Meet Kassandra Balandrano, LPC-Associate
Supervised by Karen Shafer, LPC-S
Compassionate therapist by day, relatable human always.
A relationship therapist serving women and couples across Texas, specializing in anxiety, self-esteem, & relationship issues.
It is an honor to hold my clients’ stories, so thank you for considering me with holding yours! I do this work because I get it. Being a human is hard. Relationships can be complex. My goal is to help women and couples create stronger, healthier relationships starting from the inside out. Whether you’re a woman who feels weighed down by self-criticism and people-pleasing, or a committed couple who gets caught in the same arguments, I’ll meet you where you are with compassion, curiosity, and practical strategies for change.
I want to help you navigate life’s relational and emotional twists.
The more you feel grounded in who you are, the more authentic and fulfilling your relationships can be. My work starts with helping you understand yourself- your values, your needs, and the patterns that show up when life or relationships feel hard. When you have a stronger connection to yourself, you can communicate more clearly, set healthier boundaries, and respond with intention instead of reacting from old habits.
I draw from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), the Gottman Method, and Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) to create a supportive space where you can explore your experiences without judgment, gain new insights, and practice skills that lead to lasting change.
My approach:
I believe great relationships are built from the inside out.
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Think of our sessions as a team effort. You are the expert of your experiences & inner world, & my role is to provide guidance, tools, & support. We’ll work together, figure out what’s working & what’s not, and make adjustments as we go. It’s all about making sure therapy is tailored to your needs & values.
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We’ll explore the connections between your past experiences and your present challenges. Yes, we’ll dive into your history, but always at your pace! We’ll look for patterns & gain a deeper understanding of what you value most, helping you build self-awareness and create lasting change. It’s about peeling back the layers and finding those “aha!” moments, all while respecting your comfort & readiness. You’re in control of how deep we go, and when.
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Empowerment in our sessions isn’t about empty compliments. It’s about helping you recognize and build on your inherent strengths. We’ll identify the tools you already possess & develop new ones to navigate life’s challenges. My goal is to foster your autonomy and self-assurance, so you feel confident making choices that align with your values. We’ll celebrate your progress, acknowledge your resilience, and build a space where you feel capable and in control.
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I believe the relationship we build in therapy holds powerful potential to help you gain confidence in navigating all your other relationships. Creating a space where you can truly be yourself (whether that means joking around, chatting about pop culture, or even swearing when it feels right) is essential to genuine healing and growth. Here, you’re seen, heard, and accepted just as you are.
Therapy with me is…
Specializing in…
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My Training & Education
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Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Texas
Supervised by Karen Shafer, LPC-S
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Liberty University
BA in Psychology, University of Texas at Austin
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Gottman Level 1 Training
Certified SYMBIS Facilitator for Pre-marital Counseling
Life outside the therapy room
life stage
proud cat mom of 2 & aspiring foster pet parent
identity
neurodivergent, latina, wife, silly goose
cozy gaming, crafting, thrifting, reading, walk & talks with coffee
hobbies
currently reading
Dungeon Crawler Carl series by Matt Dinniman
currently watching
The Great British Bake-Off
currently listening
Man’s Best Friend by Sabrina Carpenter
Get in touch
You don’t have to go through this alone.
Click here to fill out the Client Welcome Form. After submitting, you will be prompted to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation call. If you have any questions, feel free to reach me at hello@thehealingcottagepllc.com.
change starts here
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change starts here —