Life & Work with Mayra Reyes of McAllen, Texas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mayra Reyes.

Hi Mayra, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My business, MLR Therapy & Consulting Services, PLLC, is the result of faith, resilience, and trusting that God had a better plan for me than the one I originally envisioned.

I officially established the business in May 2024, but the journey began much earlier. I started working independently in August 2020 after becoming a consultant for the Boys and Girls Club of Pharr-San Juan. That opportunity opened the door to what would become a life-changing path. After going through a personal transition, I took on a role as a contracting therapist with Women Together, a non-profit agency that supports survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. That experience inspired me to expand the scope of services I could offer.

My work now centers on two major focuses: being a Licensed Clinical Social Work Board Approved Supervisor and a Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher. These roles have allowed me to wear many hats—adjunct professor at a community college, consultant for a local non-profit, contract therapist, supervisor for future therapists, and a speaker at conferences and events.

Over the past five years, I’ve juggled these various roles while staying grounded in my mission: to bring more than just basic resources into my daughters’ lives. As a woman who grew up in Mexico and later moved to the United States, the transition came with challenges—but those very challenges built the resilience I needed to survive, thrive, and create something meaningful.

I never imagined I would be a business owner, let alone at this stage in my life. But here I am—running my own practice and living proof to my daughters that, as women, we are fully capable of building businesses and pursuing dreams, no matter what obstacles we face. That, without a doubt, has been my proudest accomplishment.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all—but every bump in the road has led to growth I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Back in 2011, I discovered a practice from India called Laughter Yoga. It instantly intrigued me, and after doing some research, I realized it wasn’t something anyone in my area was doing. I reached out to the only person listed locally on the official Laughter Yoga website, but to this day, I’ve never received a response. That didn’t stop me. Instead, I took a leap of faith and signed up for a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader training in Dallas, Texas.

After completing the training, I was nervous but excited to host my very first community session—12 people showed up. Most of them were confused, and honestly, so was I. I kept going back to my notes just to make sure I was doing it right. It was brand new territory, and even people close to me encouraged me to stop. They saw it as something extra I was adding to an already demanding counseling role. But I kept going because the feedback I received from participants was powerful—people felt better, lighter, and more connected.

About a year in, someone suggested that I pursue the next level of certification so I could bring this practice more formally to the Rio Grande Valley. It wasn’t easy, especially financially, but I eventually made it to Orlando, Florida, where I trained with Dr. Madan Kataria, the founder of Laughter Yoga. In 2013, I became a Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher and began training others in my area to become Certified Leaders.

In 2019, I faced another challenge—offering a session to a group of law enforcement officers. It felt like I had broken through a major barrier, and it inspired me to write a blog about my experience. Not long after, I was honored by Dr. Kataria with the title of Laughter Ambassador—a recognition held by only 2,000 people globally and just 50 in the U.S. That moment was a huge milestone in my journey.

Since then, I’ve continued blending my skills as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with Laughter Yoga, emphasizing the connection between self-care and mental health. This unique combination has allowed me to speak at local and international events, sharing the transformative power of laughter and healing.

Looking back, taking that initial risk was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I went from charging $50 for a 30-minute session to now starting at $300. This financial growth has allowed me to travel internationally, secure a down payment for my home, and support my daughters in their dance competition adventures.

“If I had listened to the doubts—my own or others’—I wouldn’t be here. Never underestimate where one brave decision can lead you.”

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work is deeply personal to me because it’s rooted in my own healing. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I specialize in supporting individuals—particularly women—who are navigating difficult life experiences, including domestic abuse, trauma, and cycles of generational pain.

In 2021, I made the life-changing decision to leave an abusive environment. That chapter of my life shaped who I am today and gave me a deeper understanding of what it means to not only survive but to rise and rebuild. I now use that strength to help other women who may feel stuck, unseen, or afraid to leave similar situations.

What sets me apart is that I don’t just approach this work from a clinical lens—I come from lived experience. I’ve walked through it. And because of that, my mission is clear: to empower women through mental health therapy by equipping them with tools, support, and a safe space to break cycles and rediscover their strength.

I’m proud to be a voice of hope and resilience. My work goes beyond therapy sessions—it’s about showing women what’s possible, that they’re not alone, and that a better life is within reach. Healing is not linear, but it is possible—and I’m here to walk alongside those ready to take that first step.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was raised with the strong belief that education was the key to success. We didn’t have much financially, but my parents taught me something far more valuable—how to work hard, stay grounded, and never give up on your dreams.

My dad was a retired teacher in Mexico, and my mom worked as a janitor. They didn’t have the means to provide us with material wealth, but they gave me something greater: values that have shaped every part of who I am today. Perseverance, integrity, humility, and faith—those were the lessons I grew up with, and now they’re the same ones I strive to pass on to my own daughters.

Even as a child, I was curious, determined, and always trying to help others. I didn’t know then where that would lead me, but looking back, I can see how those early lessons were planting the seeds for the work I do now.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mlrtherapy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.laughing.social.worker/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mayrajaha/