Michaela Salinas, LPC-Associate, supervised by Alaina Hinojosa, LPC-S, is a therapist who strives to create a warm and welcoming environment where clients feel comfortable being themselves. 

She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and her Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Michaela works with children, teens, young adults, and adults, supporting clients experiencing depression, anxiety, neurodivergent disorders, stress, life transitions, self-esteem concerns, relationship difficulties, emotional challenges, and behavioral concerns. She has a special interest in working with neurodivergent individuals and families.

Michaela spent approximately six years working in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). Her experience working closely with children and families has given her a strong understanding of diverse developmental, behavioral, and emotional needs.

Her counseling style is warm, collaborative, and person-centered. Michaela draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy, adapting her approach to each client’s individual needs and goals. When working with children and teens, she values creativity, connection, and self-expression as important ways to build trust and make therapy feel approachable.

Michaela believes clients should have a space where they can feel heard and accepted without judgment. She is here to meet clients where they are, helping them recognize their strengths, develop practical coping skills, build confidence, and move toward meaningful change at a pace that feels right for them.