Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Lithia, FL

I have a tremendous amount of experience helping people with stress, depression, anxiety, relationships, trauma, self esteem and other issues. I use a warm, trusting, empowering solution focused approach.

You don’t have to navigate this alone.

I’m a Licensed Mental Health and ART trauma therapist passionate about helping adults and teens manage the overwhelming challenges of life—whether it's anxiety, depression, trauma, or simply feeling stuck.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Certified Recovery Peer Specialist and an Army combat veteran. I have extensive experience working with adults struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and substance abuse. My therapeutic philosophy includes an integrative approach and strongly believe in using a “mission-focused mindset” to help veterans and first responders overcome challenges associated with a variety of mental health issues.

Everyone deserves a space where they feel heard, valued, and empowered to grow. As a licensed mental health therapist, I’m dedicated to creating that space for my clients, fostering a journey of healing and transformation.

Originally from the Midwest, I found my heart and home in Florida when I moved here for school in 2014. The sunshine, warm community, and opportunities to grow professionally made me stay! When I’m not working, I love spending time with friends and family—movie nights, game nights, and afternoons at the park with my nephew are some of my favorite ways to recharge and stay connected.

With over five years of experience, I’ve worked closely with children, adolescents, young adults, and families to address a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, PTSD, grief, sexual trauma, childhood trauma, self-esteem struggles, bullying, and LGBTQ+ issues. I also have experience supporting individuals with autism, antisocial personality disorder, and schizophrenia.

One of the most empowering factors in my life has been spending 32 years as an Air Force Military Spouse. This empowered me to grow and learn through lived experiences in diverse groups. I’ve been a clinical social worker and prior substance abuse counselor for 30+ years working in a public agency, private practice, and with the US Army at Fort Carson, Colorado and at SHAPE, Belgium. I work across all ages to include both adults and children. In addition to my MSW in clinical social worker, I have an advanced graduate degree in Infant and Early Childhood Special Education Leadership and a doctorate degree in Curriculum and Diversity Studies.

My core belief is simple: I believe in you and your ability to become the healthiest, most fulfilled version of yourself. Life often makes it hard to see that potential, let alone know how to get there. My role is to be your guide and ally on that journey.

My path to becoming a clinician has been intentional. Beyond my master's degree in counseling and advanced post-master's training, my work in non-profit and community mental health has given me a breadth of experience with people from all walks of life. This doesn't mean "I've seen it all," but it does mean that I'm prepared to meet you where you are, without judgment. No matter what you're going through, if you are ready to take a step, so am I.

Look, nothing gets better if we don't find a way to face it safely. That's why therapy takes courage. It took courage just to get this far, and you already deserve credit for that. When you're ready for that first, brave step of reaching out, I'll be here, ready to loan you some of my hope until you can hold it for yourself.

Welcome! My name is Emily, and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida. I earned my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh, following my undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan. I have experience working with individuals throughout the lifespan and I believe therapy is most effective when it feels supportive, collaborative, and grounded in trust.