Find a therapist in Fort Walton Beach, FL — covered by insurance

As a licensed mental health counselor, I passionately advocate for self-care and mental wellness while working collaboratively with clients to empower and build resilience and achieve mental health goals in a safe, empathetic space for healing and self-empowerment. I am prepared to assist individuals in coping and managing emotional, behavioral, and psychological challenges.

I specialize in anxiety and stress management for adults, teens, and children. I have experience working with individuals struggling with addictions and have discovered a love of helping people in this capacity. A resilient individual is able to withstand or recover quickly from challenging life events. Let me help you grow through what you go through.

I have 23 years of experience as an educator and understand students' daily stresses. Mistakes happen. It's what you do with them that matters. Let me provide the compassion and empathy you need to overcome life's struggles. I will listen genuinely without judgment and support you in overcoming trauma, adversity, tragedy, daily stress, and much more.

Congratulations on your courageous decision to seek help! Self-awareness is the first step to change and I go above and beyond to help those like you who choose to actively help themselves. Understand that the path to self-discovery and growth is not easy. It involves commitment, personal investment, and a desire to delve into the process of growth, healing, and self-love.

I'm a retired veteran, have been working as a social worker/therapist since 2004, and have been in private practice since 2017. I have extensive and successful experience helping people with trauma/PTSD, relationships, boundaries, emotions, domestic violence, sexual trauma, substance abuse, grief, parenting, and more.

l have been practicing for over 20 years. Listening to my clients and helping them navigate this increasingly complex world is my starting point. In therapy, I meet you where you are to help you look inward to find yourself and your strength.

Navigating a difficult relationship, struggling with a life transition, or just unsure how to proceed in making your life what you want it to be? I provide a supportive and totally non-judgmental environment for you to explore your options and figure out concrete ways to move forward.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Professional Mental Health Clinician, and Life Coach with over 25 years of experience providing inpatient and outpatient mental health therapy, as well as more than 30 years of working alongside individuals to help them create meaningful and lasting change in their lives. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Florida State University, a master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Georgia, and I am an active member of the Phi Alpha Honor Society.

I believe that the most powerful change happens when clients feel safe, accepted, and empowered to be themselves. My ideal client is motivated, engaged, and open to self-reflection—but in truth, everyone is welcome in my practice. Whether you’re struggling with past trauma, navigating current challenges, or simply looking to grow, my goal is to provide a supportive, judgment-free space where we can work together toward your goals. More importantly, EVERYONE is welcome to my practice!

As a professional counselor of over 30 years, with a wide range of life experience, my approach is real. I offer genuine empathy and will meet you where you are.

I create a safe place for you to share, explore and freely express your struggles.

I specialize in various areas and modalities. I value my relationship with you and believe that a trusting relationship is essential to the healing process. I will assist you with identifying and processing unresolved issues/grief/trauma utilizing psychotherapy techniques and methods. And help you overcome thoughts/behavior which are hindering your growth.

I look forward to having the opportunity to join you on your personal journey.

Do you feel abandoned by those you love? Do you feel overwhelmed by feelings of dread due to past trauma? Are you consumed by shame? Is living for you a never ending feeling of worthlessness? How many times have you felt you don't belong, even within your own family or circle of friends? Once is too much and I can help. Divorce, loneliness doesn't have to be your future. Nor do anger issues, anxiety or depression. You deserve to have self-worth and a positive tomorrow. Feel free to reach out to me. You are not alone.

Let us discover, together, new ways to look at change. My focus and passion is to help you reclaim your joy and peace. Marriages can be saved. Nightmares can stop and negative thoughts don't have to win. Our goal will be to find lasting solutions that work for you in your every day life.

Aurelio received his Graduate Degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Central Florida in Orlando. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker as well as a Qualified Supervisor for the State of Florida, and Internationally Certified Interventionist.

“My counseling style has developed over time to become one that does not spend time dredging up the past or spending time talking about the past session after session. This approach focuses on finding solutions for today and the future and keeps you on your new path while discouraging looking back because you are not going that way”.

Hi, I’m Iris, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I work with adults who are feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, mood changes, attention difficulties, or stress that’s making daily life harder than it should be.

My approach is warm, collaborative, and focused on the whole person. I believe mental health care should go beyond simply treating symptoms. Together, we’ll explore the factors that may be affecting how you feel—from life stressors and sleep to hormonal changes and metabolic health—and create a treatment plan tailored specifically to you.

In addition to psychiatric medication management, I also incorporate hormone-informed mental health care and medical weight management, recognizing how closely emotional well-being, hormones, and physical health are connected.

My goal is for you to feel heard, supported, and empowered with a clear path forward.

You don’t have to navigate this alone—support is here when you’re ready.

I have a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Jacksonville University. I’ve been at Wekiva Springs Center since 2022, and have experience with patients all over the spectrum from mood disorders, to substance abuse disorders, anxiety, PTSD, and psychotic disorders.

"Support for the woman who constantly cares for others. If you feel overwhelmed and stretched thin, I’m here to help you regain your balance and well-being."

My calling to this work comes from my own experience of holding everything in, carrying the weight of caring for others, and hiding my own exhaustion. For a long time, I understood what it meant to keep going even when I needed a break, to put others' needs before my own, and to believe I had to handle everything on my own.

Through my own growth and continued practice, I have learned the importance of self-care, self-compassion, and giving myself permission to slow down. I've learned that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, and that taking a break does not mean I'm falling behind.

These experiences have deepened my passion for helping other women who find themselves caught in the same cycle of giving, doing, and carrying-while quietly putting their own needs last. I believe you can care deeply for the people you love without losing yourself in the process.

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