Meet the Team
Compassionate care, collaborative support
At Guiding Arrows Counseling, we’re an integrative team committed to uncovering the why behind each behavior—not just managing surface-level symptoms. We believe that all behavior makes sense 100% of the time. That belief guides everything we do.
We partner with families to seek understanding, identify root causes, and support lasting, meaningful change. Our therapists bring deep experience working with neurodivergent children and teens—including those with autism (across all levels), ADHD, and learning disabilities. We also partner with families navigating trauma, adoption, and divorce with empathy and expertise. We have highly skilled therapists to support student athletes and high-performing individuals.
When you partner with Guiding Arrows, you’re not in this alone. We're here to walk alongside you with insight, compassion, and care.
Melissa Jones, M.Ed., LPC
Owner, Lead Therapist & Certified Synergetic Play Therapist
Founder of Guiding Arrows Counseling, Melissa brings her experience as a parent, former special education teacher, and autism specialist into every session. Her full bio shares the heart behind her approach—and the tools she uses to support families with compassion and strategy.
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I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Special Education Teacher with over 10 years of experience supporting children, teens, adults, and families. I’ve worked in schools, psychiatric settings, and private practice, which helps me meet each person where they are with compassion and understanding.
I work with children (3+), teens, and adults experiencing anxiety, trauma, emotional dysregulation, behavioral concerns, school-related stress, life transitions, relationship challenges, and self-esteem concerns. I also partner closely with parents and caregivers, helping families better understand the “why” behind behaviors while strengthening connection, co-regulation, and emotional support at home.
With a lifelong background in athletics through both playing and coaching, I have a passion for supporting student athletes and high-performing individuals navigating performance anxiety, burnout, pressure, identity challenges, and confidence struggles. I understand the emotional demands of balancing sports, academics, relationships, and personal expectations.
My approach is relationship-based and grounded in trust, drawing from TBRI, mindfulness, emotional regulation support, attachment-focused care and nervous system support. I’m also continuing my training in Synergetic Play Therapy.
My goal is to help you or your child feel deeply seen, supported, and capable of meaningful change.
I look forward to being a part of your journey.
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Supervised by Robyn Reyna, LPC-S, RPT-S
Hello, and I’m glad you’re here. I specialize in working with neurodivergent children and teenagers. Many of the families I work with are navigating challenges related to ADHD, autism (Level 1), anxiety, emotional regulation, and behaviors that can feel confusing, isolating, or overwhelming.
At the core of my work is the belief that behavior is communication. Meltdowns, shutdowns, emotional outbursts, or withdrawal are signals that a child or teen needs support.
I help kids and teens learn how to make space for challenging feelings without being overwhelmed by them, and to continue living, growing, and connecting even when emotions feel big or uncomfortable. I help parents better understand what these behaviors may be communicating, while supporting teens in feeling seen, safe, and supported.
My approach is warm, gentle, and strengths-based. Therapy with me focuses on emotional regulation, executive functioning, and building confidence in who your child is and how they experience the world. Sessions are relational and engaging, playful when appropriate, and always grounded in connection and emotional safety.
I take a collaborative, family-centered approach, because meaningful change happens when parents feel informed and supported alongside their child. I know reaching out for help is a big step, and I don’t take that trust lightly, I’m here to walk alongside your family.
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Supervised by Rachel Cerna MA, LPC-S, NCC
Hi, I’m so glad you’re here. I’ve spent over 25 years walking alongside kids and families as an educator, a parent, and a therapist. My passion lies in helping children and teens (and their grown-ups!) make sense of big feelings, tough transitions, and the unique ways their brains and bodies move through the world.
I specialize in supporting neurodivergent kids- whether it’s ADHD, learning differences, or those tricky-to-spot signs of disordered eating that show up in the early years. I also work closely with families navigating divorce, big life changes, or just the everyday challenges of parenting.
I support children and teens experiencing anxiety, helping them build emotional resilience and a deeper understanding of their internal world. I also enjoy walking alongside teens as they explore college and career decisions, and what it means to step into adulthood with confidence. No judgment here- just space to breathe, process, and grow.
My style is grounded and collaborative. I bring together practical tools, nervous system-based approaches, and lots of compassion. With me, you will find someone who’s in it with you. I’m curious, committed, and ready to meet you exactly where you are.
Let’s walk this road together. You don’t have to do it alone.
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As a former D1 athlete who grew up performing at the highest levels, I know what it’s like to carry pressure, deal with self-doubt, and feel the weight of wanting to succeed. I’ve been there, and that experience has shaped how I show up for the people I work with.
My goal is simple: help clients build resilience, handle stress better, and gain clarity in how they think, respond, and show up. Our work focuses on practical tools clients can use in competition, in school, and in everyday life, so they feel steady and more confident over time.
I’m currently a select youth baseball coach, strength and conditioning coach, and a graduate student intern under the supervision of Melissa Jones, LPC. Being in these environments daily gives me a real understanding of what athletes and young people are facing, both on and off the field. I bring that perspective into sessions in a way that feels relatable, supportive, and grounded in real life.
I work with kids (10+), teens, and young adults who feel stuck in their own heads, whether that’s anxiety, overthinking, or limiting beliefs that start to affect performance and confidence. These patterns can be frustrating, but they’re also changeable.
You don’t have to stay stuck there.
If you’re looking for a space where your child can feel understood while also learning how to move forward with more confidence and clarity, I’d be glad to connect.
Jack@Guiding-Arrows.com
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Guiding Arrows Counseling is a growing, heart-led practice serving children, teens, adults, and families (ages 3+) through a neuro-affirming, nervous-system-informed lens.
We are always open to connecting with LPCs, LMFTs, LCSWs, or clinicians nearing full licensure who feel called to do meaningful, relational work with children, teens and families. Our team values curiosity, collaboration, ongoing learning, and deep respect for each client’s lived experience.
If you are passionate about understanding behavior through connection, supporting parents alongside children, and practicing in a way that honors both science and heart, we would love to hear from you!
Please send cover letter, resume and references to:
Melissa@Guiding-Arrows.com
FAQs
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Let's schedule a free 15 minute consultation so we can learn more about each other. Just fill in the information on our website.
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"Therapy is a way for kids to talk about their feelings and thoughts through play. Instead of using just words, you get to use toys, games, and art to show what's going on inside your heart and mind. The play therapist is like a friend who helps you express yourself and understand your emotions better. It's a special time just for you to play and learn how to work through hard things."
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Honestly, not much. The terms "therapy" and "counseling" are often used interchangeably, and their meanings can overlap. Therapy is a broader term that encompasses various forms of treatment for mental, emotional, or behavioral issues, while counseling implies a more focused, problem-solving approach to specific issues or challenges. Professionals providing therapy may include psychologists, psychiatrists, psychotherapists (like here at GAC), and licensed clinical social workers. Counselors often hold titles such as licensed professional counselors (also here at GAC), marriage and family therapists, school counselors, or career counselors.
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We are a private pay practice. The short to explanation as to "Why?" is because insurance companies require a diagnosis when sometimes one is not medically necessary, billing insurance limits confidentiality, insurance controls how many sessions you are allotted, AND they determine what modalities of treatment are covered which may not be suitable for your needs. With private pay, we can create a customized treatment plan specifically catered to you and your needs. We are happy to provide a superbill for you to file with your insurance company, although there is no guarantee of coverage.
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If you are seeking services for your child, the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) will join the child during the first session. This is our time to get to know each other, go over confidentiality and informed consent, how therapy is conducted, discuss the reason for services, and create treatment goals.
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We are in Aledo, directly off the access road between 1187 and Ranch House Road on the corner of Bankhead and Nu Energy. We are the large office space in the Bearcat Storage parking lot. We can't wait for you to enjoy our space as much as we do!
130 Nu Energy Drive
Aledo, TX 76008 -
If you are unable to attend a session, you may cancel at least 24 hours beforehand with no charge. Cancellations within 24 hours of the appointment are charged the full session rate.