Relationships, growing up, and everything in between.

My Specialties

Relationships are one of the hardest things we do. Somehow they're also one of the only things we're expected to just figure out on our own.

Most couples don't come to therapy because everything is falling apart. They come because they're tired. The same fight keeps happening, someone always shuts down, and nothing ever really gets resolved. Others are smart enough to get ahead of it before a big transition like getting married, having a baby, or watching the last kid leave home.

Every couple hits hard patches. The question is whether you work through them or just around them.

When your relationship is working, everything else in life feels more manageable.

A couple standing by a body of water during sunset, with trees in the background.

Couples

The first few years after high school are supposed to feel like freedom. Sometimes they do. But a lot of young adults hit this stage and realize the structure that was carrying them is gone, and they're not sure who they are without it or what comes next.

I work with college students and young adults who feel stuck, lost, or like they're falling behind some invisible timeline. We work on direction, independence, family dynamics that are shifting, and the relationships that are starting to matter more.

I also work with parents who are watching their kid struggle and aren't sure whether to intervene or let them gain their sea legs.

Teen therapy

Young Adults

Most parents don't call me because their teen is in crisis.

They call because something has shifted. Their kid is more withdrawn, more anxious, quicker to snap, or just not themselves anymore, and every attempt to help either gets shut down or turns into a fight.

I work with high schoolers on what's actually going on beneath the surface, anxiety, identity, family tension, figuring out who they are.

I also partner closely with parents, because knowing when to step in and when to step back is genuinely hard. And we keep an eye on what's ahead: making sure your teen is ready for college, where the support structure looks very different.

A map of Europe highlighting countries and cities, with a focus on Western and Northern Europe, using bright colors and detailed labels.

Teens

Navigating life between cultures can be both enriching and challenging. I help teens, young adults, and families, whether expats, TCKs, or international families, build confidence, resilience, and practical skills to thrive across borders.

With personal experience living in Argentina, Brazil, and the U.S., I offer a culturally attuned, compassionate approach to therapy that supports both individual growth and family connection.

young adult therapy

Expat, International & TCK

How we work together

  1. Customized Plan

    We start with an in-depth assessment to pinpoint exactly what your family needs, ensuring our work is focused and effective.

  2. Direct & Fast Progress

    My approach is straightforward and action-oriented, so we make meaningful changes quickly—focusing on real, lasting results.

  3. Ongoing Support

    You don’t have to wait until the next session to reach out. I provide support between sessions to keep progress on track and ensure we stay aligned.

  4. Parent Involvement

    When appropriate, I work with parents to adjust their approach, providing guidance on how to best support their child’s growth.

  5. Here When You Need Me

    Therapy isn’t forever, but life has ups and downs. Whether it’s a big transition or a tough moment, I’m here when extra support is needed.

Send me a note

contact@mercedesoromendiaphd.com
(818) 860-2864