Amanda Herrera, LPC Associate, supervised by Mark Cagle, LPC-S
Mental Health Therapist in Dallas, Texas
I’m so glad you're here!
Hey there, I’m Amanda Herrera (she/her)! I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, supervised by Mark Cagle, LPC-S. I provide online counseling to women throughout Texas who deal with people-pleasing and seek to confidently embrace their true selves.
Feeling confused, anxious, or out of sync?
You find comfort in meeting people’s expectations to keep them happy, yet you also desire more for yourself.
You are more than the labels others give you. I know. I know. Building self-confidence is easier said than done because the real challenge lies in letting go of unrealistic ideals about yourself.
It’s hard to see the bigger picture right now, but you’re capable of healing even the wounds no one else can see. That’s why I’m here to help you find purpose instead of chasing perfection.
Therapy is an important form of self-care. It doesn't mean you're crazy, weak, or ungrateful—it's a tool to help you better regulate and understand yourself.
My mini origin story:
I’m proud to call Dallas my hometown and to identify as Mexican-American.
Being the first in my family to earn a graduate degree wasn’t just a personal achievement but a shared victory for my family. Although I can cherish many memories from college, I also reflect on the silent struggles I went through. I remember struggling to navigate early adulthood as a young woman of color who felt like she had to hide parts of her heritage to be accepted by her peers.
I felt alone in my experience. I tried to manage my stress and anxiety and pretended that everything was fine, because I didn’t want to appear ungrateful for the sacrifices being made.
In my last year of graduate school, I started therapy to explore my identity. The question I kept asking myself was, “Who am I, and why don’t I know the answer?” Fortunately, my therapy sessions became a space where I had permission to be flawed and to slowly embrace my cultural identity. I consider myself very fortunate to have worked with a therapist who made me feel safe enough to confront difficult questions, helping me feel as though I could sit up a little straighter and breathe again.
To my fellow people-pleasers who are quietly struggling to find their purpose—I completely get it. Becoming your therapist grants me the privilege of helping you discover your own voice and purpose.
What you can expect when working with me:
Take control and define your cultural identity.
Our culture affects every part of our lives.
Sometimes parts of ourselves clash, leaving us feeling disconnected. Throughout our sessions, I’ll challenge and guide you as you examine your unique beliefs, values, and social identities. My approach incorporates curiosity and understanding to explore tricky or uncomfortable topics.
We’re all wonderfully different individuals, so once we begin to understand the many aspects of our cultural backgrounds, we set a path toward self-discovery.
You can expect to feel cared for and safe throughout your time in therapy.
Want to learn more?
“Amanda, how do I know if you’re the right therapist for me?”
I’m here for the woman who desires more from her life.
Chasing perfection in life can feel like a losing battle. I’m here to help ease the pressure of trying to live up to unrealistic ideals.
I have experience working with people from diverse backgrounds. I take pride in empowering women of color as they face unspoken struggles because I understand what it’s like to doubt your spot at the table.
In my therapy sessions, I prioritize curiosity and empathy to help you explore the depths of your cultural and societal influences.
I promote open dialogue where you feel comfortable sharing your stories and perspectives. We’ll work on uncovering meaning and therapeutic coping strategies.
I help clients understand their intersecting (or overlapping) identities by examining race, ethnicity, gender, and cultural backgrounds.
I believe that understanding our identity helps us become more self-accepting and empowered.
Tired of faking it and never making it?
In many collectivist cultures, mental health is often not prioritized or discussed openly. Children are frequently taught to keep their problems to themselves. This makes them think that going to therapy is not necessary or even something to be embarrassed about.
I’m here to change that by providing a space where women of all backgrounds can freely explore their complex emotions and confidently accept themselves.
If this is your first time seeking help, I am proud of you for recognizing your fears and choosing to take steps to care for your mental health.
Let’s create something meaningful together.
a·me·lio·rate (verb)
to make a bad or unpleasant situation better
Definition from the Cambridge University Press