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, auditory processing challenges, and learning disabilities. We also walk alongside families navigating trauma, adoption, and divorce with empathy and expertise.
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 Associate
Owner & Lead 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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Supervised by Maria Alejandra Mazariegos, LPC-S
Hello there! Thank you for stopping by. I specialize in working with children, teens, and young adults who are navigating the ups and downs of ADHD, Level 1 autism, and anxiety. With a warm, gentle, and strengths-based style, I focus on helping clients build emotional regulation, strengthen executive functioning skills, and grow in confidence both in who they are and how they show up in the world.
I’m passionate about helping young people understand their unique brains and learn how to thrive socially, emotionally, and beyond. In sessions, I create a space where kids and teens feel seen, heard, and genuinely supported. Therapy with me is engaging, playful when it needs to be, and always centered on connection.
I know choosing a therapist is a big step, and I don’t take that trust lightly. My work is collaborative because lasting progress happens when we’re all in it together. Whether your child is struggling with big emotions, focus, or friendships, I’m here to walk alongside your family every step of the way.
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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.
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.