Grief counselors and therapists in Port Orange, FL

I use a four- fold approach to treating beyond traditional psychotherapy to help you on your journey. I have PhD in Clinical psychology, two master's degree (one in community counseling, one in community psychology). I also have a degree in Addictions and one in business management. Having worked every level of care from an inpatient hospital setting, residential long-term care, in a jail, a prison, out-patient levels for intensive three times per week to one time per week and taught in two universities. I am working my favorite level of care on an out-patient setting. Training has been in addictions, mental health, couples and family systems. I have other specialties with chronic pain and nutrition/bariatrics and obesity and available to provide medical and court evaluations with limited testing. I see children from 12 and up and adults/geriatrics.

My background includes trauma, substance use, crisis intervention, anxiety, OCD, and relationship challenges. I am especially passionate about supporting marginalized communities, particularly women and teens, while creating an inclusive and affirming space for all identities and lived experiences. I believe in breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and helping people feel less alone in what they carry.

My therapeutic approach is trauma-informed, collaborative, and tailored to each individual rather than forcing clients into one specific framework. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), a reprocessing therapy similar to EMDR. I draw from these approaches based on your unique needs, personality, and goals while balancing evidence-based interventions with authenticity, humor, compassion, and occasional tough love.

I have more than 25 years of experience assessing and treating adolescents, adults, and families. While I appreciate numerous approaches, my patients have stated that I provide a melding of both direct and indirect styles. In other words, my standard of care is challenging and supportive. More often than not, you won’t leave a session wondering what’s next.

It has always been my desire to make a positive impact within the local community. I am excited to bring 20+ years of experience working with adolescents, young adults, and families. My extensive background in education as a school counselor allows me to build a better understanding of academic and social-focused client goals and translate these skills to societal settings and within the home. Specialized topics often addressed include social skills, anxiety, grief/loss of a loved one, divorce in the home, conflict resolution, peer relations, self-care, building self-esteem, stress reduction, building and repairing relationships, and behavior management. The development and growth of social-emotional health is more important now than ever before, and I am eager to assist my community through the platform of counseling and therapy.

Taking the first step toward therapy can feel overwhelming, especially when you're carrying anxiety, depression, mood changes, or emotions that seem difficult to manage on your own. I believe everyone deserves a space where they feel heard without judgment and supported through life's challenges. Whether you're navigating ADHD, bipolar disorder, anger management concerns, trauma, grief, relationship struggles, identity questions, or simply feeling stuck, my goal is to help you better understand yourself while building the tools you need to move forward. I work with both adolescents and adults, recognizing that every stage of life brings unique experiences and obstacles. Together, we'll create a supportive, collaborative environment where you can explore what's weighing on you, discover your strengths, and work toward meaningful, lasting change at a pace that feels right for you.

If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, and more, we are here to support you. Seeking help and opening up to someone new can be intimidating, but it's a brave step towards healing. I understand the importance of a supportive and personalized approach, which enables me to offer effective treatment plans tailored to your unique circumstances. I treat a variety of mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, among others. My extensive experience in a variety of mental health settings has equipped me to address both common and complex mental health needs with compassion and expertise.

Sometimes the way you learned to cope is no longer helping you live the life you want. You may turn to substances when emotions become overwhelming, find yourself reacting with anger you later regret, or feel trapped between anxiety, depression, and painful experiences from your past. These struggles can begin affecting your relationships, family, confidence, and ability to recognize yourself. I provide virtual individual and family therapy in English and Spanish for adolescents, adults, and seniors throughout Florida, with a focus on substance use and addiction, anxiety, depression, anger management, and trauma. I also support clients navigating family and relationship issues, PTSD, grief and loss, stress, major life transitions, women’s issues, maternal mental health, identity concerns, ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, and eating disorders when these challenges intersect with the primary reasons they seek therapy. My goal is to help you understand what is keeping you stuck, reconnect with your strengths, and develop healthier ways to move forward.

I have a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Jacksonville University. I’ve been at Wekiva Springs Center since 2022, and have experience with patients all over the spectrum from mood disorders, to substance abuse disorders, anxiety, PTSD, and psychotic disorders.