Living in Waco often feels like balancing two different worlds. On one hand, you have the polished, “Chip and Jo” version of our city that tourists see—the beautiful silos, the brunch spots downtown, and the charming historic homes in Castle Heights. On the other hand, you have the reality of actually living here: the bumper-to-bumper construction traffic on I-35, the pressure of a rapidly growing city, and the silent expectation to always have it “all together.”
If you are feeling overwhelmed, you aren’t alone. I’m Anamile Guerra, a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, and I help people in Waco and across Texas navigate anxiety, stress, and life transitions through virtual therapy.
When the “Fixer Upper” Mindset Doesn’t Work
Waco is famous for transformation. We love a good before-and-after story. But sometimes, that local culture of renovation seeps into how we treat our own mental health. You might feel like you need to “DIY” your anxiety—thinking that if you just work harder, pray more, or stay busier, the anxious thoughts will disappear.
But mental health isn’t like a house project. You can’t just patch over anxiety with a busy schedule or cover up depression with a smile.
If you find yourself constantly worrying about the future, snapping at loved ones, or feeling physically exhausted from overthinking, it might be time to bring in some support. I provide a safe space where you don’t have to perform or impress anyone. You can just be human.
Why Online Therapy Works for Waco
Telehealth isn’t just a backup option anymore; for many in Waco, it’s actually the better choice. Here is why my clients in the 254 area code prefer meeting virtually:
Skip the I-35 Nightmare
Let’s be honest: nobody wants to get on I-35 if they don’t have to. Whether it’s the construction snarls near Loop 340 or the lane shifts downtown, driving to an appointment adds unnecessary stress to your day. With virtual therapy, you don’t have to navigate the traffic circle or worry about finding parking downtown. You can log in from your home in Woodway, your office in Hewitt, or your dorm room.
True Privacy
Waco is still a “big small town.” It’s hard to go to H-E-B without running into someone you know from church, work, or school. If you are a teacher, a healthcare worker at Providence or Baylor Scott & White, or a student, you might worry about being seen entering a counseling clinic. Telehealth offers a layer of privacy that in-person sessions can’t always guarantee. Your session happens wherever you feel safe.
Fits Your Real Life
Whether you are a busy parent in China Spring trying to squeeze in a session while the baby naps, or a student at Baylor or TSTC juggling exams and social pressure, online therapy adapts to your schedule.
Areas I Help With
Anxiety looks different for everyone. For some, it’s a physical tightness in the chest; for others, it’s a mental loop that won’t shut off at 3 a.m. I commonly work with clients facing:
- Generalized Anxiety: Constant worry that something “bad” is about to happen.
- Ansiedad social: Fear of judgment that makes networking or social gatherings exhausting.
- Ansiedad de alto funcionamiento: On the outside, you are achieving everything; on the inside, you are drowning in stress.
- Life Transitions: The stress of graduation, marriage, a new job, or navigating the rapid changes in our local economy.
- Cultural & Family Stress: As a bilingual counselor (English and Spanish), I deeply understand the nuances of cultural expectations and family dynamics that often contribute to anxiety.
My Approach to Therapy
I believe you are the expert on your own life. My role isn’t to tell you what to do, but to walk alongside you as we figure it out together.
I work under the supervision of Jennifer Gonzalez, MS, LPC-S, and Amanda Varnon, MA, LPC-S. My therapeutic style is grounded in Terapia centrada en la persona, which means our sessions are built on empathy and non-judgment. We will move at your pace.
To help you make practical changes, I also incorporate:
- Terapia cognitivo-conductual (TCC): We look at how your thoughts influence your feelings and behaviors, helping you break negative cycles.
- Terapia Breve Centrada en Soluciones (SFBT): We focus on what is working and how to build a future that looks different from your past.
- Psicología positiva: We don’t just look at what’s “wrong”—we identify your strengths and use them to help you heal.
Ready to Talk?
Taking the first step is often the hardest part, especially when anxiety tells you to wait or that your problems “aren’t that bad.” But you deserve to feel at peace in your own life.
I work with adults, older adults, and couples throughout Texas via secure video. If you are in Waco and ready to stop white-knuckling through your stress, I’d love to hear from you.