Grief counselors and therapists in Estero, FL

Personally and professionally, I pride myself on my rapport with everyone that I encounter. I have genuine and unconditional respect and patience for others. I remain objective and non-judgmental, while still developing close working relationships that are productive and challenging. I specialize in improving thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and outcomes.

I enjoy working in music production, and share music therapy exercises often. I look forward to delving into any interests that you are looking to pursue. It is very important to discover your talents and develop confidence in articulating and communicating thoughts and feelings. These can be great coping skills, recreation, or even a potential career.

I graduated from The Ohio State University with my DNP in 2020 focusing on efficient pathways to implement depression screening post-stroke to identify mental health needs. After working a couple years as a nurse practitioner within neurosurgery, I transitioned from Ohio to Florida and pursued my PMHNP certification from Florida State University. Over the past 5 years I have been treating psychiatric needs in LTC around Florida. I am currently working to expand into independent practice and work personally with individuals creating a therapeutic relationship and enhancing their mental health.

I am licensed in Florida with multiple years of experience. I have experience in helping clients with mental health problems. Currently, my focus is Anxiety and Depression.

My journey toward becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor was significantly influenced by my graduate program at Rollins College, as well as by my undergraduate years at the University of Florida. Working with emerging adults, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community, affords me the opportunity to channel my life experiences into empathy for my clients. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I recognize that mental health and well-being are informed by having the confidence and courage to live as one's authentic self. I strive to help my clients do this within the framework of the identities they hold and experiences they've had.

My style of counseling is grounded in authenticity, compassion, and meaningful human connection. I believe healing begins in a space where you feel seen, heard, valued, and accepted without judgment. As a person-centered therapist, I see you as the expert on your own life and honor the experiences that have shaped you. My goal is to offer a warm, supportive relationship where you can explore your thoughts and feelings openly, reconnect with your strengths, and move toward the life you want to create.

I have worked with diverse populations in a variety of settings, including inpatient psychiatric stabilization, homeless prevention, and integrated healthcare. These experiences have allowed me to develop an eclectic skill-set with a person-centered approach. I love being a social worker and having the privilege of helping others heal and grow.

Whether you are carrying the weight of trauma, feeling worn down by anxiety or depression, or working through a painful loss or a strained relationship, you deserve a space where you feel understood and genuinely supported. I am Shanda, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 28 years of experience walking alongside adults, couples, and families through life's hardest seasons. My style is open-minded, empowering, and solution-oriented. I will meet you with warmth and without judgment, and I focus on real, practical steps forward. When you are ready, I would be honored to see if we are a good fit.

My focus is to help individuals heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths. We achieve this by providing a neutral safe space, listening to your concerns, and customizing a treatment plan. I want to walk alongside you and help to empower you. Together, we find hope.

I am dedicated to the mental health field and have been both a therapist and a clinical supervisor. My areas of knowledge include trauma, depression, grief, anxiety, adjustment disorder, substance abuse, ADHD, self-esteem issues, and life transition difficulties. I work with individuals, adolescents, couples, and families.

I offer no judgement and offer a space for you to safely discuss any issues you're navigating. I help you to move forward feeling feeling empowered and autonomous.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of New York. My approach to therapy is warm, open-minded, collaborative, and supportive. Throughout that process, I use an integrative

approach utilizing DBT, CBT, strength-based therapy, and solution-focused therapy. I specialize in

couples’ therapy, and treatment resistant individual therapy.