Grief counselors and therapists in Altamonte Springs, FL

As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and National Certified Counselor, I believe prioritizing mental health is key to happiness and stability in life. Seeking help can be one of the hardest parts, so congratulations on taking that step!

I’m Diera Woodard, LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I’m passionate about helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges with compassion, authenticity, and practical tools for real change. My mission is to create a safe, supportive space where you can heal, grow, and reconnect with your sense of purpose and peace.

Clients often describe my style as warm, honest, and empowering. I meet you where you are and walk with you as you develop the insight and tools needed to create lasting change. I believe that therapy should feel like a collaborative conversation — one that helps you understand your emotions, strengthen your coping skills, and move toward a life that feels more aligned and fulfilling.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, struggling with depression, or carrying the impact of past trauma into your relationships and daily life? You may feel stuck in patterns that are hard to break, disconnected from yourself or others, or unsure how to move forward. I work with individuals across Florida who are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship challenges. Together, we create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can process your experiences, build insight, and develop tools to feel more grounded, connected, and in control of your life.

Life can feel overwhelming when anxiety, depression, trauma, or difficult life transitions begin affecting your relationships, confidence, and ability to enjoy everyday life. You may feel emotionally exhausted, stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, or uncertain about how to move forward. You don't have to carry those struggles alone, and meaningful change is possible. I partner with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, cultural and ethnic issues, women's issues, and trauma so they can build confidence, strengthen relationships, and create a greater sense of balance and emotional wellbeing. Working with adolescents and adults in both English and Spanish, I strive to create a welcoming, culturally responsive environment where you feel understood, respected, and empowered to grow.

I started my career in New York City then moved my practice to the sunny state of Florida. My experience over the past 15 years is working with adults navigating everything from everyday stress to deeper emotional wounds. Life gets complicated sometimes, but you don't have to do it alone! Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside people through their most vulnerable moments—and watching them rediscover their strength, gain clarity and build confidence.

I’m a cis-gender heterosexual female. My husband and I have a high school aged son. I’m originally from St. Louis, MO but I have lived in Florida for a combined 36 years because I love living in paradise. One of the things I enjoy about virtual work is seeing my clients’ pets too.

I was a non-traditional student and got my bachelor's degree at 29 and my master's degree at 32. The life skills I gained as I worked my way through school have been helpful throughout my career. For some people, the age of their therapist is important. I am 49 years old.

Some of my helpful qualities include being non-judgmental. I have talked to people of all kinds, many ages with all kinds of histories and all kinds of present lives. There really isn't a topic you can't discuss with me, I have never felt a client gave me "TMI" or too much information. You are guaranteed privacy and confidentiality. You can get judgment for free anywhere else. I believe everyone is doing the best they can with what they know.

I am often told after first sessions that I'm easy to talk to and those clients feel better just having gotten some things off their chest.

I have treated children and teens throughout my career beginning at my first job in foster care.since beginning in I graduated from my masters degree. I have also treated adults with depression, anxiety, grief and loss, PTSD, sexual dysfunction, porn addiction, people in the LGBTQ community & people in alternative lifestyles.

I also treated patients in hospice as well as other medical settings. I treat people with chronic illnesses and occasionally I treat people with life limiting illnesses.

Here at Headway I will treat anyone who is 10 or older because I believe they are best suited for virtual therapy. I'm open to appeals about this policy.