Today we’d like to introduce you to Noemi Mendez-Hyams.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I experienced depression as an adolescent although I had little insight at the time to what was occuring. As a young person, I was very introverted and introspective and enjoyed listening more to adult conversations. I experienced some trauma events in childhood but was never offered any intervention or help. Once I headed to college, being a Psychology major seemed like a good fit because of my life experiences up to that point.
Once I obtained a bachelor’s degree in psychology, I worked as an investigator for Child Protective Services for six and half years. I decided to return to school to obtain my master’s in professional counseling after years of not practicing very good self-care and being on the fast track to burnout. I have since worked in various settings that helped shape the therapist I am today.
I have worked on a mobile crisis team, 24-hour hotline assessing suicidal ideations, community agency, facility-based care with substance abuse / general psychiatric and eating disorder clients, a managed care company, and in a private practice setting.
I currently have a private practice in downtown Wylie and walk alongside those experiencing depression, anxiety, or trauma / PTSD.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road to where I am today has been a bumpy ride, but every experience has helped me reach my goals. For example, I went to work immediately after obtaining my bachelor’s instead of further pursuing a career in counseling. I eventually did go back to graduate school, and once I graduated from my master’s program in November 2007, I gave birth to my daughter March 2008, about 2 days before I was supposed to take the national LPC exam. I postponed the exam a few months to enjoy her and then decided to take a year off from working to enjoy her even more. The time it took to become fully licensed as a therapist was prolonged, but the support and encouragement of my spouse and other family members helped me along the way. There are always lessons learned in life, but sometimes taking the scenic route lets you cherish and enjoy the journey – not the destination.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
I have a private practice in downtown Wylie, TX. I often tell my clients your mental health is just as important as your physical and spiritual health, which is why I named my practice Spirit-Mind-Body. I work only with adults, 18+, who are experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD / have had trauma experiences utilizing EMDR. I am a Certified EMDR therapist.
EMDR stands for “Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing” and is a non-drug, non-hypnosis, non-evasive, and evidence-based psychotherapy procedure by helping guide the client in concentrating on a troubling memory or emotion while moving the eyes rapidly back and forth by following the therapist’s fingers. It is a well-researched and highly developed way to work with people who have experienced disturbing events in their lives and for whom the bad feelings, images, and memories don’t just go away.
EMDR cost the same as regular talk therapy sessions and are done within an hour format. I also offer EMDR Intensives, which are conducted in consecutive hours of EMDR over the course of multiple days. Choosing this option allows you to process trauma experiences within a few days instead of over the course of months. I will work with you to decide if EMDR intensives are appropriate for you.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory was watching my father being playful with my mother. Her laugh was loud and infectious, and it always brought a smile to my face.
Pricing:
- Insurance accepted
- $150 private pay
- Payment plans available for EMDR Intensives
Contact Info:
- Website: www.smbcounseling.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smbcounseling/
Image Credits
StaceyOMG
