La Luz Counseling
We help people who feel stuck, especially those struggling with anxiety or the weight of past trauma. If you’ve tried everything to feel better and still feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or unfulfilled, you’re not alone, and you’re not out of options.
Our Approach
We understand that starting counseling can feel overwhelming. But think of it like building strength at the gym: with time, commitment, and support, change is possible. Our job is to help you feel emotionally stronger and in control of your life, with tools that actually work.
For those who want it, we also offer a faith-based Christian approach. We believe that Jesus brings hope and healing and can work in your heart in a special way. In Christian counseling, we combine proven therapy with the truth of God’s Word to help you grow, heal, and move forward with faith and purpose.
Our diverse team of counselors brings a range of backgrounds and expertise so you can find someone who truly understands your experience. We won’t just pair you with any counselor who is available- we will talk with you and learn what you would like to work on, and from their pick the best therapist for you. Together, we help you understand where you are now, how your past may be shaping your present, and how to move forward towards healing and not feel stuck anymore.
We specialize in treating anxiety and trauma across all ages. Our clinicians only use evidence-based approaches such as:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and/or
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
You won’t just talk, we’ll work with you to challenge stuck thoughts, explore new perspectives, and build tools that create real-life change.
At La Luz, we believe that while you may not always be able to change your circumstances, you can change your thoughts, emotions, and actions. When that shifts, life begins to change too.
Let’s see if we are the right fit.
Virtual and in-person counseling in San Antonio. Get your first appointment within one week, no waitlist.
Let’s see if we are the right fit.
Virtual and in-person counseling in San Antonio. Get your first appointment within one week, no waitlist.
Meet the Team
Sarah Almendariz Rivera, CEO
Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor
By the time you come to us, you’ve likely already tried everything and are wondering, “What else am I supposed to do? Where do I even start? What if I always feel this way?” If you’re feeling worried, frustrated, stressed, or overwhelmed, you’re in the right place.
I founded La Luz Counseling in 2017, when I saught to help people impacted by childhood trauma like sexual abuse and other tough memories. I teach strategies to work through the unhealthy thought patterns that keep you stuck. I believe Jesus can bring healing, insight and growth in a way that traditional therapy may not which is why I offer Christian/Biblical based counseling when the client wants.
While I’m not accepting new clients, I’ve hand-selected every member of our counseling team, and I trust them fully to carry out the mission and vision of La Luz Counseling: to inspire transformation, encourage boldness, confront limitations, and create contagious change.
Watch Sarah’s bio video.
Britney Vincent, Clinical Director
Licensed Professional Counselor
Sometimes life feels overwhelming, like you’re falling behind, struggling to express yourself, or weighed down by past pain. Counseling offers a space to make sense of your experiences and move toward change with courage and curiosity.
I work with children, teens, couples, and families facing challenges like anxiety, relationship boundaries, communication issues, and childhood trauma. My approach is direct and supportive: I’ll meet you where you are and walk alongside you as we pursue meaningful change together.
I’m trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and currently accepting new clients.
Learn more about EMDR Therapy.
Watch Britney’s bio video.
Availability:
- Monday–Wednesday: 12:00 PM–8:00 PM (in person or virtual)
- Saturday: 8:00 AM–12:00 PM (in person or virtual)
Grace Nowlin, LPC- associate; LMFT- associate
Supervised by Annie Viers, LPC – S/ LMFT-S
Life can feel heavy sometimes—like just getting out of bed or making it through the workday takes everything you’ve got. If you’ve been carrying stress, heartbreak, or big life changes, you don’t have to carry them alone.
I love walking with people through transitions like career shifts, breakups, or rebuilding after hard seasons. In counseling, I help you slow down, sort through your thoughts, and find new ways of looking at life that bring hope and encouragement.
I also enjoy working with couples who want to strengthen their relationship through a Christian lens. My strong faith shapes how I encourage and support others, and I see counseling as a safe place to bring both your struggles and your faith.
If you’re ready to feel lighter and more hopeful about each day, I’d be honored to take that next step with you.
Jennifer Stoute, Executive Operations Manager
Executive Operations Manager
I love helping others, whether it’s through creating a more efficient work environment or providing practical support with compassion. It takes a team to make something great work, and I’m grateful to be part of a group focused on listening, educating, guiding, and speaking truth.
I pray that, through La Luz (“The Light”), you’ll find the hope, truth, and encouragement you need to grow and flourish. You, too, can be the light you were made to be.
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.” Isaiah 9:2 (ESV)
Watch Jennifer’s bio video.
Jacqueline Pelayo, Assistant
Administrative Assistant
As a mom of four, I’ve mastered managing people, and I understand that when you reach out to a counseling office, you want to talk to a real person. My goal is to get you the help you need, as quickly as possible.
When you call, I’ll listen first and then connect you with the counselor who best fits your needs. When things are tough, you shouldn’t have to wait a month for support. Whether we serve you at La Luz or connect you with someone else, I’m here to help you take the first step.
Watch Jacqueline’s bio video.
Kelly Simmons, Doctorate Student
Doctoral Student
I’m currently pursuing a doctorate in School Psychology at the University of Texas at San Antonio. As a doctoral student, I’m eager to grow in the areas of mental health counseling and psychoeducation.
At La Luz Counseling, I’m helping develop course content and psychoeducational resources for our community partners. I’m known for being organized, professional, and caring—and I’m always ready to learn and serve.
What “La Luz” Means
The name holds special meaning for us:
- La Luz means “The Light” in Spanish. As counselors, we act as a guiding light for those seeking clarity and change. We shine light into places you may have kept in the dark. (And yes—we have Spanish-speaking counselors.)
- God is Light. We believe in Jesus as the light of the world, and we aim to reflect that light in our work. “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14
- La Luz honors Maria de La Luz. Our founder’s maternal grandmother, Maria de La Luz Sanchez Almendariz, was a radiant woman known for her strength, kindness, and deep love for Jesus. Her legacy lives on in the heart of our practice.