Eva Mendes, LMHC, NCC, is a widely recognized couples’ counselor who excels at working with couples where one or both partners have Asperger syndrome and are on the autism spectrum.
I wanted to take a minute to sincerely thank Eva and the organization for doing such an outstanding job on the monthly group sessions. My daughter could not stop raving about how much she enjoyed group and how much advice she gained. She also said she feels less stressed about college options after hearing from the other girls. Again, I am so grateful she has the opportunity to participate—these types of groups have never been successful in the past so this is a great accomplishment.
Just wanted to tell you that is it amazing how Eva has turned the Women’s Group around. She has recruited new members and instilled a direction in the group that was missing before. Her skillful leadership is recognized by all and I feel I am learning a lot from her and loving it.
I have known and collaborated with Eva for a long time. Among her many strengths, her greatest advantage lies in her expertise of working with clients of diverse cultures. Having lived on two different continents and traveled many countries, Eva is extremely aware of different cultural values, backgrounds and dynamics that play a role in a person’s life. She deeply cares for all her clients and has a unique, individualized approach towards each of them. I highly recommend Eva as a therapist and a couples counselor.
After suspecting that Gautam had AS while we were dating, things went really downhill in the first year of our marriage. We reached out to Eva through AANE. She was the fourth therapist we had connected with, but the first who was able to instantly diagnose Gautam. Eva truly got the whole picture – and I finally found someone who understood what I was going through and didn’t put off our troubles as “personality clashes.” We’ve been working with her for over a year now with regular video calls on Skype from our home in India. Eva’s warm, easy going and non-judgmental nature makes it easy for both of us to open up to her- an especially important quality given that Gautam isn’t very comfortable opening up to new people. Eva is the best thing that has happened to us- we would not have made it this far without her!
When we first met with Eva I was as tired as a marathon runner who sees the finish line but has no strength left to cross it. I was totally spent, exhausted with trying to make an emotional connection with my husband. I smiled at that first meeting when I did not think I could and since then there have been times when I have found my laughter again. Eva is warm and respectful and very much the instructional guide that my husband and I need as we learn to communicate with each other in a way that is beginning to meet our deepest needs. My husband seemed so relieved at her assessment of his Asperger’s. He has often commented to me that “she gets him.” He is willing to learn. He has hope for himself and for us, so I am willing to become a student as well.
One of the most insightful counseling professionals I’ve met in years! I feel blessed to have connected with Eva. I can honestly say her article is the clearest and most valuable I’ve ever read on the subject of a nonspectrum/AS marriage! Simply put, Eva has incredible insights and talent in this field!
After just our first session with Eva I felt that she understood me. It was as if she knew my twin. Eva is very knowledgeable about Asperger’s, and already in only a few sessions has had a positive impact on our marriage. My wife was increasingly frustrated with me. Eva has helped both of us understand how we can improve our ability to communicate with each other, taking into consideration that I have trouble “reading people” and need time to process emotional situations.
We traveled from Florida for a 2-hour session with Ms. Mendes that transformed our marriage from being at the brink of destruction to being on solid ground and giving me new hope of a happy life with my husband. It was amazing to see how one visit with the right professional could make such a dramatic change in our lives. This was the best investment in our marriage that we could have made. Worth the time, effort and money to travel across the nation to see Ms. Mendes. I highly recommend it!
Eva has a wonderful gentle but firm way with clients, and is very thoughtful and caring toward them. She has a special way of connecting to clients, according to each clients’ needs, neurology and personality. She is able to use her theoretical clinical knowledge in a practical and useful way. I highly recommend Eva.