Grief counselors and therapists in Panama City, FL

Hello! I have over 25 years of experience walking alongside individuals through both challenging and transformative moments. I believe people heal best when they feel genuinely seen, understood, and supported, and I strive to create a therapeutic space where clients can safely explore their emotions, experiences, and personal growth without judgment.

I help individuals build resilience, expand their capacity to tolerate distress, and strengthen emotional regulation skills that support long-term well-being. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and tailored to each person’s unique needs and goals. I believe meaningful change happens over time, and I work to support clients in growing at a pace that feels both safe and empowering.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified School Counselor in the State of Florida. I have been working with children, adolescence, families, and adults for 26 years. I specialize in positive psychology, social emotional wellness, families and parenting, addiction, anxiety, stress, and wellness.

I truly believe I was born to help others, and caring for people has been a passion throughout my adult life. With more than 20 years of experience as a licensed counselor, I've had the opportunity to support people through anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, relationship concerns, mood disorders, and many of life's difficult transitions.

My experience has taken me across a variety of settings and populations, including more than 10 years working with teens. I understand that reaching out for support isn't always easy, and I want you to know that you deserve a space where you can feel heard, understood, and supported. No matter what brings you to therapy, my goal is to meet you with compassion and without judgment as we work together toward greater clarity, healing, and a healthier way forward.

There is nothing more profound and sacred than our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual wellbeing.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Master’s Level Certified Addiction Professional (MCAP), Certified Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapist (TF-CBT), and Qualified Supervisor (QS) for the state of Florida. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in 1997 from the University of Central Florida (UCF) in the field of Psychology. In 2001, I graduated with Honors from Webster University with my Master’s degree in Counseling.

I started my career in 1995 as a Behavior Specialist, working with children and their families. After 10 years of dedicating my time to this population, I ventured out into the unchartered territory of addiction; specifically substance abuse and eating disorder. Since 2014, when I am not providing therapy locally, I travel as a Military & Family Life Counselor (MFLC); serving our military families on military installations; in the US and abroad. In 2022, I became certified as a Yoga Teacher and Social Emotional Learning Facilitator.

Avril Lindsay Dennis, LCSW-QS(FL), CGP®, LCSW-R (NY), has been a practicing Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over twenty years. After earning her graduate degree from Fordham University, she pursued postgraduate training, including a certificate in Interpersonal Trauma. This became a passionate area of specialty for her, which also includes understanding the needs of individuals with substance use disorders & providing mental health support for those in twelve-step programs.

Over her career, Avril has specialized in treating & supervising the care of children & adolescents with trauma & psychiatric illnesses within child welfare, juvenile justice, & mental health settings. Avril has worked with adults in crisis situations, as well as those with long term medical issues.

She has collaborated with two service dog organizations over the years, taught & presented on the topic & trained & worked with several of her own therapy dogs. She and her current therapy dog, Eli, continue to volunteer in various programs.

In 2016, after a successful career in New York City, she relocated to Central Florida to continue her public service work.

In her spare time, Avril enjoys spending time with her spouse & dogs, relaxing at home, camping, visiting the beach, sewing & crafting. She works to find gratitude for every moment life presents.

I help clients regain their sense of power, purpose, and passion in every aspect of their lives. I believe each one of us have been given the ability to transform our lives to where we are not just living, we are thriving! I hope to help clients by connecting them to what they truly want out of their relationships, starting with how they see and relate to self.

With over 30 years of experience, I am not a "typical" therapist; I prioritize an active partnership focused on achieving your optimal performance. If you are ready to do the work and gain lasting control over your mental and physical health, call today to schedule an appointment.

Hello!

I’m a Licensed Psychotherapist who is passionate about helping women and families create lasting change in their lives.

A former homeschool teacher and family consultant, today I specialize in alleviating childhood wounds, present day anxiety, relationship patterns, parenting challenges, and nervous system regulation. My approach blends evidence-based therapies with empowerment, warmth, curiosity, and genuine connection.

I believe that when we better understand our experiences and patterns, we can begin creating the life and relationships we truly want. For ourselves and our children.