Paulina Mendez Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate

Paulina Mendez, Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate, P019444 is practicing under the supervision of Monique Krape (North Carolina, LCSW, # C013437) at Alegria Counseling.

Please, note: A clinician listed as being “clinically supervised” is completing clinical hours toward their licensure. They have one or more fully licensed clinical supervisors that often have special training to become supervisors. They consult with their supervisor(s) on all of their cases, which means that, when working with them, you are getting the time and expertise of multiple therapists in your treatment.

Ever wonder what your treatment plan is? Did you even know you have a treatment plan? Determining therapy goals with clients is a collaborative and dynamic process emphasizing transparency and active participation. Here’s how I approach it: Initial Assessment: The process begins with a thorough assessment to understand the client's current situation, challenges, and aspirations. This involves discussing their presenting issues, history, and any relevant background information. I use various assessment tools and techniques to gather a comprehensive view of their mental health, which helps in identifying key areas of focus. Exploration of Needs and Desires: Once I have a foundational understanding, I engage the client in exploring their needs and desires. This involves open and honest conversations where clients reflect on what they hope to achieve through therapy, their values, and their vision for their future. This dialogue is crucial for ensuring that the goals we set align with what is genuinely important to them. Co-Creation of Goals: I develop a plan and present it to the client. Together, we make edits and co-create specific and attainable goals. This collaborative approach ensures that the goals are not only tailored to their unique circumstances but also reflect their personal motivation and readiness for change. Ongoing Review and Adjustment: Therapy is a fluid process, and goals may need to be adjusted as we progress. I prioritize check-ins every three months to review progress, reassess goals, and make necessary adjustments based on the client's evolving needs and experiences. This ensures that our work remains relevant and responsive to their journey. Transparency and Collaboration: Throughout the process, I value transparency. I openly share my observations, insights, and the rationale behind any recommendations or adjustments to the goals. This fosters a trusting relationship and ensures clients feel informed and actively involved in their therapeutic journey.

I’m a bilingual Spanish-English therapist dedicated to decolonizing therapy and providing trauma-informed care that truly respects each client’s unique experiences. My work is centered on creating warm and inviting spaces where healing can thrive. I draw from my background in various therapeutic approaches, including ACT, DBT, MI, SFBT, and Somatic Experiencing, to co-create individualized treatment plans that resonate with clients' needs. Through my private practice, Alegría Counseling, I manage everything from budgeting and marketing to client care, ensuring an equitable and inclusive approach. My work isn’t just about individual therapy; it’s also about looking at the bigger picture and recognizing how systemic issues impact mental health. Before starting my private practice, I gained valuable experience in roles that deepened my commitment to equity, community engagement, and systemic change. As the Family Justice Division Manager at the Buncombe County Family Justice Center, I coordinated efforts across ten partner agencies to tackle domestic violence and sexual assault. This role allowed me to refine my leadership skills, manage substantial budgets, and develop a deep understanding of how community partnerships can drive meaningful change. I was not just managing a division; I was working to ensure that survivors had access to compassionate, coordinated support that acknowledged their unique circumstances. My time as a Training Consultant for the City of Asheville's Equity & Inclusion office gave me a unique perspective on the importance of systemic change. I created and facilitated equity training programs for city staff and leadership, focusing on integrating inclusion into everyday practices. Working directly with departments to execute the Citywide Equity Action Plan, I helped build capacity and accountability within the city’s workforce, ensuring that the principles of equity weren’t just discussed but actively implemented. Earlier in my career, I worked with the WNC Diversity Engagement Coalition, where I developed programs designed to support and retain multicultural professionals in the region. This work involved organizing educational and networking events, managing communications, and fostering relationships across diverse community groups. It was here that I honed my skills in creating safe, engaging learning environments and developed my passion for promoting inclusivity in every space I enter. These experiences, along with my leadership roles in various community boards and commissions, have shaped my approach to therapy. I bring a systems lens to my work, understanding that individual well-being is deeply connected to the larger social context. My strategic thinking, organizational skills, and commitment to equity are the foundation of my practice, helping me support clients in not just healing from personal trauma but also navigating and challenging the systemic barriers they face.