

If you want positive results in your life and finally want someone to walk you through the emotions you’re experiencing, i’m your person.
My superpower is helping you find yours. My experience & training enables me to show you strengths you never knew existed within you. I specialize in helping you manage your anxiety and break through negative barriers that prevent you from reaching your goals.
I am a retired Army Nurse Corps Veteran and a Doctorate-prepared Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, with over 20 years of nursing experience, with the past 5 years as a practitioner. I've treated clients both in the inpatient and outpatient setting diagnosed with depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar, psychotic disorders, and substance use disorders.
Feel stuck? I can help! I seek to help my clients develop skills, discover new strengths, and gain insight to navigate our sometimes chaotic world. I especially like to work with people experiencing anxiety and related disorders. I spent 30 years in the public school setting, 18 as a certified school counselor at ALL levels (but mostly JHS and HS), where I served diverse populations and needs. Because I've seen a lot, I've got a lot of tools in my toolbox to teach you ways to move forward!
The name of my practice is called, "Back Porch Therapy." I chose this name when I did indeed have a large back porch that always reminded me of warmth, safety, and security. The porch is now gone; however, my home office/or telehealth is warmly decorated in a pleasing and comfortable manner. You will receive the same smile I show in my profile picture!
Welcome! I am so glad you are here. Are you looking for a counselor with great listening skills, experience with online counseling, and a sense of humor to help you navigate your life transitions? I would love to help you! My name is Jennifer Spencer and I have been a LPC (licensed professional counselor) in Texas for over 10 years. I have worked with many different types of clients, helping them overcome their problems with stress, anxiety, burn-out, depression, relationships, and family issues. Whether you need help managing your anxiety, want assistance dealing with parenting (or school) problems, or require support to accept changes to your life, I have tools and resources to guide you.
What will counseling with me look like? Expect me to be honest, friendly, and direct. You will be in a safe environment where you can explore your feelings and your relationships without judgement. Some days you may need a good listener and some days you might want advice, and I am here to provide both. However, as we get to know each other, I will challenge you to set and make progress towards your goals. Although I use a variety of theories to guide me in my work, you will most likely learn a lot of cognitive behavioral techniques working with me. We will move at your pace, but we will examine what you think, and why you think it, to help you understand your feelings. Understanding your feelings, and how they connect to your thoughts and actions, will be your first step in setting goals towards making the changes you want to see in your life.
If you are curious about me, I am not a native Texan, but I got here as soon as I could. I have lived in several different states in big cities and small towns, and I love to travel and explore new places. I now live in a rural area with my husband, children, and dogs. When I am not helping clients or exploring the world with my family, I am probably reading a good book.
I am happy you have made the first step towards making positive change by seeking counseling, and I would love to help guide you towards the new path you want to be on in life.
Two decades of clinical excellence.
Dr. Cindy Ruelas-Tafolla's path to becoming a clinician began at age 13 with the sudden loss of her father — an experience that planted the seed of her life's purpose: to be the kind of support she needed during her own darkest moments.
She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Law and Society from UC Santa Barbara, her Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California, and her Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) from USC.
Over two decades, she has served as a Medical Social Worker, Case Manager, and Behavioral Health Therapist — bringing doctoral-level depth, board-certified credentials, and genuine compassion to every client she works with.


Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.