Dr. Camilia Mendoza

I’m Camilia Mendoza, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) with more than 25 years of experience in the behavioral health field. I earned my Bachelor of Science from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and my Master of Science in Counseling from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. I am currently in the final stages of completing my doctorate at National University, where I am pursuing a Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy with a specialization in Couples Therapy. My work is centered on helping individuals and couples heal, strengthen relationships, navigate life’s challenges, and create meaningful and lasting change. My areas of focus include marital and relationship concerns, communication and conflict, infidelity and betrayal, trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, substance use and addiction, compulsive behaviors, grief, life transitions, and emotional regulation. I also offer faith-integrated therapy for clients who desire to incorporate their faith and spiritual beliefs into the therapeutic process.

You can learn more about me and my work at Refined by Fire Counseling Services. You can learn more about my work at https://rbfcounseling.com/.

My approach to therapy is integrative, relational, and strengths-based, meaning I tailor treatment to the unique needs of each client rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. I incorporate evidence-based approaches, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Person-Centered Therapy (PCT), Trauma-Focused Therapy (TFT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

My work is also grounded in mindfulness and spirituality, when desired by the client. I believe meaningful healing and change happen within a safe, collaborative, trusting, and nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship where clients feel heard, respected, and supported.

I work with diverse individuals and couples, including LGBTQIA+ clients, and have experience addressing compulsive sexual behaviors and pornography use, paraphilic disorders, sexual intimacy concerns, relationship challenges, and other sensitive issues. My goal is to create a space where clients can speak openly, gain insight, develop practical tools, and work toward meaningful and lasting change.

Clients can expect their first session with me to be a welcoming, supportive, and judgment-free space where we begin getting to know one another and exploring what brought you to therapy. I believe meaningful connection is an important part of the healing process, so my approach is warm, authentic, and collaborative.

We’ll talk about your concerns, experiences, strengths, and what you hope to accomplish through therapy, while beginning to identify goals for our work together. When appropriate and desired, I incorporate prayer, faith, humor, and genuine connection into the therapeutic process. My goal is for you to leave the first session feeling heard, understood, and hopeful about the work ahead as we begin building a path toward healing, resilience, and a more fulfilling future.