Therapists in Palma Ceia, FL

As a clinical psychologist, I provide psychological evaluations and mental health assessments, as well as therapy and coaching. Having worked with government agencies, mental health agencies, and in the education system, I have expertise in diagnosing and treating people ranging from gifted children to adults who are involved in custody disputes, and individuals who have experienced significant psychological trauma and abuse. I've been credentialed by DCF, the Florida Department of Education, the Department of Disability Determinations, and as an expert witness in court, having testified in family law cases.

You’re supposed to be an expert in your field, but you certainly don’t feel like it. You try your hardest, but you still feel like an imposter. The worst part? You just know others can see right through the pretending despite your efforts to maintain the appearance that everything is just fine. The voice in your head tells you how you’re not enough. You look through Instagram and wonder how everyone else has it together. You’re juggling too many projects because you can’t say “No.” You know you need help but aren’t sure where to begin. You wish you could find a way to just relax, let go of the worry, and embrace the present moment

Although you are a successful professional or parent, and friends/family think you have a great life, deep down you know something is not right. Congratulations on taking this 1st step for help. If you are questioning your wellbeing or stress is spreading to your relationships, you may need support from the best therapist you can find. I provide individual and couples therapy (married or not). I also help people with pre- and post-pregnancy issues, infertility, pregnancy loss (miscarriage/abortion), anxiety, postpartum depression, adoption, and surrogacy (LGBTQ too). Call today. English and Portuguese speaking.

Mario Juster-Kruse is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the Tampa Bay area who specializes in treating depression, grief, and trauma. He focuses on treating adolescent and adult patients utilizing empirically supported treatment modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), behavioral activation, motivational interviewing, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Mario has excelled at helping clients struggling with symptoms such as low mood, hopelessness, low self-esteem, sleep disturbances, poor concentration, and more.

If unresolved trauma has left you feeling alone and helpless in a threatening world, or if the catastrophic predictions of anxiety have kept you immobilized, I can help. Using a holistic approach that addresses the mind (our thoughts/beliefs), the emotions, and the body. I work with clients to recognize and embrace the present moment as a safe place from which to connect with others, explore and take risks, and move their lives forward. You’ll learn to regulate your response to triggers, detach from self-defeating core beliefs, and utilize grounding and mindfulness techniques to find the lightness and relief you’ve been seeking.

Trauma has impacted every relationship in your life. You have struggled to connect with others around you and you feel like it’s your fault, like there is something wrong with you. You’re often angry, anxious, confused, overwhelmed, sad and frequently shut down and disconnected. You know you can’t keep living like this, but you don’t know where to turn. You feel like you’re the only person experiencing your struggles, but you’re not! While it’s often hard to ask for help or to even know how, therapy can be enormously helpful and gratifying.

Are you struggling in your relationship? You may be wondering how it’s possible to love someone so much, when being with them feels so difficult. Maybe you avoid having hard conversations because you’re afraid of confrontation, feel stuck in your relationship because you’re scared to be alone, or just went through a heart-clenching separation and need help to heal from this heartache and move on. Whether you are a couple wanting to improve your communication, intimacy, and trust, or single and looking for connection and partnership and struggling to find someone that gets you, therapy can help!

Are you unsettled with a super hero cape that is weighing you down? Do you look like you have it all together, but you're secretly dealing with issues? Are you the one that people turn to for help with their problems, but you are to afraid or embarrassed to ask for help yourself? ​It is very easy to become consumed with trying to have it all, pretending to be okay, and putting others first. Unfortunately, the sacrifice of neglecting yourself, carrying emotional baggage from unaddressed pain, trauma, anger, and unhappiness, can lead to you feeling depleted physically, financially and mentally.

You may have a sense that something needs to change because the way you have been doing things isn't working, despite perhaps years of great effort. You may be completely exhausted, physically, mentally, or emotionally. You might be achieving success, academically or professionally, yet struggling in your daily life. Mundane tasks such as shopping, doing the dishes or paying the bills may feel impossible. And navigating relationships at work or with friends and partners might be confusing or too complicated. You may act okay, saying, "I'm fine." But inside, you aren't.

You feel something is wrong, even broken inside, especially when it comes to your love life. Maybe you’ve been through a recent breakup or you’re worried one might be coming soon. You wonder how other areas of your life, such as finances, career, and hobbies are going well, but you can’t figure out how to get your relationships right. Maybe you’ve met many partners but can’t seem to find “the one” or maybe you stay with the wrong partner longer than you should. Depression, loneliness, or anger may be your companions.

At some point, everyone experiences a season in their life where they feel like they are not moving forward. I acknowledge the courage it takes to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and commend you for your choice in reaching for it. My practice is client centered, client driven and is highly individualized. Areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, substance use and those who struggle with motivation and self-esteem. My approach to emotional health and well-being includes strategies and exercises rooted in positive psychology.

There's a sense of urgency to do more...to be more...to find "happiness" - whatever that might look like. You're stuck on a hamster wheel and are tired of the mundane, unhealthy relationship patterns, or ways of thinking that limit yourself. There's a fire inside of you to make big changes, but you're not sure what to do or where to start. You're aware of the time-limited nature of life and you don't want to blow it, but you need a little help...a little structure...and some accountability. You're motivated to invest in yourself and know that the time is now. I work with professionals, entrepreneurs, executives, and other helpers.

I specialize in the treatment of OCD, anxiety disorders (phobias, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder), PTSD, depression, postpartum depression/anxiety and body focused repetitive behaviors (hair-pulling and skin-picking). My extensive training includes working in the intensive outpatient program and partial hospitalization program at Rogers Memorial Hospital in Wisconsin and Rogers Behavioral Health in Tampa respectively. I was also the founding president of OCD Central and South Florida, an affiliate of the International OCD Foundation.

Feeling overwhelmed by distress can seem unbearable. However, it can also provide meaningful information about how we have learned to cope with life's challenges. Whether you are dealing with relationship difficulties, feeling stuck or tired of certain behaviors, struggling with anxiety or depression, going through a life transition, or exploring your identity, I'm here to help. Using curiosity, compassion, and mindfulness, I'll help you uncover the wisdom behind your distress and support you on your path to personal growth. With various therapeutic modalities at my disposal, we'll work together to meet your unique needs.

Sometimes understanding your child's learning, behavior, and/or social-emotional needs and how to help can be a challenge. But taking the first step in supporting your child is the most important one. In order to best help your child, a comprehensive psychological evaluation may be beneficial. Whether to better understand your child's strengths and weaknesses or to assist in treatment planning, early identification can reduce and prevent long-term negative outcomes. I specialize in the assessment of and treatment planning for children ranging from early childhood through early adulthood to help families better support their child.

Do you feel like something is missing and life is not exactly what you dreamt of? Do you catch yourself wishing your life was different and don't know how to get to where you'd like to be. If you have felt like your past is holding you back and you are tired of it defining you, if you want to finally have control over your emotions, if you want to have more meaningful and lasting relationships, know this: YOU CAN. Your life doesn't have to stay this way.

***ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS*** ***I am also credentialed to do video therapy*** For more info check out my website and media interviews. I do not believe there is an ideal client. In my years of work I have encountered many people with many reasons for why they are the way they are. What I know is that if you are open to the process, we can figure it out. Most of my clients are nervous when they come for the first time, and rightfully so. It's anxiety provoking to talk to a stranger about your "stuff." Despite that hesitancy they overwhelmingly experience relief and begin to see a path forward after we start our work together.