Grief counselors and therapists in Oviedo, FL

I got my start working in a residential setting, supporting people through serious mental health challenges, trauma, and addiction. That experience shaped how I see therapy, it’s not just clinical, it’s about feeling understood and not alone in what you’re going through. I now work with people dealing with things like trauma, emotional ups and downs, and substance use, and I’m trained in EMDR. While I have experience with more intense situations, I also work with people who feel stuck, reactive, or disconnected and want to understand why.

I’ve been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California since 1995 and in Florida since 2001, with decades of experience supporting individuals, couples, families, and groups. In addition to my clinical work, I’ve served as a motivational trainer, consultant, and adjunct faculty member at over 20 universities, community colleges, hospitals, and medical centers.

My approach is rooted in psychoeducation — helping you better understand yourself while giving you practical tools to navigate life’s challenges. I enjoy working with people from all walks of life and have experience supporting clients through relationship issues, life transitions, personal growth, and emotional healing. I also facilitate seminars, workshops, and small groups, where I create a supportive space for learning, connection, and growth. My goal is to help you feel understood, empowered, and equipped to move forward with confidence.

I started my career in New York City then moved my practice to the sunny state of Florida. My experience over the past 15 years is working with adults navigating everything from everyday stress to deeper emotional wounds. Life gets complicated sometimes, but you don't have to do it alone! Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside people through their most vulnerable moments—and watching them rediscover their strength, gain clarity and build confidence.

“The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.” — Mulan

For the past five years, I have been honored to walk alongside my clients as they navigate challenges like anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationship issues, and self-esteem issues. I also work with clients struggling with mood disorders, OCD, and personality disorders, amongst other conditions. My journey in this field began with my education at the University of Central Florida, where I built the foundation for my clinical practice. It has been my mission to create a space where you can be yourself and we can work together towards healing.

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.