About

Bilingual Counseling Services

My company name is Sol Shines On, PLLC.  I offer bilingual virtual counseling. The name was chosen with much intent, meaning and purpose. This is a bilingual company and I wanted a name that represented both languages of English and Spanish, hence the mix of English and Spanish in the title. Sol means sun in Spanish, so essentially the name means, “Sun Shines On.” Sol is also a homophone for the word soul so in essence I also believe the soul shines on and can overcome any adversity or challenge.

I believe there is a light at the end of every tunnel and hope to be found in every situation. My whole take is to try to be sunny, optimistic, hopeful and bright with every situation. Even during bad weather storms and moments, the situation and storm is only temporary and eventually the sun comes out again and the sun shines on. This is meant figuratively and literally. In counseling, I believe your outcome of your life can truly be changed by your mindset shift. It all begins with your mind and thought process. A treasured quote is by Chinese philosopher and writer, Lao Tzu, “Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny.” Your ultimate destiny begins with your thoughts. So choose to believe the sun or sol shines on. Choose to believe there’s hope. Choose to be optimistic and see the glass half-full. Choose to change your thoughts for better. I know I do, and this is my mantra and what I strive for daily.

Meet The Counselor

 

 Josalynn Cartagena, LPCMy name is Josalynn Cartagena and I am an LPC and have my M.Ed. in school counseling. I am also EMDR trained. Before I moved to Texas, I attended the University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Communications focused in radio and television and graduated in 2006. After my first career in radio, I decided I wanted to do more to touch lives and became certified as a bilingual EC-4 teacher. For a decade I served the students in my district as a bilingual Pre-K and Kindergarten teacher. I was able to plant the seeds of kindness and help children foster a love of learning from their youngest years and teach them the Golden Rule, “Treat others the way you want to be treated” as well as reading, writing and their core subjects. Going back to school for my masters degree and studying counseling has been what I felt, a calling I was led to. 

 In 2018, I answered that call and graduated with my masters in school counseling from CA-CREP accredited Sam Houston State University. I was able to complete my practicum at The Woodlands Counseling Center at SHSU and interned at an elementary school and a women’s shelter. Since 2019, I have been working in public education as a middle and high school counselor. My knowledge and experience also led me to work for a tutoring company, Tutor Route with the youth as the Director of the Mental Health Program.

When I’m not counseling, I enjoy traveling, reading, fine-dining, attending festivals and farmers markets, salsa-dancing and my everyday role of being a mother to my three children, who I truly consider to be my miracles. I have a passion for people, positivity and thrive to find joy and purpose in every situation.

My goal as your counselor is to team up with you as you journey through this thing called life. I hope to help you find your purpose and reason for living and thriving. I cannot do all the work for you, but I can guide you, link arms with you and encourage you towards a brighter mentality, way and future. Due to my experience as a teacher to little ones for a decade, a secondary school counselor for 5 years, and having worked with adult clients in my private practice, I Feel very comfortable with all age groups. I am constantly striving to grow myself with continued education, certifications and specialties to expand my knowledge as a counselor in ways I can continue to help you grow.