Grief counselors and therapists in North Miami Beach, FL

It's difficult making the first phone call, booking an appointment and admitting you need help. Whether it's depression, anxiety, a mood disorder or trauma, it's frightening to admit that everything isn't how you want it to be and you don't have all the answers. If you're experiencing sadness, anxiety, mood swings, intrusive thoughts or images, flash backs, numbness or insomnia, there is hope and there is help. I'm going to teach you skills to manage you symptoms, emotions and relationships more effectively.

Thank you for stopping by and for considering me to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing and restoration.

Life can bring seasons of challenge, anxiety, family conflicts and relationship issues that leave us feeling weary. If you’re seeking a safe and compassionate space to process your concerns, strengthen your faith, and gain practical tools for daily living, I’m here to help.

As a Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, my approach is both clinically grounded and faith based, if requested —guided by the belief that true healing touches mind, body, and spirit.

As a State Licensed Mental Health Counselor with many years of therapy experience, and several specific certifications, I can provide the level of care necessary to meet the needs of individuals who are experiencing a variety of mental disorders and or struggles with depression or anxiety as well as the stress of daily life. I also have an extensive background working with both trauma and sexual abuse and I can also assist with relationship issues.

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.

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

“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 have more than 30 years of experience in the behavioral health field and have been in private practice since 2003. I work with adults, older adults, adolescents, individuals, and families who are navigating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, grief, stress, relationship challenges, ADHD, anger, impulse control, substance use concerns, cultural or ethnic issues, and major life transitions. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology in Cuba in 1982 and later completed my Master’s degree at Florida International University in 1998. My background has shaped a warm, culturally sensitive, and practical approach to therapy.

I understand that reaching out for support can feel difficult at first. My goal is to help clients feel safe, respected, and supported as they take that courageous first step toward feeling better and becoming a healthier version of themselves.