Family therapy and counseling in Ormond Beach, FL

Greetings I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Florida board-certified addiction specialist. I use an integrative approach to mental health therapy, couples counseling and group therapy. If you suffer from unresolved trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health issues, let me help you thrive. I've spent my career working with couples, groups, families, and individuals. If you are seeking in-person therapy around Ormond Beach or on-line therapy throughout Florida call or text today. I accept most national and Florida insurance plans.

It has always been my desire to make a positive impact within the local community. I am excited to bring 20+ years of experience working with adolescents, young adults, and families. My extensive background in education as a school counselor allows me to build a better understanding of academic and social-focused client goals and translate these skills to societal settings and within the home. Specialized topics often addressed include social skills, anxiety, grief/loss of a loved one, divorce in the home, conflict resolution, peer relations, self-care, building self-esteem, stress reduction, building and repairing relationships, and behavior management. The development and growth of social-emotional health is more important now than ever before, and I am eager to assist my community through the platform of counseling and therapy.

My background includes trauma, substance use, crisis intervention, anxiety, OCD, and relationship challenges. I am especially passionate about supporting marginalized communities, particularly women and teens, while creating an inclusive and affirming space for all identities and lived experiences. I believe in breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and helping people feel less alone in what they carry.

My therapeutic approach is trauma-informed, collaborative, and tailored to each individual rather than forcing clients into one specific framework. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), a reprocessing therapy similar to EMDR. I draw from these approaches based on your unique needs, personality, and goals while balancing evidence-based interventions with authenticity, humor, compassion, and occasional tough love.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience supporting individuals across inpatient, residential, PHP, IOP, and outpatient settings, working with mental health, substance use, and eating disorders. I hold a Master’s degree in Social Work and am certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), an evidence-based approach that helps process trauma and distress more efficiently. My style is warm, collaborative, and tailored to each client, drawing from CBT, DBT, psychodynamic, and client-centered therapies. I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, substance use, and life transitions. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel seen, understood, and empowered to move forward.

I use a four- fold approach to treating beyond traditional psychotherapy to help you on your journey. I have PhD in Clinical psychology, two master's degree (one in community counseling, one in community psychology). I also have a degree in Addictions and one in business management. Having worked every level of care from an inpatient hospital setting, residential long-term care, in a jail, a prison, out-patient levels for intensive three times per week to one time per week and taught in two universities. I am working my favorite level of care on an out-patient setting. Training has been in addictions, mental health, couples and family systems. I have other specialties with chronic pain and nutrition/bariatrics and obesity and available to provide medical and court evaluations with limited testing. I see children from 12 and up and adults/geriatrics.

I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with 26 years of nursing experience in various capacities, including psychiatric mental health and addiction medicine for the last 8 years. My passion is to walk alongside my patients on their mental health journey, helping them navigate challenges, cultivate lasting wellness, and restore balance for a meaningful and fulfilling life.

~Meliorism- the belief that the world gets better; the belief that humans can improve the world. --This is not only the name of my practice, Meliorism Counseling LLC, but it's a core value I truly believe in. Using a focus on relationships, I work with individuals, couples, and families to obtain a sense of overall well-being and balance. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Qualified Supervisor in the State of Florida I have had the privilege to work in the dependency system, child advocacy setting, not-for-profit sector and private agencies. Services are available in office or through teletherapy.

Life can feel overwhelming when you are carrying anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship stress, identity-related challenges, or the pressure of trying to navigate the expectations of others while remaining true to yourself. Therapy offers a space to slow down, process your experiences, and build healthier ways of coping and moving forward. You do not have to face these challenges alone.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I am committed to creating a compassionate, affirming, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel safe being fully themselves.

I work with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, and understand the importance of feeling seen, respected, and supported throughout the therapeutic process.

I earned my Master’s degree in Social Work from Florida State University and my Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Women’s Studies from University of Florida, graduating cum laude from both programs.

My professional and personal experiences have strengthened my passion for advocacy, inclusivity, and empowering others to embrace their individuality and resilience. I believe healing begins with connection, authenticity, and self-acceptance. Reaching out for support can feel difficult, but it is also a powerful first step toward growth and healing. My goal is to help clients feel empowered, understood, and supported as they work toward becoming the healthiest and most authentic version of themselves.

“Have you been carrying a lot, but haven’t had a place to truly unpack it?” I offer a client-centered, collaborative approach to therapy, creating a supportive space where you feel heard, understood, and respected. Sessions move at your pace, with a focus on understanding the root of what you’re experiencing—not just managing symptoms. I use evidence-based approaches tailored to each individual’s unique needs and experiences. I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, life transitions, and self-esteem. My work includes supporting adults from all walks of life, including veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, men and women, human trafficking victims, domestic violence victims, high-acuity clients, and those receiving care at different levels of intensity. My goal is to help clients gain insight, build effective coping skills, and move forward with greater confidence and resilience.