La Luz Counseling Team
La Luz Counseling Approach
At La Luz Counseling, we help people who feel stuck—especially those facing anxiety or the weight of past trauma. If you’ve tried everything to feel better and you’re still exhausted, overwhelmed, or unfulfilled, you’re not alone. You’re also not out of options.
Starting counseling can feel intimidating, but think of it like building strength at the gym. With time, consistency, and support, change is possible—and we’re here to guide you through it.
We’re not a one-size-fits-all practice. Our team includes diverse counselors who each bring unique expertise, so you can find someone who truly understands what you’re going through. Meet our therapy team here to find the right fit for you.
We help you understand where you are now and how your past may still be shaping your present. Then, together, we build a plan for healing and growth.
Our specialty is helping individuals of all ages heal from trauma and manage anxiety. Most of our counselors use proven, insight-driven approaches like:
You won’t just talk—we’ll help you challenge stuck thoughts, explore new perspectives, and develop tools that actually work in real life.
At La Luz, we believe you can’t always change your situation, but you can learn to shift your thoughts, your emotions, and your actions. And when you do that, life begins to change too.
Britney Vincent, LPC
Clinical Director
Sometimes, life can feel overwhelming—you might feel like you’re falling behind, unmotivated, or struggling to express yourself. Maybe you feel alone, unheard, or stuck in the past, dealing with the weight of events like a betrayal or childhood trauma. It can feel like your story is out of order, or like you’re trying to piece together a puzzle with missing pieces.
I work with children, teens, couples, and families, supporting them through challenges like anxiety, communication issues, setting boundaries in relationships, and healing from childhood trauma.
I take a direct approach when working with clients, meaning that I am here to meet you where you are and will challenge you to make changes you need. Together, we will look at the areas that matter most to you, and I’ll be right there with you as you move forward with confidence and purpose.
I am currently accepting new clients. I am EMDR trained and can assist individuals in processing trauma. To learn more about EMDR, click here Experiencing EMDR Therapy – EMDR International Association
Britney is available to have sessions on the following days:
- Monday: 12:00pm to 8:00pm virtual and/or in person
- Tuesday: 12:00pm to 8:00pm virtual and/or in person
- Wednesday: 12:00pm to 8:00pm virtual and/or in person
- Saturday: 8:00am to 12:00pm in person/virtual
Jacqueline Pelayo
Administrative Assistant
As a mom of four, I know how to manage people in very efficient ways. I understand that when you reach out to a counseling office, you want to hear from an actual person, not a robot. I do my best to help get you on the path towards breaking free from what’s holding you down. When you call our office, I will help by listening first, then setting you up with the counselor that will best fit your needs. When things get tough, you need help now- not in a month. I pledge to do my best to get you the help you need, when you need it- whether that’s with us or not.
Kelly Simmons
Doctoral Student
Kelly Simmons is a doctoral student in School Psychology at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Kelly is motivated, eager to learn, and committed to improving her skills in mental health counseling and psychoeducation. She will be helping La Luz Counseling pioneer course curriculum and psychoeducational support for various community partners.
Kelly is known for being organized, professional, and caring. She connects easily with others and communicates effectively. Kelly is always ready to learn and improve, making her a valuable addition to the La Luz Counseling team.
Jennifer Stoute
Executive Operations Manager
I love helping others in any way possible, whether creating a more efficient environment or finding a relatable way of serving others. It takes a team to make something great work to the best of its ability. Being a part of a work family who has the same desires and goal of serving others, through listening, educating, guidance, and truth is a blessing. I pray that being led by The Light, “La Luz,” you can find the hope, truth, faith, and encouragement that is truly needed 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)
Sarah Almendariz Rivera, LPC-S
Chief Executive Officer
We help people work through tough stuff in their lives. By the time you come to us in counseling, you’ve likely tried it all and are wondering “What else am I supposed to do? Where do I even start?”
If you’re feeling worried, frustrated, stressed or overwhelmed, you’ve come to the right place. In counseling, we focus on changing you rather than others. Here at La Luz Counseling we specialize in treating those affected by trauma and tough moments in their life like sexual abuse. childhood trauma, and anxiety. We teach you strategies to control the thoughts you’re thinking and work through situations and moments holding you back. Nothing fancy here, no magic or special potion. Just people brought together through divine intervention.
While I am not taking on any new clients, I have personally hand selected all of the people on the counseling team. I trust them fully to carry on the mission and vision of La Luz Counseling which looks to inspire and encourage people to change.
If you’re looking for more information on LPC Supervision, click here.
If you’re looking more for what I do outside of La Luz Counseling, check it out here (The Counselors Mentor– Sarah’s other business) and here (Sarah’s LinkedIn page).
The mission of La Luz Counseling is to inspire transformation, encourage boldness, confront limitations and create contagious change.
La Luz has a 3-fold meaning for us:
1.) La Luz is Spanish for “the light.” Light is defined as “radiant energy; something that make things visible or affords illumination”
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- As counselors, we are serving as the guiding light for clients who seek guidance towards change.
- Together, we illuminate certain areas in your life you may be holding in the dark or be unaware of.
- Yes, we do have Spanish speaking counselors on our team.
2). God is light. We believe in Jesus here. In John 8:12 Jesus says “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Because God is in us, we are also light. “[We] Are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14)
3). Maria de La Luz– After the beloved Maria De La Luz Sanchez Almendariz, Maternal Grandmother of the practice owner. She was radiant to all those around her, kind, Jesus- loving, humble and strong. Continuing her legacy in Jesus’ Name. #firstgen
Getting Started is Easy
Send us a message below and someone will get back to you via email in just a few hours - even on nights, holidays and weekends! Guaranteed! At La Luz Counseling we understand that when you need help, you need it now, not just during business hours Monday - Friday. We do NOT accept insurance. If we can't help you, we promise to point you in the direction of someone who can!
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