Amanda Herrera, LPC Associate, supervised by Mark Cagle, LPC-S
Mental Health Therapist From Dallas, Texas
Welcome!
I’m glad you're here!
So you wanna talk about identity?
You might find comfort in meeting people’s expectations to keep them happy, but you can also find value in yourself. You are more than the labels people place on you. I understand that building self-confidence is easier said than done because the real challenge is allowing yourself to define what success means.
I know it’s hard to see the bigger picture right now, but you’re capable of healing even the wounds no one else can see. I’m here to help you find purpose instead of chasing perfection.
Going to therapy is important for self-care. It doesn't mean you're crazy, weak, or ungrateful—it's a step towards feeling regulated and understanding yourself more.
Here’s a little context:
Hey! My name is Amanda Herrera (she/her). I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Texas supervised by Mark Cagle, LPC-S.
I’m a proud native of Dallas and identify as Mexican-American.
Being the first person in my family to graduate from university was not only a huge achievement for me but also a victory for my family. While 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 concealed my stress and anxiety, pretending I was fine to my family, because I didn’t want to appear ungrateful for the sacrifices we made.
In my last year of graduate school, I started therapy to explore my identity and because I couldn’t figure out what was “wrong” with me. Therapy gave me permission to be flawed and slowly embrace my cultural identity. I feel 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.
Great question! I’m a multicultural therapist.
Multicultural counseling recognizes the importance of respecting and honoring diverse cultural values.
Throughout sessions, I encourage clients to evaluate their unique beliefs, values, and social identities. My approach incorporates curiosity and understanding to explore tricky or uncomfortable topics.
Culture affects every part of our lives. I know that we’re all wonderfully different individuals, so once we begin to understand multiple aspects of your cultural background, we can engage in meaningful discussions as we work together.
You can expect to feel cared for and safe throughout your therapy journey.
“Amanda, what type of counselor are you?”
Need a counselor who can help you understand your cultural identity?
I’d love to chat!
“Amanda, how do I know you’re the right therapist for me?”
I am here for the woman who desires more from her life.
Expecting perfection in life can feel like a losing battle. I’m here to help ease the overwhelming pressure of trying to live up to an unrealistic ideal.
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, fostering personal growth.
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