Family Therapy in Polk County, FL
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS - NIGHTS AND WEEKENDS AVAILABLE - First responders, ER staff, military, anyone who has a high-stress position understands the toll it takes on your personal life, family, and overall well-being.
I am a 10-year combat veteran serving in multiple hostile locations during OEF/OIF. I also served as a Sheriff’s Deputy in Hillsborough County for almost 10 years working as a lead Crisis Intervention Deputy. My personal experience and education make me ideal for working with clients in high-stress positions or with a history of trauma.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS - NIGHTS AND WEEKENDS AVAILABLE - First responders, ER staff, military, anyone who has a high-stress position understands the toll it takes on your personal life, family, and overall well-being.
I am a 10-year combat veteran serving in multiple hostile locations during OEF/OIF. I also served as a Sheriff’s Deputy in Hillsborough County for almost 10 years working as a lead Crisis Intervention Deputy. My personal experience and education make me ideal for working with clients in high-stress positions or with a history of trauma.
I am a licensed mental health therapist with over 8 years of experience, including 6 years in school counseling and 2 years working with individuals and families.
I take a strengths-based, person-centered approach, which means that I am focused on creating an environment that highlights and builds on who you are and on solutions that are unique and tailored to your individual needs and qualities as a person. I believe in empowering clients to make real change in their daily lives.
I am a licensed mental health therapist with over 8 years of experience, including 6 years in school counseling and 2 years working with individuals and families.
I take a strengths-based, person-centered approach, which means that I am focused on creating an environment that highlights and builds on who you are and on solutions that are unique and tailored to your individual needs and qualities as a person. I believe in empowering clients to make real change in their daily lives.
Does life feel like a struggle? Do you feel overwhelmed, anxious, angry or depressed? Are you not sure what to do or where to turn to? If you are struggling, need help or an ear to listen and help process, I’m here for you. Life can be a lot at times and having support along the way can help lead to major relief, changes and breakthroughs. Imagine feeling heard and supported through life, that’s what I’d like to do to help you regain control and focus in your life. I want to help you become the best version of yourself.
Does life feel like a struggle? Do you feel overwhelmed, anxious, angry or depressed? Are you not sure what to do or where to turn to? If you are struggling, need help or an ear to listen and help process, I’m here for you. Life can be a lot at times and having support along the way can help lead to major relief, changes and breakthroughs. Imagine feeling heard and supported through life, that’s what I’d like to do to help you regain control and focus in your life. I want to help you become the best version of yourself.
My specialization centers on providing care for those grappling with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, family-related concerns, anger management, and ADHD.
I believe in a holistic social work approach by offering personalized and collaborative support. Therapy approaches offered are Mindfulness, Solution Focused, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
My specialization centers on providing care for those grappling with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, family-related concerns, anger management, and ADHD.
I believe in a holistic social work approach by offering personalized and collaborative support. Therapy approaches offered are Mindfulness, Solution Focused, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Norma Jo Vaillette
Counselor, MA, LMHC, MT-BC
2 Endorsed
Lakeland, FL 33801
Waitlist for new clients
I see children, teens, couples, families and individuals.
I am not taking new individual clients at this time to work on expanding group and Bonny Method Guided Imagery work. Starting in November 2022, 90 minute Bonny Method Guided Imagery and Music sessions will be available on Tuesday afternoons and by special arrangement. These sessions are out of pocket as they are longer than what insurance allows.
I see children, teens, couples, families and individuals.
I am not taking new individual clients at this time to work on expanding group and Bonny Method Guided Imagery work. Starting in November 2022, 90 minute Bonny Method Guided Imagery and Music sessions will be available on Tuesday afternoons and by special arrangement. These sessions are out of pocket as they are longer than what insurance allows.
Khalilah Garrett, LCSW, LICSW Khalilah has been providing Mental Health Treatment and Services to include program coordination/management, psychotherapy, coaching, and case management for over 20 years. Khalilah specializes in treating individuals with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, co-occurring disorders (mental health and substance use disorders), and unresolved emotional issues. Khalilah's therapeutic techniques include individual counseling for personal and emotional growth, creating more meaning and purpose in one's life; and include counseling to increase self-esteem and self-empowerment.
Khalilah Garrett, LCSW, LICSW Khalilah has been providing Mental Health Treatment and Services to include program coordination/management, psychotherapy, coaching, and case management for over 20 years. Khalilah specializes in treating individuals with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, co-occurring disorders (mental health and substance use disorders), and unresolved emotional issues. Khalilah's therapeutic techniques include individual counseling for personal and emotional growth, creating more meaning and purpose in one's life; and include counseling to increase self-esteem and self-empowerment.
I'm a licensed mental health counselor with over 14 years of experience. I have a bachelors degree in psychology from The University of South Florida, and a masters in science focused on mental health counseling from Nova Southeastern University.
I'm a licensed mental health counselor with over 14 years of experience. I have a bachelors degree in psychology from The University of South Florida, and a masters in science focused on mental health counseling from Nova Southeastern University.
I’m a therapist who deeply believes that healing begins with authenticity. Whether you’re navigating the heavy fog of grief, carrying the weight of past trauma, or feeling stuck in the cycle of anxiety and depression, but you deserve a space where you can breathe, process, and simply be human—no pressure, no pretending…just as you are.
Therapy isn’t all about being “fixed”, it’s about finding clarity, building emotional strength, and reconnecting with who you truly are. This process can be scary, but you don’t have to do it alone.
This is your space. Come as you are—and I’ll meet you there
I’m a therapist who deeply believes that healing begins with authenticity. Whether you’re navigating the heavy fog of grief, carrying the weight of past trauma, or feeling stuck in the cycle of anxiety and depression, but you deserve a space where you can breathe, process, and simply be human—no pressure, no pretending…just as you are.
Therapy isn’t all about being “fixed”, it’s about finding clarity, building emotional strength, and reconnecting with who you truly are. This process can be scary, but you don’t have to do it alone.
This is your space. Come as you are—and I’ll meet you there
My approach utilizes Coaching, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Person-Centered, Strength-Based, Client-Centered Therapy, Couples Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Mindfulness-Based, Multidimensional Family Therapy, Solution Focused, Supportive, Behavioral Activation, Child/Parent Psychotherapy,
I love being a social worker. It is who I am. I want to be able to see others grow and become the best version possible of themselves. We will work on goals for therapy after a few sessions to determine what your goals are and how will we meet them.
My approach utilizes Coaching, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Person-Centered, Strength-Based, Client-Centered Therapy, Couples Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Mindfulness-Based, Multidimensional Family Therapy, Solution Focused, Supportive, Behavioral Activation, Child/Parent Psychotherapy,
I love being a social worker. It is who I am. I want to be able to see others grow and become the best version possible of themselves. We will work on goals for therapy after a few sessions to determine what your goals are and how will we meet them.
Accepting new clients today. Are you experiencing trauma, grief, situational stress, or a general sense of unease? We employ a variety of tailored therapeutic approaches designed to address your specific needs and objectives. With specialized training in trauma-informed treatment, we strive to create a welcoming and collaborative counseling environment. Together, we can work towards fostering a more promising future.
Accepting new clients today. Are you experiencing trauma, grief, situational stress, or a general sense of unease? We employ a variety of tailored therapeutic approaches designed to address your specific needs and objectives. With specialized training in trauma-informed treatment, we strive to create a welcoming and collaborative counseling environment. Together, we can work towards fostering a more promising future.
I have over 19 years of experience in helping kids, teens, adults, and families work through difficult symptoms and situations.
I envision a world where all people who have an earnest desire to heal and achieve wellness are able to access the help they need on their journey. I began my career specializing in working with children and adolescents. I have since expanded to working with adults and have experience in helping folks with a number of challenges including anxiety, depression, bipolar, ADHD, Autism spectrum disorders, childhood abuse, trauma, and PTSD. As a professional with over 19 years of experience, I do my best to assess not only the challenges, but also the unique strengths and abilities of my clients to give them the best experience possible.
I have over 19 years of experience in helping kids, teens, adults, and families work through difficult symptoms and situations.
I envision a world where all people who have an earnest desire to heal and achieve wellness are able to access the help they need on their journey. I began my career specializing in working with children and adolescents. I have since expanded to working with adults and have experience in helping folks with a number of challenges including anxiety, depression, bipolar, ADHD, Autism spectrum disorders, childhood abuse, trauma, and PTSD. As a professional with over 19 years of experience, I do my best to assess not only the challenges, but also the unique strengths and abilities of my clients to give them the best experience possible.
Perhaps you are driven, accomplished and seem confident. But inside, still feel unworthy or afraid of being seen. Maybe you feel stuck in unfulfilling patterns? If you are navigating the pressure of demanding work or leadership, experiencing disconnection and hurt in your relationship, or just trying to manage these difficult and uncertain times, therapy can be a space to recalibrate and realign.
I specialize in working with high-performing individuals and couples wanting more than temporary symptom relief. They want meaningful, lasting change. I tailor my approach to your goals, helping you access clarity and tools for change.
Perhaps you are driven, accomplished and seem confident. But inside, still feel unworthy or afraid of being seen. Maybe you feel stuck in unfulfilling patterns? If you are navigating the pressure of demanding work or leadership, experiencing disconnection and hurt in your relationship, or just trying to manage these difficult and uncertain times, therapy can be a space to recalibrate and realign.
I specialize in working with high-performing individuals and couples wanting more than temporary symptom relief. They want meaningful, lasting change. I tailor my approach to your goals, helping you access clarity and tools for change.
I have 40 years experience in mental health. I have a Masters and Specialist Degree in Educational and Counseling Psychology from the University of Missouri. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I provide therapy for children from ages 3-10 years old. I use Parent Child Interaction Therapy.
I have 40 years experience in mental health. I have a Masters and Specialist Degree in Educational and Counseling Psychology from the University of Missouri. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I provide therapy for children from ages 3-10 years old. I use Parent Child Interaction Therapy.
I have worked in several outpatient and inpatient settings in primary care facilities providing services for children, teens, young adults and families, as well as adults.
My specialties are eating disorders, bariatrics, self-harm, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and chronic illness/pain. I have extensive experience in the treatment of eating disorders, with a particular focus on treating binge eating disorder. A major focus of my work is my involvement in body positive advocacy.
I have worked in several outpatient and inpatient settings in primary care facilities providing services for children, teens, young adults and families, as well as adults.
My specialties are eating disorders, bariatrics, self-harm, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and chronic illness/pain. I have extensive experience in the treatment of eating disorders, with a particular focus on treating binge eating disorder. A major focus of my work is my involvement in body positive advocacy.
Better Together Marriage and Family Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
6 Endorsed
Lakeland, FL 33803
I am a supporter of the LGBTQIA community and even though I'm heterosexual, I have family members and close friends in the community.
I am licensed in the state of Florida since 2011 and I am also a Qualified Supervisor for RCI's. Relationships are a full time job and can be overwhelming yet so worth it. My professional mission is to provide my clients with the tools that they need to make everyday life fulfilling and purposeful. My specialty is working with couples to overcome barriers and to find their love again. Its important to note that yes couples are Better Together but in reality sometimes they are better a part and co parenting at a distance. I welcome all couples!Let's work together, the Best is Yet to come!
I am a supporter of the LGBTQIA community and even though I'm heterosexual, I have family members and close friends in the community.
I am licensed in the state of Florida since 2011 and I am also a Qualified Supervisor for RCI's. Relationships are a full time job and can be overwhelming yet so worth it. My professional mission is to provide my clients with the tools that they need to make everyday life fulfilling and purposeful. My specialty is working with couples to overcome barriers and to find their love again. Its important to note that yes couples are Better Together but in reality sometimes they are better a part and co parenting at a distance. I welcome all couples!Let's work together, the Best is Yet to come!
Everyone has a story, from where they have come from to where they are wanting to go. Everyone has road bumps in their story; whether it is depression, anxiety, trauma, these road bumps slow us down as our life takes a sharp turn we didn't prepare for. We all struggle and at the end of the day we find our footing again. I love the work I do because I get walk along side of you and where your journey is taking you and see the growth and change and recover, whatever that looks like to you. I am hoping to be able to work with you and honor your journey and help as we make meaningful change to help create a life worth living
Everyone has a story, from where they have come from to where they are wanting to go. Everyone has road bumps in their story; whether it is depression, anxiety, trauma, these road bumps slow us down as our life takes a sharp turn we didn't prepare for. We all struggle and at the end of the day we find our footing again. I love the work I do because I get walk along side of you and where your journey is taking you and see the growth and change and recover, whatever that looks like to you. I am hoping to be able to work with you and honor your journey and help as we make meaningful change to help create a life worth living
I am a licensed therapist serving clients across Florida with a compassionate, personalized approach to mental health support. My professional training focuses on helping individuals navigate complex emotional landscapes, with specialized expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, trauma recovery, and self-esteem.
I am a licensed therapist serving clients across Florida with a compassionate, personalized approach to mental health support. My professional training focuses on helping individuals navigate complex emotional landscapes, with specialized expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, trauma recovery, and self-esteem.
Experience in individual, family, and group therapy, with specialized expertise in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Functional Family Therapy (FFT) models.
I will create a safe and supportive environment where you can process and express your emotions with acceptance and understanding, fostering healing and personal growth.
Experience in individual, family, and group therapy, with specialized expertise in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Functional Family Therapy (FFT) models.
I will create a safe and supportive environment where you can process and express your emotions with acceptance and understanding, fostering healing and personal growth.
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.
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.
With 16 years of experience in pastoral counseling, women’s leadership and mentorship, motivational speaking, and advocating for mental health to providing therapy to individuals, couples, and families, working in inpatient/outpatient settings treating diagnoses that range from PTSD, OCD, General Anxiety Disorder, Bipolar, Schizophrenia mood disorders, etc
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, or major life changes? Maybe you're experiencing a lack of healthy boundaries in relationships or aren't living the life you were meant to lead. Whatever your needs, I am an experienced licensed mental health counselor who works with those struggling with relationship issues, grief, trauma, mood disorders, boundaries, anxiety, depression, and daily life struggles. Therapy is a process of growth and self-discovery. Transformation and healing are obtained by developing a positive outlook and the adoption of new attitudes and response
With 16 years of experience in pastoral counseling, women’s leadership and mentorship, motivational speaking, and advocating for mental health to providing therapy to individuals, couples, and families, working in inpatient/outpatient settings treating diagnoses that range from PTSD, OCD, General Anxiety Disorder, Bipolar, Schizophrenia mood disorders, etc
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, or major life changes? Maybe you're experiencing a lack of healthy boundaries in relationships or aren't living the life you were meant to lead. Whatever your needs, I am an experienced licensed mental health counselor who works with those struggling with relationship issues, grief, trauma, mood disorders, boundaries, anxiety, depression, and daily life struggles. Therapy is a process of growth and self-discovery. Transformation and healing are obtained by developing a positive outlook and the adoption of new attitudes and response
See more therapy options for Polk County
Family Therapy Therapists
What do family therapists do?
A family therapist facilitates the process of understanding and improving how a family functions. The therapist will help family members develop empathy for one another. They’ll seek to understand existing patterns, misunderstandings, and conflicts that arise, in order to help the family arrive at a realistic, unified understanding and develop the coping skills they need to build stronger relationships.
How long does therapy for families take to work?
Therapy manifests differently in every family; a common time frame is 12 weekly sessions, but some families may see improvement after just a few weeks. Families should discuss their goals with the therapist at the beginning of the process and periodically revisit those goals to assess their progress together.
How can you encourage a family member to attend family therapy?
You can encourage family members to attend therapy by expressing with both love and concern the challenges you see and explaining how a therapist could help the family navigate those challenges together. An outside perspective can help everyone feel heard, get on the same page, and develop new skills. If family members are still hesitant, it may be helpful to emphasize that family therapy is short-term—it won’t last forever.
Is therapy for families effective?
Family therapy can significantly improve family dynamics and relationships. Research suggests that family therapy can help individuals understand their role in the family, communicate and solve problems together, reduce conflict and draw boundaries when necessary, and develop coping skills for stressors, major life changes, and mental or physical illnesses within the family.


