Hello, I'm Ahilyn Mendoza (pronounced like Eileen). I hold a Bachelor of Arts from St. Norbert College and a Master of Social Work with a clinical focus from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. I am an Advanced Practice Social Worker practicing in Wisconsin.

My professional background includes case management supporting children, adolescents, and adults, along with a clinical internship providing individual therapy and facilitating group therapy for adults in a forensic setting. These experiences shaped how I understand people in relation to their environments, relationships, and life circumstances, and deepened my appreciation for the complexity of each person's story. As a bilingual clinician, I am passionate about supporting Spanish-speaking individuals and families, and I hope to help increase access to culturally and linguistically responsive care.

My Approach

I believe meaningful change begins with being deeply heard, understood, and accepted without judgment. When clients have a secure and supportive space, they are better able to explore their experiences, build insight, and move toward healing at their own pace.

My approach is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and strengths-based, with a focus on honoring how each person's background shapes their lived experience. Rather than focusing solely on structured problem-solving, I prioritize creating space for exploration, emotional processing, and insight, while integrating practical skills when helpful. I believe every person has strengths they can build on, and that therapy should help bring those strengths forward in a meaningful and sustainable way.

Who I Work With

I work with teens, college students and emerging adults, and adults, and I especially enjoy working with adolescents and young adults. I have particular experience supporting:

• Individuals navigating anxiety

• Individuals coping with depression

• Trauma survivors

• Those facing relationship challenges

As a bilingual clinician, I am committed to supporting Spanish-speaking individuals and families in a space where they feel safe to explore their experiences without judgment.

Areas of Focus

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Trauma-related concerns

• Relationship challenges

• Life transitions

What to Expect

Clients often describe me as warm, calm, and easy to talk to. I work hard to create an environment that feels safe, steady, and nonjudgmental.

The first few sessions are focused on getting to know you. Your story, your experiences, and what brings you to therapy. We take time to build comfort and trust, and move at a pace that feels right for you. I approach goals as flexible and collaborative rather than fixed or rigid, checking in regularly and adjusting as needed so that therapy continues to feel relevant and supportive of your growth.

You can expect:

• A safe and nonjudgmental environment

• Collaborative conversations and shared decision-making

• Space for exploration, emotional processing, and insight

• Practical skills you can carry beyond our sessions

Specialties & Techniques

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Internal Family Systems (IFS)

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

• Narrative Therapy

• Motivational Interviewing (MI)

Education & Professional Background

• Bachelor of Arts, St. Norbert College

• Master of Social Work (clinical focus), University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

• Advanced Practice Social Worker, licensed in Wisconsin

• Bilingual clinician (English and Spanish)

• Background in case management and forensic group therapy

A Final Word

I became a therapist because I believe in the power of having even one safe space where you don't have to hold everything alone. My hope is that you leave sessions feeling more understood, less alone, and more emotionally grounded than when you arrived, a space where you can breathe a little easier and make sense of your experiences.