Briana Vielma, M.A., LPC

Welcome, and thank you for being here! My name is Briana Vielma and I am a mental health therapist based in Laredo, Texas. I truly believe taking care of our mental health is the foundation for overall health and wellness. By coming to therapy, you are prioritizing your health and well-being, and that is a courageous step. Evidence-based interventions are the heart of my work as a therapist. I strive to provide a warm and welcoming environment where you can feel understood and accepted. This aligns with my person-centered approach to therapy. I also utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP), Psychodynamic, and Existential Therapy. This is better known as an integrative approach, where I utilize different interventions depending on the presenting concern, and what you find most helpful. ____________________________________________________ What does the therapy process actually look like? During the therapy process, we will explore childhood experiences, your family history, patterns in your thoughts, emotions, relationships, and behaviors. We will work on developing practical tools to help you navigate challenges and move toward the changes that matter to you. ____________________________________________________ My Background I have experience working with children, teens, and adults of all ages. Before opening up my private practice, I worked in community mental health where I was able to work with people in different stages of life and different mental health concerns. This included anxiety and panic disorders, OCD, mood disorders, PTSD and trauma related disorders, relationship issues, parenting stress, adjustment disorders, chronic stress and burnout. I also worked at a residential treatment center here in Laredo, Texas, that was focused on treating substance use disorders, providing individual and group therapy. I found both of these experiences extremely rewarding, and it was a privilege to walk alongside my clients on their journey. _____________________________________________________ Why is therapy helpful? Although life can be painful, and there are things we cannot change, there are many tools and interventions that can help improve quality of life. The therapeutic relationship itself also serves as a building block for healing and growth. Decades of research provide therapists with roadmaps and frameworks to support our clients. You can view therapy as a place to learn more about yourself, practice new skills, and ultimately live a life that is meaningful to you.