We provide psychotherapy for individuals, couples, and families looking to repair hurt and strengthen their sense of connection, hope, and meaning in their lives.
At The Mendery, we help you repair the parts of your stories that keep you stuck in distress, isolation, and shame. We cannot erase your stories of pain and suffering, but we can help you to heal and to find new ways of understanding yourself and others that lead to connection, understanding, and hope.
We are here for you.
2600 State Street | Dallas, TX 75204
Located in a historic home in Uptown Dallas, we provide a warm and comforting space for our clients.
Our offices are located upstairs without elevator access.
Our Space
The Mendery works with a team of caring professionals devoted to comprehensive care. We strive to provide you with the most cutting edge and evidence-based practices available with multidisciplinary collaboration.
Compassionate. Experienced. Collaborative.
Our Core Values
Delight
Community
Witnessing
hope
Inherent worth
connection
Vulnerability
curiousity
tenderness
Acceptance
Meet Our Team
• PSYD IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY FROM FULLER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
• PREDOCTORAL INTERN AT UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
COUNSELING AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES
• POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP AT RICHLAND OAKS COUNSELING CENTER
• PSYD IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY FROM FULLER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
• PREDOCTORAL INTERN AT UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
COUNSELING AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES
• POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP AT RICHLAND OAKS COUNSELING CENTER
education. training. community engagement.
Alyssa enjoys working with individuals who desire more connected relationships, a deeper understanding of themselves and others and a renewed sense of purpose in life. She works from an attachment informed perspective, which means she subscribes to the belief that we are healed through our important relationships. Alyssa provides psychotherapy for children, adolescents and adults and enjoys working in a variety of formats including individual, family, couples and group therapy. She offers both in-person and virtual sessions. When not in the office, you will find Alyssa running around Dallas or spending time with her husband (also a psychologist!) and daughter.
Licensed Psychologist TX #37331
She, Her, Hers
Alyssa Strenger, PSYD
• BA in Psychology from Colorado State University
• BA IN PSYCHOLOGY FROM COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
education
Ally loves connecting those looking to better their lives with the people who are passionate about helping them do so. She provides a warm welcome to anyone reaching out to The Mendery. When she’s not tending to the needs of others, Ally enjoys listening to music, travelling the world, and drinking inordinate amounts of tea.
Ally would love to speak with you if you have any questions regarding services, availability, billing, etc.
You can reach her at The Mendery by calling 469.890.0459 or emailing hello@themendery.com
Care Facilitator
She, Her, Hers
Ally Wagner
• MSW from the University of Texas at Arlington
• Post Grad Fellowship at the Dallas Veterans Affairs Medical Center
• Co-Chair of the Dallas Society FOr Psychoanalytic Psychology Public Relations Committee
• MSW from the University of Texas at Arlington
• Post Grad Fellowship at the Dallas Veterans Affairs Medical Center
education. training. community engagement.
Juan enjoys working with individuals who are looking to discover and accept the parts of themselves that keep them from thriving and having meaningful relationships. He is non-judgmental, collaborative, and eclectic in his approach to therapy which allows him to tailor each session to the needs of his clients. Juan provides psychotherapy for adults in individual and group formats. He offers both in-person and virtual sessions. When not in the office, you will find Juan spending time in his backyard where he is trying his hand at raising chickens and growing vegetables. He can be found running around with his wife and two young children.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker #65159
He, Him, His
Juan DeSantiago, LCSW
• PSYD IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY FROM ROSEMEAD SCHOOL OF PSYCHOLOGY
• PREDOCTORAL INTERNSHIP AT HARRY S. TRUMAN MEMORIAL VETERANS' HOSPITAL
• POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP AT DALLAS THERAPY ALLIANCE
• PSYD IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY FROM ROSEMEAD SCHOOL OF PSYCHOLOGY
• PREDOCTORAL INTERNSHIP AT HARRY S. TRUMAN MEMORIAL VETERANS' HOSPITAL
• POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP AT DALLAS THERAPY ALLIANCE
education. training. community engagement.
Shelby believes that a collaborative and supportive therapeutic relationship is the foundation for creating a safe space for you to increase your insight and flourish. Shelby works with individuals (of all ages) and couples who are looking to better understand themselves, increase relationship satisfaction, heal from painful or traumatic experiences, increase their emotional regulation, process life transitions, or pursue a more meaningful future. She also firmly believes that psychodiagnostic assessment is a wonderful tool for increasing self-awareness, accessing necessary support and assistance, and improving overall well-being. When not in the office, you will find Shelby spending time at local coffee shops with her husband and rescue dog.
Licensed Psychologist TX #39403
She, Her, Hers
Shelby Zavala-Barajas, PSYD
Attachment Trauma/Family of Origin Concerns
Grief
Shame and Perfectionism
Therapist for Mental Health Professionals
THERAPEUTIC SPECIALITIES:
Alyssa enjoys working with individuals who desire to be more vulnerable and connected in their relationships, a deeper understanding of themselves and others and a renewed sense of purpose in life. She works from an attachment informed perspective, which means she subscribes to the belief that we are healed through our important relationships. Alyssa believes every human has an innate need to be known and loved. To be seen for all that they are and experience people who don’t turn away.
Everyone comes with stories that have shaped how they see and experience themselves and others in the world. Some of these stories are in desperate need of tender care and repair—“I am worthless,” “I am unlovable,” “I am never enough.” Alyssa helps you repair the parts of your stories that keep you stuck in depression, addiction, isolation, and shame. No one can erase your stories of pain, but it is possible to find healing and new ways of understanding yourself and others that lead to connection, understanding, and hope. If this is something you desire in your life, let’s talk.
Alyssa provides psychotherapy for children, adolescents and adults and enjoys working in a variety of formats including individual, family, couples, and group therapy. She offers both in-person and virtual sessions.
Licensed Psychologist TX #37331
She, Her, Hers
Alyssa Strenger, PSYD
- Postdoctoral Fellowship at Richland Oaks Counseling Center
- Predoctoral Internship at University of Southern California Student Counseling Center
- Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology from Fuller Graduate School of Psychology
- Master of Arts (M.A.) in Christian Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary
THE CV STUFF:
- A Home Within
- Austin In ConnectioN
- Dallas Society for Psychoanalytic Psychology
- Texas psychological association
- Dallas Psychological Association
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
Alyssa the human:
Play
Therapy
Family Therapy
Couples Therapy
Individual Therapy
ways to work with alyssa:
Attachment/relationships
Identity development/exploration
Life transitions
Anxiety/depression
THERAPEUTIC SPECIALITIES:
Shelby is passionate about utilizing psychotherapy and psychodiagnostic assessment to help you discover and embrace your most authentic self. She believes that a collaborative and supportive therapeutic relationship is the foundation for creating a safe space for you to increase your insight and flourish. Shelby works with individuals (of all ages) and couples who are looking to better understand themselves, increase relationship satisfaction, heal from painful or traumatic experiences, increase their emotional regulation, process life transitions, or pursue a more meaningful future.
Shelby believes that psychodiagnostic assessment is a wonderful tool for increasing self-awareness, accessing necessary support and assistance, and improving overall well-being. With assessment, she can assess for ADHD, autism, intellectual functioning, academic performance, emotional distress, psychological symptoms, and personality traits/disorders.
Whether you are interested in initiating psychotherapy, receiving a psychodiagnostic assessment, or a combination of both, Shelby would love to speak with you!
Licensed Psychologist TX #39403
She, Her, Hers
Shelby Zavala-Barajas, PSYD
- Postdoctoral fellowship at Dallas Therapy Alliance
- Predoctoral internship at Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital
- Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology from Rosemead School of Psychology
- Masters of Arts (M.A.) in Clinical Psychology from Rosemead School of Psychology
THE CV STUFF:
- Therapeutic Assessment Institute
- Dallas Society for Psychoanalytic Psychology
- Society for Personality Assessment
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
SHELBY THE HUMAN:
Play
Therapy
Assessments
Couples Therapy
Individual Therapy
ways to work with shelby:
Grief
Men's Issues
Substance Use
ADHD
THERAPEUTIC SPECIALITIES:
Blaine is passionate about working with individuals to discover their most authentic self. In an ever-changing world, feelings of anxiety and distress often arise when our old coping strategies may no longer be sufficient, affecting the relationship with ourselves and others. While these feelings may be universal, an increased understanding of our individual experiences within our unique socio-cultural and historical contexts can be beneficial for profound personal growth. As an existential-humanistic practitioner, Blaine seeks to encourage self-awareness through the therapeutic relationship with each of his clients to help find their purpose and lead fulfilling lives.
As an advanced practicum therapist, Blaine has received training in providing a broad range of psychological services across numerous settings with pediatric, adolescent, and adult populations. Currently, he provides psychotherapeutic services for adolescents and adults.
Advanced Practicum Student
Supervised by Dr. Alyssa Strenger, LP,
TX #37331
He, Him, His
Blaine Marshall, BS
- Doctoral Candidate in School Psychology, Texas Woman’s University
- Bachelors of Science in Psychology from University of Texas at Arlington
THE CV STUFF:
- National Association for School Psychologists
- National Academy of Neuropsychology
- Dallas Society for Psychoanalytic Psychology
- School Psychology Graduate Student Organization
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
Blaine THE HUMAN:
Family
Therapy
Individual Therapy
ways to work with Blaine:
adhd
bipolar disorder
schizophrenia
odd
insomnia
THERAPEUTIC SPECIALITIES:
Rhoda provides tender and loving behavioral wellness services to individuals and families through evidenced-based medication management. She helps advocate for patients who struggle to be heard and understood, managing their treatment with empathy and compassion. Rhoda practices from a culturally competent, holistic model of care. She considers it essential to address three main aspects in each of her patient’s life experiences. First, their existential and/or spiritual experience of themselves and the world. Second, their social needs and support, including psychotherapy. Third, their physical body and neuropsychological experiences, which includes her expertise and recommendations for medicine that she tailors to the individual needs of each patient. Rhoda values collaboration and works closely with her patients and their other providers, including psychologists and nutritionists, to identify and achieve their mental health goals.
Rhoda works with all ages and mental health concerns to provide behavioral health medication. Your first visit will last 45-60 minutes. Follow up visits will occur every 4-6 weeks to ensure quality care and typically last 15-25 minutes. Depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses hurt, contact Rhoda today to feel better.
Family Nurse Practitioner
She, Her, Hers
Rhoda Bickerstaff, APRN,RN, FNP-C
- Rhoda is currently pursuing her Doctor of Nursing Practice at Maryville University
- Masters (FNP-C) in Family Nursing, Maryville University
- Bachelors (RN) in Nursing, University of Texas at Arlington
- Associates in Nursing, Southwestern Adventist University
- Associates in Arts, Tarrant County College
THE CV STUFF:
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners National Certification Board
- Regenesis Outreach Ministries in Uganda, soon to be also in the USA!
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
Rhoda THE HUMAN:
Individual Psychiatry
ways to work with rhoda:
• BS in Psychology from Colorado State University
• BA IN PSYCHOLOGY FROM COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
education
Ally loves connecting those looking to better their lives with the people who are passionate about helping them do so. She provides a warm welcome to anyone reaching out to The Mendery. When she’s not tending to the needs of others, Ally enjoys listening to music, travelling the world, and drinking inordinate amounts of tea.
Ally would love to speak with you if you have any questions regarding services, availability, billing, etc.
You can reach her at The Mendery by calling 469.890.0459 or emailing hello@themendery.com
Care Facilitator
She, Her, Hers
Ally Wagner
“I am not what happened to me. I am who I choose to become.” -Carl Jung. Your grief, pain, and suffering do not make you broken, they make you human. We believe that every person has value and resources inside of them. Behaviors are not judged as good or bad, rather they are a way to understand your needs and the ways you have learned to survive. Your care providers at The Mendery share their own humanity through humor, tenderness, and vulnerability.
Human Beings
The most generous thing we can do is listen to your stories with warmth and compassion and not try to fix it. We approach your pain with curiosity and respect and commit to not turn away. You will also find us celebrating in your joy, observing your resilience, and delighting in even the smallest of victories.
Witnesses
We believe in the wisdom of multiple minds. Collaboration with other professionals and our clients is an essential part of what we do. We may be experts in psychology, but you are the expert on yourself. At The Mendery, we will help you put words to your questions and concerns as we work towards solutions together.
Collaborative
We give people permission to stop striving. If you feel like you are never enough and the shame you carry has gotten you stuck, The Mendery is a place to be met exactly where you are. Change is an inevitable part of life and we arrive at one place only to be moved on to the next. Therapy is a space to try out new ways of being in the world and in relationships. Every experience is an opportunity to grow.
Growing
We believe you are not meant to go through life alone. The Mendery is a place for people of all cultures and identities to come for mental health support. We are a collective of hope holders for our clients, seeking to lighten the load of pain and suffering, not through quick fixes but through sustained, long-term relationships.
A Community
