Gestalt Therapists in Polk County, FL
My therapeutic style draws from evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, and Gestalt Therapy.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 20 years of experience in the counseling field. I have a heart for helping people and offer a safe, compassionate space where you can process your story and begin to heal. I am dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s many challenges. My background includes working with children, teens, young adults, and adults, addressing a wide range of issues such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, abuse, marital struggles, parenting, and more.
My therapeutic style draws from evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, and Gestalt Therapy.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 20 years of experience in the counseling field. I have a heart for helping people and offer a safe, compassionate space where you can process your story and begin to heal. I am dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s many challenges. My background includes working with children, teens, young adults, and adults, addressing a wide range of issues such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, abuse, marital struggles, parenting, and more.
My approach is empowerment-based and influenced by Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Adlerian Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, and Gestalt Therapy - an eclectic experience that is tailored to your unique needs and personality.
Sometimes, when our emotions feel out of our control, we do things that don’t reflect our values. My goal is to assist you as you work to engage in life more authentically using effective nervous system regulation and increasing skillfulness. I believe that people are always doing the best that they can with the resources that they have, and they also want and need to deal with the hardships of life more effectively - that's where I step in to support, accept, educate, and guide. Some of my areas of specialization include Addiction, Anxiety, BPD, Depression, Identity Exploration, Trauma Resolution, & Relationships and Communication.
My approach is empowerment-based and influenced by Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Adlerian Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, and Gestalt Therapy - an eclectic experience that is tailored to your unique needs and personality.
Sometimes, when our emotions feel out of our control, we do things that don’t reflect our values. My goal is to assist you as you work to engage in life more authentically using effective nervous system regulation and increasing skillfulness. I believe that people are always doing the best that they can with the resources that they have, and they also want and need to deal with the hardships of life more effectively - that's where I step in to support, accept, educate, and guide. Some of my areas of specialization include Addiction, Anxiety, BPD, Depression, Identity Exploration, Trauma Resolution, & Relationships and Communication.
Tired of figuring it out on your own? Counseling could be an important next step in your life-a new journey into greater health. I see my role as an expert guide to bring understanding into your emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and relationships. I'll explore your history to facilitate a greater awareness of how your past affects the present. Because life is often played out in the context of relationships; these emotions, thoughts, and behaviors not only impact your view of self, but also the world around you. I have an eclectic approach to therapy drawing from over 15 years of experience working with individuals and couples.
Tired of figuring it out on your own? Counseling could be an important next step in your life-a new journey into greater health. I see my role as an expert guide to bring understanding into your emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and relationships. I'll explore your history to facilitate a greater awareness of how your past affects the present. Because life is often played out in the context of relationships; these emotions, thoughts, and behaviors not only impact your view of self, but also the world around you. I have an eclectic approach to therapy drawing from over 15 years of experience working with individuals and couples.
Crystin Nichols
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern, MS, RMFTI
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Lakeland, FL 33801
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.
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.
ABC Mental Health & Relationship Counseling
Counselor, MA, LMHC, MFT
Verified Verified
Lakeland, FL 33813
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.
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.
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.
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.
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in Florida with six years of professional work experience. I am also registered with the state of Florida as a Mental Health Counselor. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, relationship issues, family conflict, anger management, grief, ADHD, self-esteem, career difficulties, intimacy issues, & depression. I am trained in Trauma-Focused CBT, Solution Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Moral Recognition Therapy, and EMDR.
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in Florida with six years of professional work experience. I am also registered with the state of Florida as a Mental Health Counselor. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, relationship issues, family conflict, anger management, grief, ADHD, self-esteem, career difficulties, intimacy issues, & depression. I am trained in Trauma-Focused CBT, Solution Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Moral Recognition Therapy, and EMDR.
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 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.
ABC Mental Health & Relationship Counseling
Counselor, MA, LMHC, MFT
Verified Verified
Lakeland, FL 33813
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.
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.
At Ascend, previously Cassidy Mind and Body Institute (CMBI), we believe that every person is doing their best, and they also want to learn to navigate life's challenges more effectively. We warmly welcome individuals, couples, and families seeking support and guidance. Our diverse patient community includes those dealing with anxiety, OCD, BPD, depression, stress, emotion dysregulation, self-harm, addiction, trauma recovery, and relationship difficulties. Together, we'll create a tailored treatment plan to empower you in achieving your goals, engaging in personal growth, and finding fulfillment.
At Ascend, previously Cassidy Mind and Body Institute (CMBI), we believe that every person is doing their best, and they also want to learn to navigate life's challenges more effectively. We warmly welcome individuals, couples, and families seeking support and guidance. Our diverse patient community includes those dealing with anxiety, OCD, BPD, depression, stress, emotion dysregulation, self-harm, addiction, trauma recovery, and relationship difficulties. Together, we'll create a tailored treatment plan to empower you in achieving your goals, engaging in personal growth, and finding fulfillment.
ABC Mental Health & Relationship Counseling
Counselor, MA, LMHC, MFT
Verified Verified
Lakeland, FL 33813
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.
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.
Meet Our Gestalt Therapists
As a Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator and Parenting Coordinator, I am trained to assist families who wish to work out the terms of their divorce or parenting schedules without the heartache and cost of litigation. I also provide forensic evaluations that help the court determine what is in the best interest of the children with regard to custody determinations. Parental Alienation is often a factor in these cases and professional determine can often be a determining factor in the outcome of these cases. I also specialize in anxiety, trauma and PTSD, & find great reward seeing my clients find peace emotionally & physically.
As a Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator and Parenting Coordinator, I am trained to assist families who wish to work out the terms of their divorce or parenting schedules without the heartache and cost of litigation. I also provide forensic evaluations that help the court determine what is in the best interest of the children with regard to custody determinations. Parental Alienation is often a factor in these cases and professional determine can often be a determining factor in the outcome of these cases. I also specialize in anxiety, trauma and PTSD, & find great reward seeing my clients find peace emotionally & physically.
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.
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.
Congrats on clearing the toughest hurdle in this process - deciding you want to change aspects of your life. What's next? Figuring out who you'd like to work with & how does therapy work? For 15+ years, I have had the great honor of experiencing and facilitating the healing & growth of the people I worked with by using empathy, genuine compassion, and proven therapeutic techniques. I have assisted those who struggle with making sense of traumatic experiences as well as depression & anxiety, substance use/abuse, and many of the challenging moments that life throws at us. I'm looking forward to facilitating your journey.
Congrats on clearing the toughest hurdle in this process - deciding you want to change aspects of your life. What's next? Figuring out who you'd like to work with & how does therapy work? For 15+ years, I have had the great honor of experiencing and facilitating the healing & growth of the people I worked with by using empathy, genuine compassion, and proven therapeutic techniques. I have assisted those who struggle with making sense of traumatic experiences as well as depression & anxiety, substance use/abuse, and many of the challenging moments that life throws at us. I'm looking forward to facilitating your journey.
My name is Andrea Thomas, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Florida. I work with children, adolescents, adults, the elderly, and couples experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, low self-esteem, grief/loss, parenting difficulties, and life changes using Cognitive & Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, the elderly, and couples.
My name is Andrea Thomas, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Florida. I work with children, adolescents, adults, the elderly, and couples experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, low self-esteem, grief/loss, parenting difficulties, and life changes using Cognitive & Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, the elderly, and couples.
Gabrielle Buettow
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Winter Haven, FL 33884
NOW accepting new clients as of 4/8/2025. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida with over 20 years of professional work experience and specialize in work with adults and geriatric individuals. I am highly skilled in helping clients cope with trauma, medical issues, and pain management, grief, depression, anxiety and loneliness. I feel privileged to accompany people on their journey toward growth and healing, especially those suffering from PTSD, various forms of trauma, and other disturbing events.
NOW accepting new clients as of 4/8/2025. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida with over 20 years of professional work experience and specialize in work with adults and geriatric individuals. I am highly skilled in helping clients cope with trauma, medical issues, and pain management, grief, depression, anxiety and loneliness. I feel privileged to accompany people on their journey toward growth and healing, especially those suffering from PTSD, various forms of trauma, and other disturbing events.
My ideal client is one that comes in ready to make changes. Think of a goal, what can I help you with? What do you want to get out of therapy? I believe all people want to find balance within themselves and the world. Whether it’s conflict, stress or mental health concerns. We all want to get through the day in the healthiest way possible. I believe with the right tools people can grow in a way that rewrites their potential to handle life. Step out of a surviving mindset and start thriving, start living! Get back up again, be proud of your growth and see your potential, your potential to be resilient!
My ideal client is one that comes in ready to make changes. Think of a goal, what can I help you with? What do you want to get out of therapy? I believe all people want to find balance within themselves and the world. Whether it’s conflict, stress or mental health concerns. We all want to get through the day in the healthiest way possible. I believe with the right tools people can grow in a way that rewrites their potential to handle life. Step out of a surviving mindset and start thriving, start living! Get back up again, be proud of your growth and see your potential, your potential to be resilient!
It's never too late to begin the healing process, or to improve your self awareness and emotional well being. As a licensed therapist, I am here to walk beside you and help you find the solutions that will work best in your life. Whether you are grieving, or feeling anxious or depressed, together we can work towards a treatment plan that will benefit you and promote a healthier sense of emotional wellness.
It's never too late to begin the healing process, or to improve your self awareness and emotional well being. As a licensed therapist, I am here to walk beside you and help you find the solutions that will work best in your life. Whether you are grieving, or feeling anxious or depressed, together we can work towards a treatment plan that will benefit you and promote a healthier sense of emotional wellness.
Better Together Marriage and Family Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Lakeland, FL 33803
Waitlist for new clients
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 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!
Andi Griffith
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern, RI MFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Lakeland, FL 33803
Tired of feeling stuck or repeating the same patterns without understanding why you can’t seem to break free no matter how hard you try? Sometimes we don't know how to move past or process the negative things in life on our own. Being able to talk to someone from an outside perspective, allows us to get curious about our behaviors and thinking patterns which helps us unlock the answers we have been seeking. Seeking help in these situations doesn't mean you are broken or weak, but rather human. It takes courage and strength to ask for help. Be proud of yourself.
Tired of feeling stuck or repeating the same patterns without understanding why you can’t seem to break free no matter how hard you try? Sometimes we don't know how to move past or process the negative things in life on our own. Being able to talk to someone from an outside perspective, allows us to get curious about our behaviors and thinking patterns which helps us unlock the answers we have been seeking. Seeking help in these situations doesn't mean you are broken or weak, but rather human. It takes courage and strength to ask for help. Be proud of yourself.
See more therapy options for Polk County
Gestalt Therapists
What is gestalt therapy?
Gestalt therapy is based on the idea that to address unresolved negative feelings, emotions must be not only discussed but also actively expressed in the present moment. The term is from a German word meaning “whole,” and gestalt therapists believe that people should be considered whole entities made up of mind, body, and emotions. Gestalt sessions are rooted in the notion that a client’s total self must be discovered, explored, and confronted, so that they can take greater responsibility for themselves and their behavior, learn to satisfy their own needs while still respecting the needs of others, and reconnect with feelings they might otherwise deny.
How does gestalt therapy work?
Gestalt therapy sessions do not just involve talking with a therapist. Clients may take part in role-playing, re-enactment, or artistic exercises like drawing and painting, with the goal of becoming more aware of negative thought patterns that limit happiness. One common gestalt exercise is “the empty chair,” in which a client sits across from an empty chair representing a partner, relative, boss, or a part of themselves—and, with the therapist’s encouragement, improvises a dialog with it. The intention is to bring the emotions raised by past conflicts into the present and work through them in the moment.
How long does gestalt therapy last?
As with most forms of talk therapy, there is no set duration or end point for gestalt therapy; people who believe that they are making progress typically continue until they feel they’ve addressed the issues that had been holding them back. New patients should understand that it may take some time to become comfortable with gestalt exercises but once they do, they should expect sessions to extend for a number of months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions.
Does gestalt therapy work?
Gestalt therapy has generally been found to be as effective as other forms of talk therapy in helping people living with anxiety, depression, phobias, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders, as well as helping individuals reduce conflict in relationships. Gestalt techniques, on their own or in combination with other therapies, can also be effective in managing physical ailments including ulcerative colitis, migraines, and back spasms. It should be noted that some people may have trouble adapting to gestalt therapy’s lack of formal structure or to a therapist’s close observations of their body language and emotions; others may struggle to commit to techniques that feel unnatural, like the empty chair exercise.