Living in Laredo means living in a city that never really stops moving. As the Gateway City, we are the pulse of international trade, with 18-wheelers constantly rolling down I-35 and the trains whistling through downtown. It is a city of hard work, deep family roots, and a unique culture that you don’t find anywhere else in Texas.
But that constant motion can sometimes make it hard to pause and acknowledge when things aren’t right.
Whether you are navigating the high-pressure environment of the logistics industry, dealing with past family wounds, or carrying the weight of a traumatic event, you don’t have to carry it alone. I’m Anamile Guerra, a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, and I provide online trauma and PTSD counseling to residents across Laredo—from San Isidro to South Laredo.
When “Sucking It Up” Stops Working
In our culture, there is often a silent expectation to be strong. We are taught that family business stays in the family and that we should just “ponte las pilas” (put your batteries in/get to work) when life gets hard.
This mentality is strong in Laredo. But trauma doesn’t care how tough you are. It’s not just about combat veterans; trauma can come from:
- Workplace accidents: I know many Laredoans work in warehousing, transportation, or oil and gas. An injury or a close call at work can leave lasting anxiety.
- High-stress careers: Working in customs brokerage, Border Patrol, or law enforcement carries a unique mental load that is difficult to explain to people outside the industry.
- Personal history: Childhood experiences, grief, or accidents can resurface years later, affecting your sleep, your mood, and your relationships.
If you find yourself feeling constantly on edge, avoiding certain places, or replaying painful memories, it might be time to talk to someone who understands.
Why Laredo Residents Choose Telehealth
I am based in the Houston area, but my practice serves clients throughout Texas via secure video. For my clients in Laredo, this setup actually offers some distinct advantages:
1. Skip the Loop 20 Traffic
Let’s be honest: nobody wants to get stuck in traffic on Loop 20 or Mines Road at 5:00 PM. The congestion from commercial trucks can turn a simple 15-minute drive into an hour-long ordeal. With online therapy, you don’t have to fight the traffic near the World Trade Bridge or circle the Mall del Norte parking lot. You can attend your session from your break room, your car, or the comfort of your living room.
2. Privacy in a “Small” Big City
Laredo is a big city, but it often feels like a small town where everyone knows everyone. If you live in Del Mar or Plantation, you might worry about running into your neighbor, your boss, or your cousin in a therapist’s waiting room. Telehealth removes that worry completely. Your session is 100% private and confidential, with no chance of awkward run-ins.
3. Therapy in Your Language (English, Spanish, or Spanglish)
I am fully bilingual in English and Spanish. I know that in Laredo, we switch between languages naturally. Sometimes, the word for a specific feeling only exists in Spanish. Other times, you might need to express frustration in English.
In my sessions, you don’t have to translate your emotions. Whether you want to speak entirely in Spanish or switch back and forth, I am here to listen and understand you fully.
My Approach to Healing
I work under the supervision of Jennifer Gonzalez, MS, LPC-S, and Amanda Varnon, MA, LPC-S. My goal is to create a space where you can lower your guard. You don’t have to perform or pretend here.
I use a mix of approaches to help you move forward, including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): We look at how your thoughts affect your feelings and behaviors, helping you break cycles of negativity.
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT): We focus on your strengths and finding practical steps to improve your current situation.
- Person-Centered Therapy: I believe you are the expert on your own life. My job is not to “fix” you, but to walk alongside you as you heal.
I work with adults, older adults, and couples. Whether you are a student at TAMIU feeling overwhelmed, a retiree in The Heights, or a parent trying to break generational cycles, I am ready to support you.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Taking the first step is often the hardest part, especially when you are used to handling everything yourself. But healing is possible, and it starts with a conversation.
If you are ready to explore your thoughts and feelings in a safe, judgment-free space, I would love to hear from you.