Ximena Abondano , LMHC

I've worked with Ximena for 8 months and it's not hyperbole when I say the conversations we've had have changed my life. We connected strongly from our first session, when her non-judgmental, kind, and honest approach let me know that she was the kind of person I'd both enjoy and benefit from working with. She brings that approach to talking about all my life situations regardless of how "unusual" they may be. She helps me figure out how I really feel about things, takes my concerns seriously but keeps things humorous, and calls me out and is "blunt" though kind about pointing out when I say things that are harsh or unrealistic about myself. She has helped me so much with my self-image, relationships (of all flavors), and (gradually) changing my perspectives to ones that are kinder to myself. We have video sessions once a week, and I can send her a message if I experience a sudden mental crisis or anxiety. I know she'll respond when she's able to and we can go more in depth in my next session, but having a place to reach out, ask for help, and express my feelings the moment they happen creates an immediate feeling of relief. When you're struggling, just knowing someone's willing to listen and to help can mean the world. Ximena helped me realize the power I have over my own life and I'd recommend her highly, especially if you're approaching therapy with the idea that it doesn't have to be a lifelong process, and that you can change the narratives in your head to serve you rather than hurt you. I still have negative thoughts about myself sometimes and maybe I always will, but my sessions with Ximena have been a huge step toward feeling better on a daily basis. My perspectives and internal narratives have definitely changed, and I want to thank Ximena for helping me feel excited about my future again.

Written on Aug 09, 2021 after therapy with Ximena for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd

Wow. Where to start with Ximena?! We got paired up on here at a very difficult time in my life - nothing seemed like it was going right. I was over worked, not having any fun and was in a few unhealthy relationships in a row that brought and kept me down. Worst off is I was being terrible to myself.
Through talking with Ximena I was able to change my perspective on almost everything in my life. I was able to clearly articulate boundaries with myself and those around me to enhance my life and it allowed me to work less and rest more, and have a standard in my life of how people in my life are allowed (and not allowed) to treat me. Most importantly my relationship with myself blossomed and continues to grow every day.
1000 thank you’s to Ximena helping to carefully and effectively push me in the right direction. She is bright, open, funny and full of (what seems to be) infinite wisdom. My life has been much better after doing the work she suggested I do and I am endlessly grateful for her and our time together.

Written on Aug 05, 2021 after therapy with Ximena for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, and adhd

Working with Ximena has had a profoundly beneficial effect on my life. She is such a kind person, but she is also firm on what matters. She was very good at challenging my own negative self-talk and gave me the tools to learn to communicate with the parts of my self that have been giving me grief, rather than just reject them in an obsessive thought cycle. I found our conversations fascinating too: she is hugely well versed in her subject and was very good at making connections to unexpected places. Numerous times I had "How didn't I see this before?" moments about my own mental patterns. Should I ever decide to do counselling again, it would be with Ximena.

Written on Jul 22, 2021 after therapy with Ximena for 6 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety

What do I say about Ximena! She is really a warm and lovely person at heart and that is what is the key to her successful counseling sessions. She is a patient listener and a candid speaker, but in a subtle way which is not demeaning to the clients. I enjoyed all my sessions with her. She helped me challenge and accept my thought process with a different perspective which has given me the confidence just to be myself and explore different aspects of human life which I always shied away from. It was simply a joy to talk to her about my feelings and let it all out.
I would definitely recommend Ximena and I wish her the very best for future.

Written on Jul 01, 2021 after therapy with Ximena for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and parenting issues

Ximena was warm, insightful, and a wonderful listener. She knew when to be gentle and when to be blunt. Her positive attitude and active reframing made our sessions enjoyable-I usually found myself laughing at least once every session. She has helped me gain confidence in myself and my capabilities; she provides resources and simple/easy homework that brought it all together! 10/10 would recommend

Written on May 14, 2021 after therapy with Ximena for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, and career difficulties

Ximena is the best! Our conversations helped me find my sense of purpose, confidence, and resolve. She is incredibly empathetic and knowledgeable, and I always felt like she was listening closely without judgement. Her approach helped me on a path to a much healthier mindset. I highly recommend her to anybody who is struggling with life.

Written on Apr 19, 2021 after therapy with Ximena for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, self esteem, career difficulties, and adhd

Ximena is quite literally changing my life. She is always so helpful and positive and makes you see things from a neutral or positive light. She has reignited my passion for music and I can't thank her enough. She is so wise and listens intently. Couldn't recommend her enough. Thank you for all that you've done.

Written on Mar 18, 2021 after therapy with Ximena for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes

Ximena has helped me get to the root of some issues quickly with a great deal of understanding and empathy. I have valued her insight in the short space of time we've been able to work together.

Written on Feb 01, 2021 after therapy with Ximena for 4 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, grief, self esteem, and coping with life changes

You can tell that Ximena has a long experience in her field. She asks direct questions that makes you reflect on the issue in a different and better way. I appreciate every advice she gives and it has helped me feel better in a very short amount of time

Written on Jan 30, 2021 after therapy with Ximena for 1 month on issues concerning relationship issues, and coping with life changes

I have had just a short time with Ximena, she already has my confidence and I believe she has the skills, experience and education I need. Very kind and caring.

Written on Jan 21, 2021 after therapy with Ximena for 2 weeks on issues concerning intimacy-related issues

Ximena is kind, but firm. She tells you what you need to hear, and uses your input to lead you to where you truly want to go. Ximena has harmless me more than I ever thought was possible in the short time I have been meeting with her and I look forward to continuing our sessions!

Written on Jan 18, 2021 after therapy with Ximena for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, career difficulties, and adhd

I think she is absolutely fantastic. She has such a wonderful, caring nature about her and always listens to you whole heartedly. She always provides helpful advice and leaves me feeling very positive after every session. Highly recommend.

Written on Jan 11, 2021 after therapy with Ximena for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, and self esteem

Ximena is thoughtful, really well spoken and she knows the subject of “life” very very very well.

Written on Jan 11, 2021 after therapy with Ximena for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues

I was simultaneously feeling hopeless and eager prior to using BetterHelp, having had a great therapist and then giving up after never being able to find another that suited my case. I was worried about the cost, the time, and the possibility of having a mismatch - but excited to heal and move forward. Now, almost a month later, I can confidently say that BetterHelp has been an amazing space - and beyond that, Ximena has been wonderful and truly has a passion for her field that is evident in her work. I would highly recommend her as a therapist for anyone that is seeking therapy for the first time, is on the fence, or is ready to jump back in. She is precise and attentive in her speech, cares about her patients, and is all about communication and feedback. Without a doubt, the best therapist I've had.

Written on Jan 08, 2021 after therapy with Ximena for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and compassion fatigue

Ximena was a very kind person when I spoke to her and was able to offer very useful information when it came to what I had to say.

Written on Jan 08, 2021 after therapy with Ximena for 1 week on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, anger management, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd

She is super helpful

Written on Jan 05, 2021 after therapy with Ximena for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes