Grief counselors and therapists in Pembroke Pines, FL

Hi, I’m Maikel Echemendia, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner serving patients in Florida through both in-person and telehealth appointments. I specialize in helping adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, insomnia, panic symptoms, mood disorders, ADHD, trauma-related symptoms, and life stressors. My approach is warm, supportive, and practical. I believe patients should feel heard, respected, and understood—not judged. Many people come to treatment feeling overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, anxious, or stuck, and my goal is to help them regain stability, clarity, and confidence in their daily lives.

“I want you to know that I’m here to support you with you with warmth and honesty. I’ll listen deeply, but I’ll also be directwhen it helps. You move forward. I’d believe I’m working towards real practical solutions so you’ll always feel heard, and we’ll take steps that make a difference in your life.“

My name is Amy Lee Ellowitz and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I specialize in working with individuals navigating major life transitions who struggle with feeling overwhelmed by loss, relationship changes, identity shifts, and other "lifequakes" that shake their foundation.

I help by blending evidence-based therapeutic methods with genuine understanding drawn from my own experiences with transformation, creating a safe space where you remain in the driver's seat while building resilience and rediscovering your authentic self. In our first few sessions, you can expect a compassionate, affirming environment where your story is honored, your pace is respected, and we begin processing your experiences while establishing the foundation for meaningful growth. My practice is unique because I bring personal understanding of life's major disruptions and view challenges as opportunities for transformation rather than defining moments, always honoring your unique identity and journey. I am passionate about this work because your story matters deeply to me, and I believe lifequakes can become the foundation for renewed purpose—you don't have to navigate these changes alone, and witnessing your resilience and growth is deeply meaningful.

My clients arrive feeling overwhelmed by major life disruptions. They're questioning who they are, feeling isolated, and struggling with anxiety or grief. They want to rediscover themselves, build resilience, and transform their pain into meaningful growth with compassionate support.

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

Around the office, Marilisa (she/her) is known for her vibrant hair, comfortable jeans, and barefoot-friendly approach to work. It takes only a brief introduction to see that she has found her true calling. Passionate about her practice and grounded in her own personal peace, Marilisa naturally carries a sense of calm, steady warmth wherever she goes.

“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.

As a licensed therapist with over two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through life's complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on empowering individuals, particularly those navigating midlife transitions, multicultural experiences, and healing from challenging personal histories.