Feeling overwhelmed? Is the anxiety or depression you feel getting the best of you? You find yourself worrying so much, stuck in the past or the future. You struggle to focus on your work and duties, can’t get enough sleep, feel on edge, and waste all that time doom scrolling and not knowing how to get out of the “stuck.” You may find you are compensating with food or drink or other distractions. You find yourself just sitting there with that sense of dread wondering “when will this get better?” You might find yourself arguing or disconnected with your partner, feeling like things are unraveling around you.

Are you in recovery but feeling stuck? Are you tired of running from your past? Are you unable to experience vulnerability in a relationship without feeling panic or acting out in destructive ways? You know in your heart that there are issues you have to resolve to have the life you want. You need more than self-help books and 12 step meetings. You didn't begin your journey in recovery to end up feeling stuck. I understand. I am a psychotherapist who is also in recovery. I experienced the same and I am able to help you.

Life as Art Studio was conceived to help individuals, families, groups and organizations find their truth, find their voice. The mission is to work together to unearth talents and unblock creativity. To do so I use primarily action methods through my extensive training in psychodrama. The belief is that most of us need to increase our spontaneity in order become more authentic, true to who we really are. We may suffer because we have lost or never found who that true self is. Maybe we have been taught to think we must be some one else's idea of who and how we should be in the world.

Are you feeling dissatisfied with your present life circumstances? Or facing conflict in your relationships at work, school or in the family. Maybe you feel lost in a life transition, such as a breakup, divorce, career change, or going off to school? Or, perhaps a loved one has left, you suffered a financial setback, or you find yourself disconnected from what you want and who you want to be. I know what it takes to make big changes in life, and while they can be scary, they are doable and rewarding. Anxiety, depression, worry and grief all can be managed. Together, we will find ways to reclaim yourself, your life and your future.

Are you the woman that looks like she has it all together on the outside, but you know inside is a totally different situation? Is the burden of keeping up appearances taking its toll on you and you're not sure how long before it all comes spilling out? So much of your time may be spent giving, caring, or catering to others that at the end of the day it may feel like there's nothing left for you. You know something needs to change because you're physically and emotionally drained. Things are spiraling out of your control.

As a compassionate psychotherapist, I am here to help you navigate the difficult feelings that you may be having to stay present in the world today. As a clinician that has been practicing for over 30 years, I have learned that all behavior has meaning. Through the use of cognitive and experiential interventions, we can utilize your current resources and strengths to make meaning of your experiences and utilize them to propel you forward in life. I have worked with adolescents, adults and children throughout my career. I am very passionate about mental health and have been an advocate for our most vulnerable communities.

Welcome to my practice! Are you ready for a proactive approach to your therapy? Are you tired of doctors telling you what to do without explanation? If so, you've found the right psychologist. I learn what my clients' goals are versus telling them what I want them to do. We develop a treatment plan together customized to your individual needs. I provide virtual sessions (Zoom, FaceTime, Skype) AND face to face in my Ft. Lauderdale office. Whatever is more comfortable and/or convenient for you suits me. Due to COVID-19, my office is sanitized regularly and antibacterial wipes and spray are available for clients.

No one is exempt from hardship. However, if daily demands feel challenging, if we can't shake a sense of dread/sadness, if we can't accept the person we've become, if we have a hard time communicating with our partner, if we struggle to close a door of the past, or if we're witnessing our loved one go through something we can't help them with, it is time to call on someone we can trust to consult on a better way to live our lives. Our work will be a collaboration: You the expert of your life, and me the sounding board for potential areas of growth and change. The goal is contentment.

My areas of therapeutic specialty include depression, anxiety, crisis counseling, trauma, grief, chronic illness, stress-related disorder, and family issues regarding infertility and adoption. In addition, I have experience in the neuropsychological assessment of learning difficulties, attentional disorders, memory loss, traumatic brain injury and illness. An initial session need not be anxiety-provoking. Successful therapy largely depends upon establishing a base of rapport and mutual respect. The first appointment may take a bit longer than the typical 45-minute therapy session since I'll be asking more questions and gathering background information that is relevant to the situation. ***When making a decision about entering into therapy, it is certainly important to gather any information that you believe is relevant. However, when evaluating information obtained online, there are some important facts to consider. (1) All licensed psychologists are mandated reporters of abuse. (2) Sometimes people under investigation become angry and/or hostile. (3) Anybody can post anything anonymously online.

I guide clients to gain insight and soulutions to their issues; emotions, life/relationship challenges and stressors. My experience and training uniquely qualify me to help guide individuals, spouses/partners, and couples struggling with sexual compulsivity issues, sexuality issues, affairs, co-dependency, and trauma. Also, I have extensive experience assisting clients navigate through the process of healing from divorce/relationship break-up. My approach with clients is empathic, solution focused and validating.

Do you scroll through your social media and wonder why you aren’t living your “best life”? You might say, “why does it feel like everyone else has their sh*t together and here I am, struggling to 'adult' on a good day?" Do you feel like you’ve lost your chance to live the life you always thought you'd have? Maybe you’ve achieved success, but are drowning in keeping up with your own unrelenting standards. You're exhausted from performing and disappointed that you always have to miss out. You know there is more to life than your job, but you can't seem to find that work/life balance. Life has become about keeping up versus living.

Do you notice yourself repeating the same patterns over and over again even though you keep getting the same results? Does this interfere with your relationships, self-esteem, and quality of life? Do you feel like you are simply existing rather than living the life you deserve? Imagine how refreshing it will be to finally understand your thoughts and behaviors, treat yourself with compassion, and thrive in your relationships. My name is Paulina and my mission as a professional psychotherapist is to help people resolve inner traumas and break free from survival mode so they can regain the confidence to create a fulfilling life.

My ideal client is an individual seeking freedom from emotional and psychological pain. My clients see me in order to gain independence from the pain of trauma, chronic illness, addiction, and existential crisis. My client's learn new ways of thinking about the world and their place in it. They learn to live as "a part of" and not "apart from". Their relationships are enhanced, their quality of life improves, and they begin to experience life more broadly and richly. My ideal client desires change and is willing to work to achieve it.

Can't seem to communicate with your spouse or significant other? You have a great relationship, but lately you do more arguing than getting along. It's hard to remember the last time you were out on a date or had an enjoyable conversation with each other and your sex life is definitely suffering. You can't seem to figure out how you got here, but despite this, you want to make things work. You really love each other and were once really happy, You're not ready to give up on the relationship and although you'd rather avoid couples counseling, nothing else seems to be working.

Skeptical about therapy? Does idea of talking to someone about your problems seem unappealing or difficult? I'm the therapist for people who hate the idea of therapy. I work like a consultant and will help you find solutions to your problems taking a real world, common sense approach to treatment. You'll notice results quickly and learn real skills in the process. I'm offbeat, laid back, and very good at what I do. I offer in person, web, or phone sessions because I know that even in the time of Covid some people still need in person appointments. I also offer a free phone consultation for new clients so call today.

Making the decision to start therapy is not always an easy one to make. For many, this decision is often complicated by personal expectations and self-judgement regarding what they “could” have done differently in the past, or what they “should” be able to change (on their own). So, if you’re finding yourself struggling to make a similar decision, you’re not alone! If you don't think you are ready for therapy, don't rush into it!

I am presently accepting new clients. I welcome a variety of clients including individuals, couples, and polyamorous relationships. I appreciate working with LGBTQ+ clients and any associated subcultures. I believe the process of counseling is a shared journey as we work towards creating and achieving your goals together. As a person-centered, solution-focused, and existential counselor, my goal is to assist you in becoming empowered on your journey towards improved well-being and personal growth.

I help my clients deal with depression, anxiety, trauma/abuse/PTSD, grief and loss, eating disorders, conflict in their relationships, and life changes & transitions. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, a Board Certified Dance/Movement Therapist, an EMDR therapist, and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. I have over 25 years experience in blending verbal therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and trauma focused therapies such as EMDR with the expressive arts (dance/movement, art, music, writing). I look forward to offering you an effective and personalized approach!

Today you are one step closer to a new you where you can feel empowered and reach your personal goals. Although it may be intimidating to seek professional help, as humans we all need support and guidance. I am trained in specialized techniques that will help reduce your symptoms so you may feel better. My belief is that the client has the inherent capacity to heal and this can be accelerated in a counseling setting with a therapist you trust.

My ideal client comes as they are, or at the very least, is open to change. My role includes helping a client uncover the desire and motivation to change patterns that may keep them from moving forward. Being open to change may be all we need to take small steps in the right direction. Like a snowball rolling downhill, motivation increases with the momentum of progress.