Grief counselors and therapists in Oviedo, FL

Hi, I'm Connolly D'Souza. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Addictions Professional, and Certified Trauma Specialist. I support individuals navigating trauma, substance use, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. I offer a warm, nonjudgmental space where you can feel safe, heard, and supported.

As a partner in your healing, I’m here to guide you through the vulnerable work of remembering, reflecting, releasing, and reclaiming. Using compassionate listening, loving honesty, and intentional processing of the challenges and changes affecting your mental health, my hope for you is to recognize that peace is possible. Central to this journey is acknowledging and understanding how your identities such as race, gender, and sexuality shape your experiences and worldview. In honoring that, creating a partnership where all parts of your identity are seen, safe, and valued is crucial to my practice. I believe it’s important to create a space grounded in grace that allows you to be kind and gentle with yourself. As we “walk” together and unpack the root causes of complex issues in your life, I will be with you as we identify new ways of being/doing, coping strategies, systems of support, and tangible self-care practices. If you’re ready to take the first step, I would be honored to walk with you on your journey of growth and healing.

***Please note: If you do not see your insurance listed on my Headway profile, please go to my website to check my other platform, as I accept many other insurances. Rootedjourneypllc.com

Taking the first step toward therapy takes courage, and I'm so glad you're here.

I'm a licensed mental health counselor with a master's degree from Capella University, and I've had the privilege of walking alongside people through some of life's most challenging moments — from anxiety and depression to relationship struggles, big life transitions, parenting pressures, and career uncertainty.

My approach is collaborative and tailored to you. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered therapy, Mindfulness, and Solution-Focused techniques — not because one size fits all, but because you deserve support that actually fits your life. Together, we'll work to build insight, strengthen your resilience, and create real, lasting change.

I work with individuals, couples, families, children, adolescents, and LGBTQ+ clients, and I bring genuine care and an open heart to every session. No matter what brought you here, you don't have to figure it out alone.

We're all a work in progress — and that's a beautiful thing. I'm here to help you move forward, at your own pace, in your own way.

Trust the process. I'll be with you every step of the way.

Clients should know that I am deeply committed to creating a space where honesty, healing and emotional safety can exist without judgment. I understand that coming to therapy often requires courage, especially when life feels overwhelming, complicated, or uncertain. My approach is grounded in respect, authenticity, and clinical integrity. I value the therapeutic relationship and believe that meaningful change happens when clients feel seen, heard, and understood - not rushed, dismissed, or judged.

I bring both professional expertise and real-world understanding into my work. Due to having worked in a forensic psychiatric setting for over 16 years, I have experience working with complex emotional, behavioral, and trauma-related challenges. I approach each client with the belief that behavior is often a response to pain, and healing begins when we understand the story behind the behavior.

Clients should also know that I am direct, compassionate, and intentional in my work. I will support you, but I will also gently challenge patterns that may be keeping you stuck. My goal is not just to help you cope, but to help you grow, heal, and move toward a more grounded and peaceful version of yourself. I deeply respect each client’s pace and process. You are not expected to have everything figured out when you arrive. Therapy is a space for exploration, reflection, and growth.

Above all, I believe that healing is possible, change is achievable, and no one is too far gone to begin again.

Ever since I was a teenager I knew that one of my purpose in life was to help others. Also, I knew that one of my strengths is the capacity to connect with others.

Understanding the nature of our behaviors and the way we interpret life became a great challenge. I enrolled in Psychology School with a clear understanding of what I wanted professionally, but never imagined the profound and deep journey that I was about to begin.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to providing thoughtful, compassionate care to individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life transitions. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel truly heard and understood as we work toward meaningful, lasting change.

With extensive experience in both school systems and clinical settings, I support children, adolescents, and adults through high-stress and crisis situations. I am highly skilled in risk assessment and safety planning, helping my clients build effective, real-world coping strategies to manage their most difficult moments.

As a bilingual clinician, I am proud to provide services in both English and Spanish, helping expand access to care for diverse communities across Florida. I am especially passionate about helping my clients move through emotional challenges with clarity, resilience, and confidence.

Tired of feeling overwhelmed, stressed out or anxious? Do you find yourself overthinking or worrying about any and everything? Do you experience a rapid heart beat, sweaty palms, dry mouth and shaking? Feeling on edge, irritable or tense? All these things keep you from enjoying your life. They hold you back in your career or in relationships or other areas of life. You want to feel at ease and less stressed out. You want to go after what you want without second guessing yourself.

I help client's develop life-changing habits that allow them to cope with any of life’s various obstacles that provokes anxiety. During therapy sessions we will work together to identify goals and map out a plan to reach those goals. You'll receive tools that you can start using today and the validation and care that you deserve.

You will find a supportive, non judgmental, safe space to share. Contact me to schedule a free 15 minute phone consultation so I can answer any questions you have before we get started.

I earned an MSW from Tulane School of Social Work in 1989 and am a clinical social worker. I also practice Psychodrama and am a graduate of the Hudson Valley Psychodrama Institute in NY. I work primarily with musicians, actors & writers. I have a long history of working in non-profit agencies and schools, providing top notch care to disadvantaged and oppressed adolescents and families.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and nationally certified therapist with advanced training in trauma-informed care and ADHD treatment. I enjoy working with adults navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, and ADHD, and I strive to create a space where you feel comfortable and understood. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based therapies such as CBT and EMDR. I tailor each session to your unique needs, integrating tools like inner child work, mindfulness, DBT skills, and psychoeducation when helpful. I aim to support you in building practical skills, gaining insight, and creating meaningful, lasting change.