Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Sarasota, FL covered by Cigna

My interest in mental health began during my military service as a Survival Instructor in the United States Airforce. During this time, I had the privilege of teaching students from all walks of life the skills to survive in any environment. I became fascinated with human behavior, stress management/responses and the profound capabilities of the mind, body and spirit when faced with adversity. While navigating through the wilderness, a waypoint is defined as "a stop along ones journey." It is a safe place where the traveler can take shelter, rest, gain insight on where they've been, accept and honor where they are, and determine their way forward. It's a place for healing. This is what I strive to provide for my clients. I completed my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Northwestern University. I have experience counseling couples, teens, adult individuals, and groups. As an Airforce veteran, I have a passion for serving military members and their families. Other interests include working with blended families, and LGBTQ+ individuals and their parents

I began my career working with children and quickly expanded my expertise to include adults and couples. Throughout my 26 years as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have seen the incredible power of the human spirit to overcome trauma and unexpected life struggles. Watching my clients transition from "surviving" to "thriving" remains the most inspiring part of my work.

Are you navigating grief, chronic illness or a rare disease, or a major life transition? Maybe you grew up in a family impacted by addiction, conflict, or instability, and want to explore how those experiences are showing up in your life today. These experiences can shape your boundaries, self-worth, and sense of responsibility for others—often influencing relationships, personal growth, and even physical health. In therapy, we’ll explore how your past and present connect, process what you’ve been carrying, and begin to shift patterns that no longer serve you—so you can move forward with greater clarity and self-trust.

Born and raised in Central Florida, I attended UCF and Rollins College. I have spent time in youth ministry and have extensive experience in health care administration, business management and sales.

I'm married with 3 young kids and love outdoor activities, golf, coaching little league and spending time with friends and family.

I work with clients dealing with low self-worth or self-esteem, depression, anxiety, compulsive & addictive behaviors, unwanted sexual behaviors, social isolation & disconnection, spiritual & existential issues, couples & relational issues, and much more.

Whether you are carrying the weight of trauma, feeling worn down by anxiety or depression, or working through a painful loss or a strained relationship, you deserve a space where you feel understood and genuinely supported. I am Shanda, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 28 years of experience walking alongside adults, couples, and families through life's hardest seasons. My style is open-minded, empowering, and solution-oriented. I will meet you with warmth and without judgment, and I focus on real, practical steps forward. When you are ready, I would be honored to see if we are a good fit.

Sometimes life doesn't just change, it collapses: divorce, betrayal, a custody conflict, or a future that looks nothing like what you planned. I'm Allyn Latorre, a licensed clinical social worker who has spent over a decade helping adults rebuild after exactly this kind of disruption. My approach is direct, practical, and trauma-informed. You don't need to have it figured out before reaching out; most people call me in the middle of something overwhelming, and that's exactly the right time to start.