Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Sanford, FL

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.

My passion lies in helping individuals live their best lives by transforming unhelpful thought patterns, releasing trauma, and breaking free from mental and emotional blocks that no longer serve them.

I take an eclectic, integrative approach to therapy—tailoring each session to meet your unique needs. With graduate training in Counseling and Psychology, and additional degrees in Education and Leadership, I bring a well-rounded perspective shaped by years of experience in diverse roles, including teaching, academic advising, addiction counseling, and working with couples, children, and families.

Drawing from a range of evidence-based and holistic modalities—such as Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Energy Psychology—I strive to create a compassionate and empowering space for healing and growth.

Having navigated my own transformative life experiences, I deeply understand what it means to face challenges, cultivate resilience, and emerge stronger. My purpose as a counselor is to guide others through their own journeys of healing, self-discovery, and personal evolution.

My warm and interpersonal style fosters a sense of safety and trust, allowing clients to feel seen, supported, and inspired as they work toward living more authentic, balanced, and fulfilling lives.

Welcome to my page! I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am committed to assisting adults and elderly dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and more live a healthy fulfilled life.. I am currently accepting new clients in Florida.

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.

I specialize in PTSD, anxiety, depression, and support for gay, lesbian, and bisexual clients. For 16 years, I’ve helped people navigate crisis, chronic mental health concerns, and life transitions with care and clarity.

My experience includes inpatient psychiatry, corrections, community mental health, youth counseling, and hospital-based crisis care. I provide diagnostic assessments and therapy tailored to each person’s needs.

I’m committed to creating a supportive, goal-focused space where you can feel heard and understood. If you’re ready to begin healing and move forward, I’d be honored to work with you.