Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Deerfield Beach, FL

“We are never more fully alive, more completely ourselves or more deeply engrossed in anything than when we are playing”. -Charles Schaefer. Play is vital for children to express themselves and learn about their surroundings and general environment. In addition to exploration, it is essential for their development. Allowing the space for them to play freely generates the possibility of understanding their world and their motivation. Instead of the traditional format of communication, we often learn more about a child's thoughts, feelings, motivations, and struggles by watching them play.

To be able to give a child power, motivation, and confidence will set the foundation for a successful life. Often times when dealing with a traumatic situation and learning to deal and cope with it effectively, allows a child (or anyone for that matter) to become the best versions of themselves and learn to move forward.

Play Therapy sessions with a Licensed clinician that cares and helps create a safe place. I guide my clients and their parents every step of the way and implement various methods to help them develop new attitudes towards all of life’s most complex matters. The works I do benefits children coming from abusive homes and dealing with some of those challenges.

I am a compassionate psychiatrist dedicated to caring for patients of all ages. My goal is to help each patient feel comfortable, supported, and truly heard during every visit. I am fluent in English and Spanish, and I take pride in working with diverse patient populations while providing attentive, patient centered mental health care

Hi, I’m Maikel Echemendia, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner serving patients in Florida through both in-person and telehealth appointments. I specialize in helping adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, insomnia, panic symptoms, mood disorders, ADHD, trauma-related symptoms, and life stressors. My approach is warm, supportive, and practical. I believe patients should feel heard, respected, and understood—not judged. Many people come to treatment feeling overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, anxious, or stuck, and my goal is to help them regain stability, clarity, and confidence in their daily lives.

Around the office, Marilisa (she/her) is known for her vibrant hair, comfortable jeans, and barefoot-friendly approach to work. It takes only a brief introduction to see that she has found her true calling. Passionate about her practice and grounded in her own personal peace, Marilisa naturally carries a sense of calm, steady warmth wherever she goes.

“I want you to know that I’m here to support you with you with warmth and honesty. I’ll listen deeply, but I’ll also be directwhen it helps. You move forward. I’d believe I’m working towards real practical solutions so you’ll always feel heard, and we’ll take steps that make a difference in your life.“

Natalie is a compassionate ANCC Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience. She provides care to a diverse patient population in Florida, offering both virtual and in-person psychiatric services. Additionally, she extends virtual psychiatric care to patients in Colorado.

Her approach emphasizes individualized treatment plans and a client-centered methodology. Natalie's primary objectives are to ensure that every client feels heard, to educate clients on participating in their health journey, and to deliver professional care.

I'm Jeanette, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and co-founder of Full Time Human here in Davie, Florida. I work with individuals, couples, and families, and I run the practice alongside my mother, Doris, so I bring both clinical training and real lived experience in how families work. My focus is helping families through hard moments, whether that's a rough patch between partners, a struggling teen, or a household that just feels out of sync.

Are you feeling overwhelmed? Experiencing transitions or periods of uncertainty? Are you going through a phase of impactful life changes? Such as moving to a new area, relationship transitions, career changes or even being on your own for the first time. I have experience working with young adults and college student's, helping them manage and find solutions during crucial periods in their life.

Population focus is children, teens, young and middle-aged adults.

CBT

TFCBT

DBT

My name is Amy Lee Ellowitz and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I specialize in working with individuals navigating major life transitions who struggle with feeling overwhelmed by loss, relationship changes, identity shifts, and other "lifequakes" that shake their foundation.

I help by blending evidence-based therapeutic methods with genuine understanding drawn from my own experiences with transformation, creating a safe space where you remain in the driver's seat while building resilience and rediscovering your authentic self. In our first few sessions, you can expect a compassionate, affirming environment where your story is honored, your pace is respected, and we begin processing your experiences while establishing the foundation for meaningful growth. My practice is unique because I bring personal understanding of life's major disruptions and view challenges as opportunities for transformation rather than defining moments, always honoring your unique identity and journey. I am passionate about this work because your story matters deeply to me, and I believe lifequakes can become the foundation for renewed purpose—you don't have to navigate these changes alone, and witnessing your resilience and growth is deeply meaningful.

My clients arrive feeling overwhelmed by major life disruptions. They're questioning who they are, feeling isolated, and struggling with anxiety or grief. They want to rediscover themselves, build resilience, and transform their pain into meaningful growth with compassionate support.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Master Certified Addiction Professional with a deep passion for motivating and advocating for my clients. I hold a master’s degree in Educational Psychology, a second master’s in Mental Health Counseling, and a Ph.D. in Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Marriage and Family Counseling from Barry University.

I believe in creating a non-judgmental and empathic environment where my clients feel safe and free to examine their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

I'm Deborah Mondlak, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker based in Hollywood, Florida, specializing in trauma, grief, and life transitions.

My work is grounded in the belief that healing doesn't have to take years. I use Accelerated Resolution Therapy® (ART), an evidence-based approach that helps people process painful memories and difficult experiences rapidly — often within a few sessions — without requiring you to talk through every detail. I also draw on Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and somatic approaches depending on what each person needs.

I work with adults navigating loss, major life changes, and the aftermath of traumatic experiences. I am also fluent in Spanish and welcome Spanish-speaking clients.

I received my Master of Social Work from Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University and have trained extensively in trauma-focused modalities.

I completed my undergraduate studies at Florida International University. I obtained a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling at Nova Southeastern University and completed both a master’s and doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Albizu University. I gained predoctoral internship training at University of Central Florida and a postdoctoral fellowship at Jackson Health System in affiliation with the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.