Therapists in Fort Myers, FL

Maybe you've been recently diagnosed with a long term illness or you've had symptoms for years and you don’t recognize yourself anymore. You know these health struggles are somehow behind your depressed and anxious feelings, and you feel alone…like no one understands. Right now, you may have more questions than answers, but one thing you know for sure is that you’d do anything to get your life back. You grieve for the person you used to be and find it hard to imagine yourself living a worthwhile life with this illness trying to drag you down every chance it gets. (Due to demand, I ONLY accept clients with chronic illness concerns)

As a psychologist and nurse, I have a unique understanding of personal care, including both biological and psychological factors that influence feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. I work collaboratively with my clients to help them achieve their personal life goals to improve health and wellness, stress management, relationship functioning, and career pursuits using research-supported techniques. I empower my clients with information about the body-mind connection so that they can achieve an optimal life balance. My specializations include health psychology, trauma recovery, and pain management in adults and elders.

I aim to provide my clients with a warm, caring, safe, and accepting environment where they can explore their underlying issues and work towards a healthy resolution.

I view therapy as a place to help clients discover their strengths and develop their own personal style in problem solving so that they can reach their full potential. I focus on using research-proven techniques but adjusts these to the clients' needs. I primarily used cognitive-behavioral and client-centered approaches to counsel children, adolescents, adults, and their families.

Much of my professional experience includes a vast range of ages including children, adolescents, young adults, and seniors. I value the importance community connections by reducing the stigma of mental health in organizations as well as stress reduction techniques. I enjoy working with couples, and families who are struggling in communication. I specialize with overcoming life difficulties including trauma, grief and loss, relationship issues, ADD/ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, coping skills, self-esteem, infertility, family conflict and unexpected birthing outcomes. As well as overcoming perinatal/ maternal post-partum disorders.

Helping others has always been a big part of my life. As a licensed clinical psychologist my goal is facilitating the growth of my clients through accurate assessment and therapeutic care of their personal concerns. This may include providing guidance, support, and extensive understanding to those individuals who others depend on. Thus far, my inner passion and natural ability to connect with others combined with my scientist-practitioner experience has allowed me to build solid therapeutic relationships with my clients. Together we foster open dialogue and create a supportive and secure healing environment.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Master’s Level Addiction Professional (MCAP), National Certified Counselor (NCC), and trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) effective treatment for trauma. I have many years of experience providing therapy and support to clients with psychological, emotional, and interpersonal difficulties including clients with substance abuse problems and victims of domestic violence. I have a wide experience working with people who present concerns related to anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, grief and loss, life transitions, relationships, and maladaptive behaviors.

Have you been feeling less than your best? Far to often circumstances, relationships, faulty beliefs, negative emotions or a diagnosis dictate our quality of life. At Serenity, we are passionate about providing a non-judgemental and comfortable enviroment to allow our clients to reach their goals and start to enjoy the life that they deserve. We utilize many different approaches and techniques to help our clients feel their best. We meet clients where they're at and walk with them to reach their best potential.

NOW accepting new clients as of 3/10/2024. I have been a licensed clinical social worker for over 25 years, helping adults of all ages cope with the numerous stressors that life can hand us. I have received years of feedback from clients and their families telling me how easy I am to talk with. Having worked for years in clinics, hospitals, hospices, rehabs, and people’s homes, I have a deep understanding of the many issues that we can face in our lifetime.

By applying a supportive, compassionate, and caring approach clients have the ability to use multiple tools to enhance and maintain their quality of life. As your counselor, my goal is to engage you in co-creating an active treatment plan that is directly related to your identified concerns, issues, and needs. I will guide you through the multiple layers of life's maze that include situations and experiences, feelings and emotions, thoughts, choices, and decision-making. Together we will make progress and strive forward towards your desired outcome. I utilize therapeutic intervention techniques that fit or work with you.

“Slow breathing is like an anchor in the midst of an emotional storm: the anchor won't make the storm go away, but it will hold you steady until it passes." quoted by Russ Harris. This quote is a good reminder to us that in times when we may feel overwhelmed with the stressors of life, to just stop for one moment to slow down the pace of our life and our thoughts. I know taking this first step to obtain additional support in your life may not have been easy, but I am so glad that you did. My goal with working with you is to provide you these small reminders and to empower you to improve what is currently working well in your life.

Are you stressed? Are you feeling stuck? Sometimes you just need someone to talk to who will listen, who is trustworthy and non-judgemental. I provide a safe environment where you can express yourself. If you are going through depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship issues, stress, I am here to listen and I am here to help you feel better. Since everyone is different, I will use counseling techniques that will work for your unique situation. I will guide you on solving some of the issues that are bothering you. Things can get better and you will feel better.

Congratulations for having the courage to take the first step as you begin looking for a therapist. History shows that working with a trained experienced professional will often accelerate the healing process, whether it be anxiety, depression, grief, personal or family struggles, past or present trauma or painful experiences. Therapy can give you the tools to overcome anything you are facing that may be too overwhelming, complicated or painful to overcome on your own. So congratulations on your search, I am here to help and have immediate openings for the time being so please don’t wait to take that first step !

I am a licensed therapist with over 14 years of experience working in the mental health field. I am licensed to practice both in the State of Florida and Texas. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and have also been trained by EMDRIA to perform EMDR therapy. I completed my studies at Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida. I have experience working with clients who have a broad range and severity of clinical issues. I have experience working with substance abuse sufferers, trauma victims, families or couples struggling with relationships and marriage, and inter-familial conflict. Clinically,

Are you feeling lost, isolated, overwhelmed, or sad in a world where everyone else seems to be moving on? Are you ready to get unstuck and move past this stage of life? Are you looking for a down to earth, realistically positive, supportive, non-bias specialist to help you navigate life’s challenges?

Navigating the seasons of our lives can be difficult. I have over 20 years of experience assisting individuals navigate through the various mental health journeys life brings.