Therapists in Treasure Island, FL

I am trauma therapist and provide individual counseling sessions for those who struggle with emotional regulation, low self-esteem and relational issues. If you are super self-critical or feeling worthless, I am here to help you restore your capacity to heal, grow and thrive and become a person who you truly are. Therapy may sound daunting, but together we can create a space to practice emotional regulation and/or change your old patterns to live life fully.

Specializing in Trauma/PTSD/EMDR Therapy.....I understand life's challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming. Whether you're facing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, past trauma or any other personal struggles, you've chosen to prioritize your mental health and that's something to be proud of. I am trauma-focused and provide you with a non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings so we can work together towards understanding, healing and positive growth.

My ideal client struggles with insecurities, fears, has low self- esteem, and difficulties to identify his or her strengths. He or she has fears, and anxieties, and create the worst possible case scenarios in his or her inner dialogue for situations that he or she finds threatening or challenging. Also my ideal client needs to identify strategies to better manage their time. My ideal client struggles with anxieties in his or her relationship, which could lead to codependency and anxious attachment patterns.

Unresolved Trauma, Chronic Stress, and Anxiety leave you feeling out-of-control and out-of-touch with the confident, curious, and secure self you used to know. You may be experiencing toxic shame or excessive guilt. You may fear that you are broken beyond repair or just a problem to be solved. Maybe you just want to enjoy your life but you feel haunted by the past, fearful of the future, and disconnected from your body. It can be scary to start this journey because you’ve become comfortable with the way things are even though you want them to be different. I help clients rescue themselves from the chaos and come home to themselves.

My goal is to assist you in realizing the highest level of self-fulfillment and well-being by replacing negative thoughts, feelings and self-limiting behaviors with confidence, healthy coping skills, and a high level of personal satisfaction for yourself and your relationships. I specialize in assisting clients who are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, and complex relationship difficulties.

Life transitions and change often bring up feelings of uncertainty and worry. Although, these transitions are often expected or even decided by us, it can cause an overwhelming sense of doubt and sometimes feelings of grief. I work with clients who are experiencing challenges with life transitions, like motherhood, coming in or out of a relationship, and grief and loss. My approach is to make meaning of your losses and transitions, support you through your experience and identify strategies to help you feel grounded, connected and seen.

I know it takes courage to seek help during hard times in life and therefore I try to create a safe environment for my clients to explore their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgement. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, trauma, abuse, coping with grief and loss. I utilize strength-based approach to help my clients find their authentic way to being content.

Dr. Sterling is a certified sex therapist, trauma-informed professional, and internationally recognized addictions specialist, working with couples since 2009. Her Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and doctoral research with military couples, combined with her lived experience, showcase her dedication to understanding and addressing military culture. She is a trusted ally for those seeking guidance in navigating communication, intimacy concerns, and the unique challenges military couples face.

You want to feel at peace...joyful and grounded. I help you explore the possibilities of change in an open minded, compassionate, supportive and unconditionally accepting environment. We'll work through the stories you have believed and get to know the real you! Throughout the therapeutic process, you will have an opportunity to access inner strengths, explore past experiences, confront fears, gain insight with a sense of mindfulness and curiosity. No matter where you are in your journey, whether it is to optimize emotional and/or physical wellbeing or maintain it, I can help you get there though a holistic, YOU centered approach.

Improvement is always possible. If you want help navigating change, connecting with others, feeling more confident, or just finding a way to add more happiness to your life, I would be glad to work with you. I will help you learn how your thoughts each day affect the actions you take and the emotions you experience. We will explore where current patterns may have originated and how you can utilize this insight and transform it into meaningful change.

It takes courage to begin counseling. To explore your present struggles and past experiences and find hope, connection and passion for life. If you are curious about engaging your story and beliefs; want to learn to listen to the wisdom of your body and attune to the sensations and emotions that move you, please reach out. We all need a place to safely explore and I would be honored to join you in this. I am passionate about accompanying you in moving towards wholeheartedness; believing that healing relationships are an integral way forward into restoration and growth.

This is an affirming, no hate, no judgment space. Growing up in the foster care system gave me a unique perspective on the key elements of resiliency and processing trauma. We offer a Therapeutic After School program M-F, as well as In-Person and Telehealth Services. I chronicle my journey as a foster child turned foster and adoptive parent in my New York Times Bestselling book, “Three Little Words” and sequel, “Three More Words.” Though it may be hard to see this now, your hardships and diversity are what make you that much more capable of tremendous success. Let's see how our comprehensive team can help you or your family!

Through a strengths-based perspective, I will help you examine how attachment patterns have formed and affect one throughout our lives. As someone who enjoys working with children, families and adults in a collaborative relationship, I offer structured exercises as well as a place to feel comfortable expressing emotions. I believe that the “relationship” is the strongest catalyst for change from a psychological perspective. It is up to the client to create goals and it is my job to help you find ways to meet them. Positive Psychology helps one to develop resilience, optimism, happiness, motivation, hope and positive thinking.

Are you struggling? Wish you could handle situations differently? With Michele you can find a safe, non-judgmental, caring space to share what is on your mind. Having a comfortable place to discuss life's various stresses can be helpful. For others, a more comprehensive mental health counseling program is necessary. Michele can also add a spiritual dimension to therapy. Michele practices Holistic/Integrative Therapy by using various counseling tools and techniques to best help her clients including Talk Therapy, CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy), and, IFS (Internal Family Systems).

Welcome and congratulations on taking the first step! Are you feeling stuck, anxious, overwhelmed or depressed? Are there some aspects of your life you would like to explore and change? I am a compassionate therapist who provides a safe space for my clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, worries and relationships. I will help you to build upon your existing strengths and guide you in making the changes you want to make in your life.

I understand that calling a therapist can be anxiety provoking. There is something inherently strange and nerve-wracking in talking to a stranger about your deepest fears and challenges. But this uneasiness does not exist in my office. I will not blankly stare at you as you delve into your personal history. You will feel heard and understood. During sessions, I engage and interact on an authentic, human level. I provide a safe place for you to reveal your troubles and will help you achieve whatever solutions and life changes you are seeking.

Guided by a comprehensive bio-psycho-social model, I approach therapy by considering all aspects of clients' lives, including chronic and acute illnesses. My passion lies in working with couples, individuals, and families as they navigate difficult situations. I offer expertise in addressing depression, trauma, divorce/separation, life crises, illness, grief, conversion disorders and intimacy issues. Furthermore, my specialization in Medical Family Therapy allows me to provide a systemic perspective to assist clients in overcoming the unique challenges associated with chronic diseases, acute medical difficulties, grief, and loss.

One afternoon I told my wife that after another tour, I would be leaving the U.S. Coast Guard for a very different career. Serving my country and the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard is one of the greatest honors and privileges of my life. After serving nine years I knew that directly assisting and serving people is the life-giving work of my heart. I became a Social Worker and therapist because it is my greatest joy and pleasure to support you as you unify all your strengths and gifts to release your Faith, Hope, and Love into society.

I hold a personnel belief that the client needs to tell their story, feel safe in doing so, and form a bond of trust with their therapist. I have worked in mental health for 17 years. My background started in Criminal Justice. My first Masters degree is in this field, and continued to a Maters in Counseling. There was always one common thread, people were broken. A broken person loses trust, in both people and themselves. Building the therapeutic rapport is the beginning of trust, and the first step to healing. Mood and emotions can be deceptive, people want to give up, isolate, may be angry or dysfunctional. Take the first step.