Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Port Charlotte, FL

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 25 years of experience. My current focus is working with children, adolescents, and young adults between the ages of 2 and 22. My practice is dedicated entirely to this age group because I believe early intervention and meaningful support during formative years can have a lasting, positive impact on a young person's life. I have worked with youth navigating a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, behavioral difficulties, and family, social and school-related stress. I often incorporate play therapy techniques into my work with young people, highlighting the ways that children and youth often express and process their experiences most naturally, through creativity and play. I also have a strong commitment to supporting parents as partners in the therapeutic process.

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.

I believe that prioritizing your mental health is a major key to a happy, fulfilling life. Seeking help can be one of the hardest parts, so congratulations on taking that step! I’ve been practicing for 5 years, but before I was a therapist I taught high school. Because of my background in education, I love working with young adult females who are struggling with identity, self-confidence, anxiety and depression.

I specialize in working with men who struggle with issues related to self-esteem, people-pleasing, communication and relationships.

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.

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.