Dr. Lisandra Mendoza
Licensed clinical psychologist and founder of
Avatar Cognitive Behavioral Center
Offering online Neuropsychological and Psychological Evaluations and Therapy (individual and group therapy) in both English and Spanish in Florida
Hi, I’m Dr. Lisandra Mendoza!
I’m a bilingual licensed clinical psychologist and health psychologist seeing patients online across Florida.
I specialize in Therapy for Women (individual and group therapy), Neurodivergent-Affirming Therapy, and therapy for chronic illnesses such as chronic pain and insomnia. I am passionate about Neuropsychological and Psychological Evaluations as they are a powerful tool to help adults understand their cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and personality patterns and identify their strengths and weaknesses. Testing and assessment guide the development of person-centered treatments that can help individuals achieve wellness.
As a health psychologist, I promote whole-person wellness for successful living
As someone with a background in health psychology and neuropsychology, I study a wide range of factors that can affect a person’s overall well-being. These factors can include evolutionary, neurodevelopmental, genetic, environmental, sociocultural, socioeconomic, health, and lifestyle factors that can have an impact on both physical and mental health. It’s important to consider all of these factors together, as the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
I believe that you are more than just an experience, a diagnosis, a disease, or a disability
My work focuses on helping women, the neurodivergent, and those with chronic illnesses develop resilience, hope, and inner peace
Through my approach, I help clients develop a growth mindset, improve emotional intelligence, strengthen willpower, and develop self-love and acceptance. My ultimate goal as a clinical psychologist and health psychologist is to promote mental, physical, and spiritual health, and help women get into and stay in mind-body-spirit alignment.
Women need safe spaces where they can receive the support and guidance of fellow women. I founded Avatar Cognitive and Behavioral Center to encourage women to embrace their vulnerabilities and unique qualities while developing the confidence to become the woman they want to be.
I invite women to join me on a journey towards self-actualization!
I find a tremendous amount of fulfillment when I see women, especially neurodivergent women and those with chronic illnesses, blooming in therapy! In online therapy, I help women forge authentic connections (with themselves and others) while designing a fulfilling, meaningful life. If you’re neurodivergent, I can help you foster your unique gifts while affirming your lived experience. My health psychology patients get help achieving brain and body integration, making chronic illness more manageable. If you’re interested in testing and assessment, I make the process approachable and painless.
You don’t have to face your difficulties alone
I see all my patients as complete, whole human beings with the ability to heal and transform themselves. While an accurate diagnosis is essential and has the potential to change a life, I believe that we are more than just the sum of our symptoms or diagnoses. My role is to be your partner and guide, so that you can use a diverse range of skills to not just manage psychological or neuropsychological conditions but also thrive with the beautiful brain you have been given.
I consider myself to be an integrative and holistic healthcare provider. This means that I use a variety of techniques from different approaches to meet the unique needs of my patients. I meet you where you are in your journey and rely on evidence-based therapies such as cognitive, behavioral, and humanistic therapies to facilitate a person-centered experience. Additionally, I use neuropsychological and psychological evaluations to support your self-discovery, positive transformation, and healing journey.
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
Behavioral therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic pain (CBT-CP)
Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I)
List of therapies I offer:
Cognitive processing therapy (CPT)
Cognitive rehabilitation
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT)
Prolonged exposure (PE) Therapy
Solution-focused therapy (SFT)
What is it like to work with me?
Our first meeting is an opportunity to introduce each other and determine whether we are a good fit. I value the goodness of fit between a patient and provider as a critical factor in success.
I will meet with you genuinely interested in your story: what has happened to you? Where have you been? What have you learned? Who are the main influencers in your life? Where are you currently, and where do you want to be? You will have opportunities to ask questions that help you decide if you want me to be your professional partner in therapy. Asking questions is necessary to build trust.
Over a few sessions, I will be curious about your self-view, your view of others and the world, your role models, your relationships, education and work experiences, health behaviors and history, dreams, spiritual practices (if any), cultural views, hobbies, and other things you feel like sharing. I must make you feel at ease and safe; therapy may feel like a conversation with a good friend. You are more than what brought you to therapy, which is also essential to explore. In our work together, we can unpack how the many factors in your life influence your health and well-being.
After a few sessions, you may have clearer goals for therapy. Together, we will collaborate on a plan to help you reach these goals. At this point, I will determine if you are a good candidate for evidence-based therapy (typically a more structured approach that often involves homework between sessions) or if you would benefit more from an integrative modality. Regardless of the approach, you will be informed every step of the way, as I am a specialist in specific therapy modalities, and you are a specialist in your own life. Our mutual commitment is key to the success of therapy.
I am a holistic health psychologist. My approach is friendly, flexible, available, and responsive. I am fully invested in your health and wellness and seek to partner with you on your healing journey.
In our sessions, we will determine and work toward your therapy goals. Once your therapy goals have been achieved, we can consider completing the treatment. However, it is common to have booster sessions if you need support after treatment has been completed and to ensure that the progress made during therapy is maintained over time. It is also possible for people to return to therapy in case new goals arise in the future. As a therapist, I value flexibility and understand that therapy goals may need to be modified or changed to adapt to the changes that occur in life.
I am committed to ensuring that you feel heard, seen, safe, comfortable, empowered, and respected throughout our sessions. Your autonomy is paramount, and I will always respect your decisions and choices.
I founded Avatar Cognitive and Behavioral Center in 2022 because I saw a need for women, especially neurodivergent women and those struggling with chronic illness or pain, to have a safe space to explore their unique gifts and design a life that caters to their strengths
For those who wonder about the meaning behind our name:
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This word is taken from its Eastern meaning, the manifestation of one’s appearance. It symbolizes the embodiment of the soul to demonstrate the true self through enlightenment by overcoming all obstacles that obstruct its manifestation.
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The capacity of humans to act as they choose or prefer.
The word “Avatar” signifies more than just a name. It represents the idea that you have the potential to grow into your best self and take control of your life if you choose to do so. By understanding both the internal and external factors that influence your life, you can develop a better sense of yourself and your surroundings. With the right mindset, enlightenment is possible. Moreover, the word “Avatar” is a reminder of the divine feminine energy and power that lies within you.
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Taken from the context of Western philosophy and the etymology of the Latin noun cognitio. Cognitive means the mind’s capacity to learn, remember, and reflect upon interactions with the external sensory world and the internal process of imagination.
Want to learn more about me?
The person….
I was born and raised in Cuba, where I inherited a diverse cultural background. My ancestry includes indigenous Caribbean, colonial Spanish, and African heritage, which instilled a deep appreciation in me for diversity. Growing up, I was exposed to Catholicism and Santeria, which sparked my fascination with spirituality and its role in the human experience.
Living in a communist country and later immigrating to the United States taught me valuable lessons about navigating different cultures, valuing freedom, and appreciating opportunities. I am grateful to the government that welcomed me with open arms and to those who helped me along the way.
My parents also influenced my worldview. My parent, with a graduate degree in applied physics, taught me to look beyond the surface and sparked my interest in science. My other parent, with a degree in finance, helped me develop my analytical side and understand the role of self-motivation. This has opened my eyes to the role of geo-economic and geo-political influences in communities. However, the most valuable life lessons came from the women in my life, particularly my grandmothers. They taught me minimalism, kindness, family, giving, unconditional love, the power of letting go, and the power of passing on wisdom to others. These lessons inspired the creation of Avatar Cognitive and Behavioral Center, which was born out of the lovely and rich memories of my grandmothers.
I live a simple life. When not working, I enjoy a good book, a cup of tea, enjoying my rocking chair, a good podcast, nature scenes, a long walk, and a good workout. Of everything, my children’s smiles bring me the most joy.
The professional….
Once upon a time, I wanted to be a lawyer. I dreamed about defending or protecting others. So studying Criminal Justice makes the most sense. Forensic psychology courses and personality profiling captivated me, paving the path to my doctoral degree in psychology. As I grew older, I became more fascinated by brain development across the human lifespan.Consequently, I chose to specialize in neuropsychology during my clinical psychology degree program. Eventually, I became fascinated by the connection between the mind, body, and spirit and decided to complete my postdoctoral education in health psychology, a field that examines how biological, social, and psychological factors influence health and illness. And so I became a health psychologist!
Life is an exciting journey, and the rest is to be continued…
The education and training…
Post-Doctoral Fellowship
Florida State University College of Medicine
Focus: Clinical Health Psychology-Integrated Primary Care
Doctoral Psychology Internship
Centerstone Consortium-AllCare Medical Centers
Focus: Medical Psychology and Neuropsychology
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology
Albizu University-Miami Campus
Concentration: Neuropsychology
Master of Science in Psychology
Albizu University-Miami Campus
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
Universidad Metropolitana-South Florida Campus
Do you have questions?
Get in touch with us today via the contact form below, or by phone (call or text) or e-mail
Are you interested in embarking on a
journey towards self-actualization?
Look no further!
Avatar Cognitive and Behavioral Center offers holistic assessment and care, as well as evidence-based treatments provided by our team of expert psychologists and therapists
Our services include online Neuropsychological and Psychological Evaluations and Therapy tailored specifically for Women in Florida