Amanda Mercado

*Please reach out directly to schedule: [email protected]

I believe that healing begins when people feel truly seen, heard, and understood. My goal is to create a space where you don't have to have all the answers or pretend everything is okay you can simply show up as you are.

My path to becoming a therapist began at a young age. I earned my bachelor's degree in Education before completing my Master of Social Work at Baylor University and becoming a Social Worker. My background in both education and clinical social work allows me to understand how life's experiences, relationships, and environments shape who we are while helping clients develop practical, meaningful strategies for change.

I founded LyricsHeart Services because I wanted to build a practice centered on compassion, connection, and hope. The name "LyricsHeart" was inspired by my dog, Lyric, whose unconditional love and comfort reminded me of the profound impact that being present for someone can have. After experiencing the grief of losing Lyric, I gained an even deeper appreciation for the ways loss, love, and resilience shape our lives. Those experiences continue to influence how I show up for my clients, with empathy, authenticity, and the belief that healing is possible even after life's most difficult moments.

Today, I primarily work with adults, young adults, and kids navigating anxiety, grief, life transitions, stress, self-esteem, relationship challenges, and the emotional weight that can come from trying to hold everything together. My style is warm, collaborative, and down-to-earth. I don't believe therapy is about "fixing" you, it's about helping you better understand yourself, recognize your strengths, and build the tools you need to move forward with confidence.

Whether you're facing a major life transition, processing a loss, or simply looking for a place where you can breathe and be yourself, I'd be honored to walk alongside you.

My approach to therapy is compassionate, collaborative, and tailored to each individual. I believe that healing happens through a strong therapeutic relationship built on trust, authenticity, and acceptance. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, I work with each client to understand their unique experiences, strengths, and goals.

I integrate evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), strengths-based therapy, solution-focused techniques, mindfulness, and person-centered therapy while adapting each session to what you need most. Some days that may mean learning practical coping skills and creating actionable goals, while other days it may simply mean having a safe place to process emotions without judgment.

I strive to balance empathy with gentle accountability. Together, we'll explore patterns that may be keeping you stuck, build on your existing strengths, and develop tools that help you navigate life's challenges with greater confidence and resilience. My goal is for you to leave therapy feeling understood, empowered, and equipped—not just during our sessions, but in your everyday life.

Your first therapy session is all about getting to know you. There's no pressure to share everything at once or have all the answers. We'll spend time talking about what brings you to therapy, the challenges you're facing, what's most important to you, and what you hope to gain from our work together.

I'll also ask questions about your personal history, relationships, and any factors that may be impacting your well-being so I can better understand the whole picture. Most importantly, this is your opportunity to ask questions, get a feel for my approach, and decide whether we're a good fit.

Together, we'll begin identifying goals for therapy and create a plan that feels realistic and meaningful for you. My hope is that you'll leave your first session feeling heard, supported, and with a clearer sense of direction for the journey ahead.