Depression Therapists in Polk County, FL
My clients feel like they’re forcing a smile but deep down they feel depressed and defeated.
Therapy is a space for you to talk about your feelings without any judgement. My clients describe me as warm, caring and authentic. I will never force you to talk about something you don’t want to talk about. Together we will gently bump up against those feelings of sadness so that it doesn’t feel overwhelming.
My clients feel like they’re forcing a smile but deep down they feel depressed and defeated.
Therapy is a space for you to talk about your feelings without any judgement. My clients describe me as warm, caring and authentic. I will never force you to talk about something you don’t want to talk about. Together we will gently bump up against those feelings of sadness so that it doesn’t feel overwhelming.
Virtual Appointments Only. You did it! You took the first step to feeling better and that’s amazing and so courageous. As a therapist, I am warm, open, encouraging, and easy to talk to. I wholeheartedly believe in the ability to change regardless of life circumstances. Our sessions will be filled with humor, empathy, and compassion as we focus on making progress towards your desired outcome. My main focus is for my clients to feel safe, heard, understood, and respected. You are the expert on your experience, and I will work with you to navigate challenges, heal from pain and trauma, and offer insight from a therapeutic perspective.
Virtual Appointments Only. You did it! You took the first step to feeling better and that’s amazing and so courageous. As a therapist, I am warm, open, encouraging, and easy to talk to. I wholeheartedly believe in the ability to change regardless of life circumstances. Our sessions will be filled with humor, empathy, and compassion as we focus on making progress towards your desired outcome. My main focus is for my clients to feel safe, heard, understood, and respected. You are the expert on your experience, and I will work with you to navigate challenges, heal from pain and trauma, and offer insight from a therapeutic perspective.
If you are suffering from any sort of anxiety, depression, family issues, self-image problems, social issues, I'd love to help you!
Hi! I am an LMHC licensed in Florida with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence.
If you are suffering from any sort of anxiety, depression, family issues, self-image problems, social issues, I'd love to help you!
Hi! I am an LMHC licensed in Florida with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence.
My certifications include Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART for Trauma/PTSD patients to resolve past trauma with accelerated results); Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (Behavior Modific., Depression, Anxiety, Panic); Reality Therapy; Mindfulness Skills; Christian Counseling, Certified Hostage Negotiator, etc; skills I’ve used with adults, couples and families.
A better life for you or your loved one? That's our goal at Hope for Life Counseling LLC, offering Telehealth strictly confidential. In times when you find yourself dealing with life's curve balls, fighting the world with no options ahead; we're here to work with you. Call, text or email, and let us help. I'm a Licensed Psychotherapist (bilingual) with a genuine desire to help you REGAIN control. With 30 years in the field, I can say there is HOPE; things CAN change; there IS a BETTER life for you or your loved ones. I've seen patients improve, rebuild, and take on life with a new perspective. Let's get to work!
My certifications include Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART for Trauma/PTSD patients to resolve past trauma with accelerated results); Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (Behavior Modific., Depression, Anxiety, Panic); Reality Therapy; Mindfulness Skills; Christian Counseling, Certified Hostage Negotiator, etc; skills I’ve used with adults, couples and families.
A better life for you or your loved one? That's our goal at Hope for Life Counseling LLC, offering Telehealth strictly confidential. In times when you find yourself dealing with life's curve balls, fighting the world with no options ahead; we're here to work with you. Call, text or email, and let us help. I'm a Licensed Psychotherapist (bilingual) with a genuine desire to help you REGAIN control. With 30 years in the field, I can say there is HOPE; things CAN change; there IS a BETTER life for you or your loved ones. I've seen patients improve, rebuild, and take on life with a new perspective. Let's get to work!
I specialize in providing therapeutic treatment for clients struggling with depression and anxiety, clients battling with issues related to sexuality, interpersonal relationship issues trauma, and many more.
Hello everyone! My name is Omar Ali, LCSW. I am a mental health practitioner who has provided treatment to individuals and families in Florida for many years. From a young age, I have always possessed a passion for being of service to others. In conjunction with my personal life experiences, education, and clinical training, I have developed the skills needed to make a new meaningful impact on the lives of others.
I specialize in providing therapeutic treatment for clients struggling with depression and anxiety, clients battling with issues related to sexuality, interpersonal relationship issues trauma, and many more.
Hello everyone! My name is Omar Ali, LCSW. I am a mental health practitioner who has provided treatment to individuals and families in Florida for many years. From a young age, I have always possessed a passion for being of service to others. In conjunction with my personal life experiences, education, and clinical training, I have developed the skills needed to make a new meaningful impact on the lives of others.
Trauma and narcissistic abuse can leave lasting wounds—feelings of shame, self-doubt, and difficulty trusting yourself or others. Healing takes time, but it is possible.
I specialize in supporting individuals recovering from trauma, PTSD, and the effects of toxic or abusive relationships. My approach is compassionate and paced at a level that feels safe for you. Together, we’ll work on building stability, healthy boundaries, and resilience, while using trauma-informed tools such as TF-CBT, bibliotherapy somatic awareness.
Trauma and narcissistic abuse can leave lasting wounds—feelings of shame, self-doubt, and difficulty trusting yourself or others. Healing takes time, but it is possible.
I specialize in supporting individuals recovering from trauma, PTSD, and the effects of toxic or abusive relationships. My approach is compassionate and paced at a level that feels safe for you. Together, we’ll work on building stability, healthy boundaries, and resilience, while using trauma-informed tools such as TF-CBT, bibliotherapy somatic awareness.
Lisa specializes in supporting clients through life transitions, no matter the stage or circumstances. She offers tailored care for individuals coping with challenges such as anxiety, PTSD, and trauma, as well as those navigating midlife changes or dealing with grief. Drawing on evidence-based practices like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Exposure Therapy, Lisa provides effective tools and strategies to promote healing and resilience. She creates a safe and empowering environment for her clients.
Lisa specializes in supporting clients through life transitions, no matter the stage or circumstances. She offers tailored care for individuals coping with challenges such as anxiety, PTSD, and trauma, as well as those navigating midlife changes or dealing with grief. Drawing on evidence-based practices like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Exposure Therapy, Lisa provides effective tools and strategies to promote healing and resilience. She creates a safe and empowering environment for her clients.
Jalae Gatewood-Alvarez
Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern, MSW, RCSWI
1 Endorsed
Lakeland, FL 33803
Are you ready to work through some areas in your life that have been hard to think about? I’m here to support you through a journey of processing difficult life experiences and reaching a place of healing and peace.
Are you ready to work through some areas in your life that have been hard to think about? I’m here to support you through a journey of processing difficult life experiences and reaching a place of healing and peace.
Ian has worked in mental health counseling for over ten years. Ian enjoys working with individuals who want a positive change in their lives. Ian graduated from University of South Florida in 2014 with his MA. Ian is a licensed mental health counselor. Ian's goal is to help people find hope.
Ian has worked in mental health counseling for over ten years. Ian enjoys working with individuals who want a positive change in their lives. Ian graduated from University of South Florida in 2014 with his MA. Ian is a licensed mental health counselor. Ian's goal is to help people find hope.
Navigating anxiety, depression, and life’s challenges can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone.
In our first few sessions, you can expect a warm, non-judgmental space where you feel heard, understood, and supported. My practice is built on providing a reliable support system, helping you feel safe as we work through your challenges together.
Navigating anxiety, depression, and life’s challenges can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone.
In our first few sessions, you can expect a warm, non-judgmental space where you feel heard, understood, and supported. My practice is built on providing a reliable support system, helping you feel safe as we work through your challenges together.
I am passionate about working with young adults and adults who struggle with anxiety and depression and are seeking to learn effective, practical, and sustainable techniques to improve their lives.
Are you someone who frequently worries and wrestles with anxiety, particularly in your relationships with others? Do you struggle with feelings of being less than worthy, leading you to give a lot more of yourself in hopes of feeling validated? If so, I specialize in helping individuals like you improve their relationship with themselves, get untangled from societal expectations, learn to navigate their anxiety, get empowered to set boundaries, put yourself first and find fulfillment in healthier, more balanced connections with others.
I am passionate about working with young adults and adults who struggle with anxiety and depression and are seeking to learn effective, practical, and sustainable techniques to improve their lives.
Are you someone who frequently worries and wrestles with anxiety, particularly in your relationships with others? Do you struggle with feelings of being less than worthy, leading you to give a lot more of yourself in hopes of feeling validated? If so, I specialize in helping individuals like you improve their relationship with themselves, get untangled from societal expectations, learn to navigate their anxiety, get empowered to set boundaries, put yourself first and find fulfillment in healthier, more balanced connections with others.
Hello, my name is Sabrina, and I am a therapist who specializes in working with children. I have a deep passion for helping children navigate their emotional world and develop the skills they need to cope with life’s challenges. Whether it's supporting kids through difficult transitions, helping them manage anxiety, or building their confidence and resilience, I create a safe, nurturing space where children can feel heard, understood, and empowered. In addition to my work with children, I also work with individuals to help them overcome life’s challenges and help build healthier relationships.
Hello, my name is Sabrina, and I am a therapist who specializes in working with children. I have a deep passion for helping children navigate their emotional world and develop the skills they need to cope with life’s challenges. Whether it's supporting kids through difficult transitions, helping them manage anxiety, or building their confidence and resilience, I create a safe, nurturing space where children can feel heard, understood, and empowered. In addition to my work with children, I also work with individuals to help them overcome life’s challenges and help build healthier relationships.
Congratulations, you are in the right place to feel understood! I am passionate about helping my clients find their inner strengths seeking solutions to build their toolbox of coping strategies to manage life. Are you struggling with feeling lost and alone, being not motivated, trying to repair a relationship, grieving a loved one, or finding yourself in a season of transition, such as moving from parenting children to taking on a caretaker role for an elderly parent? Reach out: I am available for In-person sessions in Lakeland, FL with Atala Counseling and offer Telehealth sessions in Lake Wales, FL from my home office.
Congratulations, you are in the right place to feel understood! I am passionate about helping my clients find their inner strengths seeking solutions to build their toolbox of coping strategies to manage life. Are you struggling with feeling lost and alone, being not motivated, trying to repair a relationship, grieving a loved one, or finding yourself in a season of transition, such as moving from parenting children to taking on a caretaker role for an elderly parent? Reach out: I am available for In-person sessions in Lakeland, FL with Atala Counseling and offer Telehealth sessions in Lake Wales, FL from my home office.
Times are changing and sometimes in life we have to learn how to adapt to these changes, with little to no notice. Are you one of those individuals who has issues adjusting to the constant life changes, battling anxiety due to past traumas or are someone who at times experiences low mood and aren't sure where these moods may be stemming from? If you can relate to these things, you are not alone; nor does this have to be your norm. I use a person-centered approach in treatment. I also provide a supportive & non-judgmental safe place for all clients. I enjoy assisting clients work towards their goals & taking control of their lives.
Times are changing and sometimes in life we have to learn how to adapt to these changes, with little to no notice. Are you one of those individuals who has issues adjusting to the constant life changes, battling anxiety due to past traumas or are someone who at times experiences low mood and aren't sure where these moods may be stemming from? If you can relate to these things, you are not alone; nor does this have to be your norm. I use a person-centered approach in treatment. I also provide a supportive & non-judgmental safe place for all clients. I enjoy assisting clients work towards their goals & taking control of their lives.
The issues that I treat are anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and personal growth.
After getting an Associate Degree in Photography from CCSF, I realized that I was passionate about Human Behavior and the difference it makes for someone to feel like they matter. Following that, I achieved a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Cal State East Bay. I have a Master of Arts in Counseling from Palo Alto University, CA. I provide Psychotherapy Sessions in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. The techniques that I use are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Behavior Therapy, and Play Therapy.
The issues that I treat are anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and personal growth.
After getting an Associate Degree in Photography from CCSF, I realized that I was passionate about Human Behavior and the difference it makes for someone to feel like they matter. Following that, I achieved a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Cal State East Bay. I have a Master of Arts in Counseling from Palo Alto University, CA. I provide Psychotherapy Sessions in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. The techniques that I use are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Behavior Therapy, and Play Therapy.
I am dedicated to working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. My practice is rooted in building an authentic connection with each client. I strive to create a warm, compassionate space where clients of all ages can work towards their desired change without judgement.
I am dedicated to working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. My practice is rooted in building an authentic connection with each client. I strive to create a warm, compassionate space where clients of all ages can work towards their desired change without judgement.
I specialize in anxiety, depression, relationships, and work stressors.
My approach to goal setting is working collaboratively with my clients to develop realistic goals they want to achieve during the therapy process. The first step would be to build rapport and trust with my client. Together we would work on developing goals that are achievable and tracking progress during sessions.
I specialize in anxiety, depression, relationships, and work stressors.
My approach to goal setting is working collaboratively with my clients to develop realistic goals they want to achieve during the therapy process. The first step would be to build rapport and trust with my client. Together we would work on developing goals that are achievable and tracking progress during sessions.
I’m a warm and compassionate therapist dedicated to helping people who feel overwhelmed by emotions, struggle with relationships, or live with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and attachment challenges. With specialized training and years of experience, I understand how isolating and exhausting it can feel to be stuck in painful cycles or to feel misunderstood by others.
I’m a warm and compassionate therapist dedicated to helping people who feel overwhelmed by emotions, struggle with relationships, or live with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and attachment challenges. With specialized training and years of experience, I understand how isolating and exhausting it can feel to be stuck in painful cycles or to feel misunderstood by others.
Trauma effects can show up in a spectrum of physical, emotional and mental symptoms- anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, pornography addiction, over working, alcohol, drugs, etc.
Maybe you've been stuck in the same behavior patterns- continuously getting into unhealthy relationships or avoiding relationships entirely, trouble focusing or existing in the present, addiction as a way of coping with your trauma, feeling numb or dissociating, issues connecting deeply with yourself or other people?
Trauma effects can show up in a spectrum of physical, emotional and mental symptoms- anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, pornography addiction, over working, alcohol, drugs, etc.
Maybe you've been stuck in the same behavior patterns- continuously getting into unhealthy relationships or avoiding relationships entirely, trouble focusing or existing in the present, addiction as a way of coping with your trauma, feeling numb or dissociating, issues connecting deeply with yourself or other people?
You are feeling like you have lost control over your life. You look around and it seems as if your choices are being made for you. When you try to go after what you want, you feel defeated before you can even take the first step. It does not have to be this way.
You are feeling like you have lost control over your life. You look around and it seems as if your choices are being made for you. When you try to go after what you want, you feel defeated before you can even take the first step. It does not have to be this way.
See more therapy options for Polk County
Depression Therapists
What is the goal of therapy for depression?
Therapy for depression has several major goals. One is to relieve the mental pain of depression, which distorts feeling and thinking so that sufferers cannot see beyond their current state of mind or envision feeling better. Another is to give people the mental tools to recognize and correct the kinds of distorted thinking that turn a problem into a catastrophe and lead to despair. Therapy also teaches people how to process negative emotions in constructive ways, so they have more control over their own emotional reactivity. And it helps people regain the ability to see themselves positively, the motivation to do things, and the capacity for pleasure.
What happens in therapy for depression?
Perhaps most important, no matter the type of therapy, patients form an alliance with the therapist; that connection is therapeutic in itself, plus it becomes an instrument of change. Patients learn to identify and to challenge their own erroneous beliefs and thoughts that amplify the effects of negative experiences. They learn to identify situations in which they are especially vulnerable. And they learn new patterns of thinking and behaving. They may be given “homework” assignments in which they practice their developing skills. In addition, good therapists regularly monitor patients to assess whether and how much the condition is improving.
What therapy types help with depression?
Several types of short-term therapy have been found effective, each targeting one or more areas of dysfunction. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps clients challenge their negative thoughts and beliefs, learn new behavioral strategies, and curb reactivity to distressing situations. Behavioral activation (BA) is a form of therapy often used in conjunction with CBT; it focuses on engagement in rewarding activity as a pathway to changing negative feelings and disturbed mood. Another widely used approach is interpersonal therapy (IPT), which targets the social difficulties that both give rise to and get exacerbated by depression. Therapists may combine approaches as needed.
Can therapy for depression be done online?
Studies have found that online therapy can be highly effective for treating depression, although it may be more challenging to build a good therapist-patient alliance on screen than in person—at least at first. However, online therapy can offer considerable advantages. Accessibility and convenience are tops among them. Some people actually find it easier to talk about problems online than in person. While online therapy typically limits visibility of facial expression and body gestures that give important nonverbal cues to a patient’s state of mind, it can give therapists a glimpse into a patient’s world and life, providing information that can be highly useful in guiding therapy.
How effective is therapy for depression?
Many studies show that therapy is highly effective provided that patients complete the prescribed course of therapy, commonly 16 to 20 sessions. Over the long term, it is more effective than medication and the effects are more enduring. As a result, psychotherapy has the power not just to relieve current suffering but to prevent future episodes of the disorder. Therapy reverses the dysfunction in neural circuitry that disposes individuals to a negative view of themselves, the world, and their future and they acquire coping techniques, problem-solving skills, and understanding of their own vulnerabilities that are useful over the course of a lifetime.