Therapists in Lakeland, FL

My name is Yilmaz Taskin. As a certified Marriage & Family Therapist and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I offer an open-minded, non-judgmental, and empathetic counseling/therapy approach in a safe and supportive environment. Some problems, in our lives, are either self-imposed or imposed on us by other means. What we perceive might be different than reality. Negative beliefs affect us mentally and physically. Misinterpretations and irrational or self-defeating beliefs can create unhappy feelings, self-doubt, stress, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, etc. Problems don’t go away by themselves, we need to resolve them.

I have been fortunate to have the majority of my referrals come through friends or family of prior clients. The passion I felt when entering the field of counseling 20 years ago, seems even greater today. More individuals and couples are genuinely motivated to seek deeper levels of understanding and self-awareness. Most behavior and thought patterns are learned early in our development. Many suffer due to repeated behavior and choices, involving friends, family, and relationships. Change in the choices we make, often results in positively altering the way we feel, perceive, and live life. Authentic change begins within oneself.

Life's challenges can be overwhelming when you're facing them alone. I'm here to really listen, to be supportive, and to help you find practical and/or creative solutions to what brings you to therapy.

Welcome! I’m so glad you found us and you’re here. We are radically honest therapists. At The Sage Counseling Center we are real people for real change. No judgment, no hidden agenda. We don’t sit behind a wall and you wonder if you’re being heard yet again. No! We believe in active, direct, and honest conversations and tools that help you live your best life. Counseling can work for what you’re going through because it’s worked for us too. That’s why we believe in it and dedicate our lives to its practice. At The Sage Counseling Center we are real people for real change.

My name is Yilmaz Taskin. As a certified Marriage & Family Therapist and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I offer an open-minded, non-judgmental, and empathetic counseling/therapy approach in a safe and supportive environment. Some problems, in our lives, are either self-imposed or imposed on us by other means. What we perceive might be different than reality. Negative beliefs affect us mentally and physically. Misinterpretations and irrational or self-defeating beliefs can create unhappy feelings, self-doubt, stress, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, etc. Problems don’t go away by themselves, we need to resolve them.

I look forward to serving children, and teens who may be experiencing trauma issues at school with behaviors, or needing interventions for ADHD and other Cognitive, Emotional, and Behavioral Issues. I look forward to serving couples and marriages on their journey towards Restoration. Also serving those who struggle with Substance Abuse and their journey to sobriety, with the many therapeutic approaches, am excited about serving our families to ensure they become a better version of themselves Prioritizing the needs of our clients, showing empathy, and being present is always top priority for client care, safety and stability.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Board Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor and a Board Certified National Counselor. My background is in marketing and sales however, a few years ago, I decided to follow my passion and enter the Helping Profession. My focus with each client is to work with them to obtain the best possible version of themselves. To do that, I partner with the client to assist them in learning and implementing strategies and coping skills that can assist in getting them to a better feeling place. This is a process, and each step of the way, we will work together to obtain a better feeling place.

Life is challenging. Often more is expected of us while we struggle to manage those demands. This is made even more difficult when dealing with depression, anxiety, anger, and other emotions that can drain us physically and influence our thoughts and behaviors. You don't have to face this alone. We can work together to help you find peace of mind through processing core issues and developing skills to meet future challenges.

Does your work and home life make you feel like you want to run away and hide? Is your life satisfaction at an all-time low? No surprise...you're stressed out, overwhelmed, anxious and seriously wondering what's the point?!?! Your digital life is a mess, all while juggling endless emails, daunting deadlines, tiresome meetings...and then faking a smile for the latest selfie. Even in the rare breakaway with your co-workers or friends, you find them judging that bald spot on the sides of your head where you're tearing your hair out over all the stress.

Are you a young adult or a parent of a teen who is struggling in life and feeling stuck without a way forward? Are you having difficulty getting from where you are to who you long to be? My goal is to create a safe space where my clients can begin to experience growth and freedom. I believe it is in relationships where we are harmed, but also where we find healing. I counsel from a Christian worldview and integrate elements of various theories into my counseling to fit each of my client’s unique needs.

My ideal clients value relationships and seek to improve them, whether as couples facing communication problems, conflicts, or infidelity, or as individuals struggling with self-esteem, sexual concerns, or emotional wounds. They need a safe space for open communication, skill development, and healing. Their goals include rebuilding trust, enhancing intimacy, fostering loving partnerships, improving communication, and achieving personal growth. They want to honor their self and each other. They understand the value of professional guidance for more fulfilling and harmonious relationships.

There is no better day than today to make positive changes in your life. I feel that the counseling process is a good first step in making those changes. I have provided individual therapy for the past 35 years. My guiding principal in counseling is to help clients identify their issues and custom fit a plan to address their concerns. I use various counseling techniques, including but not limited to cognitive behavioral therapy, to help clients gain a different perspective and outlook.

I am interested in working with individuals, couples, and families from various backgrounds and experiences. I am passionate about caring for people and engaging the particular ways they struggle, including areas like addiction, sexuality, and trauma, in both individual and group counseling settings. As a trained Prepare/Enrich facilitator, I hope to work with couples in their efforts to grow and thrive together. In 2021 I participated in a Bethesda Workshop as a therapist observer in order to better help those struggling with unwanted sexual behavior and/or sexual addiction.

Couples! How did things get this bad? There was a time when you both could talk about anything. You connected so profoundly that the thought of having trouble communicating was laughable. But things have changed, and you're at an impasse. Now, every attempt at communication about what matters most leads to useless fighting or icy silences. When you’re together, you still feel desperately alone. You don’t recognize the person your partner has become. Even worse, you don’t like who this relationship has made you become. You aren’t ready to give up, but you know that things can't continue like this. You’re ready for help.

Our modern culture sets an accelerated external rhythm, As a therapist, I have observed that this rhythm has contributed to higher levels of stress, which has fueled increasing levels of depression, anxiety and loss of connection in relationship. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, racing thoughts, panic, burnout, loneliness and isolation. Using a framework of CBT, I partner with individuals to help them challenge negative messages of worry and self-doubt. In working with couples my goal is to help create emotional intimacy and maturity in relationship. I collaborate with clients in developing growth and optimal functioning.

My ideal client is one wrestling with problems of meaning, identity, life satisfaction, and relational issues. They are looking for stability and purpose in their life and they want to learn to manage their anxiety and negative emotions adaptively.

Mary is a board-certified licensed mental health counselor in Florida as well as a board-certified licensed professional counselor in Michigan. With close to 20 years of experience, Mary can assist you in overcoming many of the life challenges we all face. Her eclectic approach to therapy is very relaxed, non-judgmental, and respectful. Mary’s education and professional background in both mind and body provide a unique and effective therapeutic experience. She is sensitive to your needs as well as your past and present life experiences.

As a clinical psychologist, I provide psychological evaluations, therapy, and coaching. Having worked in private practice for over 10 years, I have expertise in diagnosing and treating people coping with stress and relationship concerns to those who are coping with treatment resistant depression, and people who are feeling the effects of significant psychological trauma and abuse on their current lives.

Difficult times and unexpected life changes happen. Relationships struggle and sometimes end. Hurt, stress, grief, depression and anxiety are often a result. Counseling is a powerful asset to help you navigate these process, to reach healing and growth. You do not have to walk through it alone. I can help you to understand your situation, cope and move through productively.