Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) Therapists in Bradenton, FL

What do you need to make the changes you desire in the way you think, feel and live? Allow me to assist you to access and draw upon your most powerful self to make those changes and achieve your goals.

My clinical experience encompasses working in a multitude of settings such as mental health agencies, private practice, public school systems, and home-based services. I have a great deal of specialized training and experience in addressing depression, stress & anxiety, PTSD, relationship & familial conflict, and substance abuse. Providing counseling support often includes helping with adjusting to life changes and transitions, including coping with grief and loss as well as helping those who are or have been in traumatic and/or abusive situations.

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, my professional interests and clinical experience focus on relationship issues, family and parenting challenges, work-life balance; stress, anxiety and mood management; self-esteem, and grief counseling. I always strive to create a warm, non-judgmental environment in which clients feel understood and comfortable exploring issues, while cultivating self-awareness and coping skills as they embark upon the journey to create positive change.

I believe that each and every one of us faces our own unique challenges and transitions throughout our lifetime. Sometimes these changes may become too much and it interferes with our daily lives and how we function and/or interact in our relationships. I specialize working with adults who are going through change in their life which may include loss or bereavement, loss of relationship or divorce, change in role (i.e., parenthood, retirement, caregiving, etc), significant change in health, career change, relocation, etc. I also support individuals that may experience depression, anxiety and trauma/PTSD.

I work with individuals of all ages who are struggling to cope with life's challenges. I have a special interest in Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive and Related Disorders, and working with individuals on the Autism Spectrum.

As the clinic director at Ellie Mental Health I am committed to the mission of making mental health services accessible to everyone and ending the stigma around mental health. Clients who come to Ellie will feel comfortable and supported in their journey of healing and reaching their personal goals.

I offer over 28 years of clinical experience to address your emotional & physical issues with counseling and evidence based natural medicine. We have all experienced emotions that manifest in our bodies as pain. You may experience stomach pain after an argument or headache at work. You may notice you get anxiety that feels like low blood sugar signals. Emotions manifest in our bodies and our body gives us signals. I help guide people into understanding how to listen to their body while including Cognitive Behavioral therapy for attaining a stronger sense of self. Mindfulness starts when we reside in our bodies; empowerment follows!

My journey of helping individuals and families began as a child and family social worker. I worked closely with individuals and families to provide support and services to ensure all their needs were met and they had all the services available to help them thrive. I have worked as a trauma specific therapist, helping children who have had traumatic experiences learn to cope and manage their thoughts, feelings, and emotions.

I believe in an open, honest, and client-centered approach to create a safe and non-judgmental space for therapy. My ideal client would have experienced trauma, struggle with anxiety and/or depression. An ideal client might just need help navigating everyday life or recent challenges. Clients often report feeling "on-guard,” and experience trouble relaxing, focusing and sleeping. If you are tired of your trauma symptoms and want to build an empowered future, then we might be a good fit.. My clients will be seeking a therapist that uses a collaborative approach to achieve client goals and begin healing. I am a LGBTQIA+ ally.

** Now accepting new clients in person or via telehealth! ** I’m passionate about connecting with others in a meaningful way, sharing their challenges and successes. I view therapy less about giving advice and more about listening, understanding, and problem solving together. I specialize in working with children, tweens, teens, young adults (college) and pre and postpartum moms.

Receiving a Master's in 2007 and Doctorate in 2016, my studies have inspired my career. Working for over a decade as a Nationally Certified School Psychologist, and also being a Florida Licensed School Psychologist, I am experienced in conducting psycho-educational evaluations, providing individual/group counseling, and collaborating with educators and families. In New York State, I worked as a School Psychologist in private/public schools for 8 years and as an Associate Trainer with Crisis Prevention Institute for 3 years. Since 2015, I currently work in a Florida public school district and also lead a Crisis Stabilization Team.

We are a small private practice specializing in cognitive-behavioral strategies and strength-based counseling. We see people of all ages and conduct individual, couples, and family therapy sessions. Our staff work with a wide variety of issues including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, self-injury, suicidality, trauma, divorce, and grief/loss.

I am a social worker licensed in Florida with 10 years of experience working as a faith-based counselor. I want to help cultivate a purpose-driven life that expresses a positive, life-affirming view of your identity. Understanding and walking out the root causes in the areas where you feel inadequate, anxious, and depressed will bring freedom into your life and relationships. Christian counseling is unique as it allows me to combine faith and principles of the Bible with other counseling methods such as motivational interviewing, client-centered therapy, solution-focused, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

What makes you do things that are the exact opposite of what you want? Research reveals, in part, that your unconscious motivations conflict with your conscious intentions. Many blame themselves for making the wrong choices that are conscious but, somehow beyond their immediate control. Without your knowledge, the unconscious drives you in another direction and at your core lay the threatening force of fear that can drag you away from where you want to go. Every time you sense anxiety or fear, you apply the brakes, slow down your journey, and prevent yourself from living your fullest life. We offer psychological tools to move forward.

Are you struggling with issues related to trauma, grief, anxiety, or life changes? There comes a time when help is needed from a licensed professional to cope with many of life's challenges. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I'm here to support you on your journey toward healing and self-discovery.

The key aspect to treatment is establishing a therapeutic relationship, first. Building trust and understanding the person I am helping is important and leads to better results. In therapy, I come from a compassionate, empathetic, supportive approach. I work collaboratively with individuals on the goals they want to work on. Together we will explore what may be challenging and devise a plan on how to overcome those challenges and celebrate success.

Let's make the changes in your that life you desire to see. Welcome. I am looking forward to helping you. Assisting my clients in achieving their goals is my highest priority. I work with adults, teens, children, families, and couples to evaluate and treat: Trauma, Substance Abuse, Mood problems, Relationship and Intimacy issues, Family Conflict, Child and Teen Behavioral struggles, and more. Most of my clients express feeling emotional relief and having different thoughts about their concerns after our very first meeting.

I have diagnosed and worked with hundreds of women of all ages and have found that many are struggling daily with feelings of sadness, low self-esteem, decrease in motivation, ongoing worry, fatigue, poor sleep, racing thoughts, self-doubt and much more. I recognize and confidently address the various symptoms that present themselves as the result of a fast paced, social media driven and pressure filled life. Perhaps you are struggling with past trauma and feel unsure how to heal from it. You are not alone. I recognize the hesitation associated with beginning to engage in therapy, be proud you are taking the first step.

I have more than 15 years of experience working with children and adolescents with a wide range of mental health concerns, such as ADHD, trauma, abuse, adoption/foster care, depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, and Autism, just to name a few. I use techniques such as play therapy, art therapy, and traditional talk therapy with my clients, based on their age and preferences.