & CERTIFICATIONS
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Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors
Licensed Professional Counselor
September 2023
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Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
November 2020
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National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc.
National Certified Counselor
September 2020
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The Gottman Institute
Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1: Bridging the Couples Chasm
February 2020