Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Pinellas Park, FL

One of the most empowering factors in my life has been spending 32 years as an Air Force Military Spouse. This empowered me to grow and learn through lived experiences in diverse groups. I’ve been a clinical social worker and prior substance abuse counselor for 30+ years working in a public agency, private practice, and with the US Army at Fort Carson, Colorado and at SHAPE, Belgium. I work across all ages to include both adults and children. In addition to my MSW in clinical social worker, I have an advanced graduate degree in Infant and Early Childhood Special Education Leadership and a doctorate degree in Curriculum and Diversity Studies.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Certified Recovery Peer Specialist and an Army combat veteran. I have extensive experience working with adults struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and substance abuse. My therapeutic philosophy includes an integrative approach and strongly believe in using a “mission-focused mindset” to help veterans and first responders overcome challenges associated with a variety of mental health issues.

As a licensed clinician, I focus on meeting with clients who suffer from trauma, depression, anxiety, life transitions, and mood disorders. I also help those who just need someone to talk to about life stressors and life decisions. I believe in assisting clients in finding their internal strengths and overcoming stressors. I offer both telehealth and in person options for therapy sessions depending on which you would prefer.

I am experienced in addressing eating disorders, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, and trauma. I have assisted those with substance use challenges, and people simply ready to make some changes. I am a supportive, compassionate counselor and am ready to process your thoughts and feelings with you, to help you live the life you want to live.

I am licensed as a mental health counselor, and for the past 11 years I have specialized in therapy with children, adolescents, families, and couples, in addition to providing qualified supervision of registered mental health counseling interns. More recently, I served as the clinical director of an infant mental health program in Sarasota, Florida. I received my Master's of Arts in Clinical Counseling from Columbia International University, and have provided therapy for families and couples in their homes, outpatient office settings, and in my private practice.

My approach to therapy for children and parents, and couples is attachment focused. My practice is based on the belief that we all need healthy attachments to significant people in our lives, and when we are hurting, it is then that we need others most. This is why I have found this therapeutic approach to be so effective. Relationships are at the core of our humanity.

CJ deeply believes that a person’s past does not define their future. With a potent blend of empathy and expertise, she is passionate about helping individuals uncover their innate resilience and capacity for healing. Her approach is rooted in the belief that even the most painful histories can be transformed into sources of strength.

Having grown up in foster care, CJ brings a lived understanding of adversity—not as her reason for becoming a therapist, but as a quiet source of strength that has shaped her superpower: the ability to sit with any form of trauma without judgment or shock. Her presence is steady, compassionate, and unshakable—able to hold space for stories that are often too heavy for others to carry.

Specializing in trauma-informed and somatic therapies, CJ supports individuals, couples, and families through experiences of PTSD, anxiety, and complex trauma. Her mission is to guide clients toward a life marked by grace, growth, and resilience.