Therapists in Bay Harbor Islands, FL

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with nearly 30 years of experience. I am located in Florida where I began my career in counseling in 1994 as a residential therapist in a psychiatric hospital, followed by the roles of an outpatient therapist, clinical supervisor and program director at a substance abuse treatment agency. In 2001, I relocated to Ohio, where I worked for the next 13 years as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor - Supervisor, program manager and program administrator for a mental and behavioral health nonprofit organization. In 2014, I relocated back to Florida where I began my online practice. If you have any reservations about online counseling, I encourage you to give it a try. It is a highly effective and convenient therapeutic modality that can be accessed from the the comfort and safety of your own home or wherever you are at any given time. I can attest to this with utmost confidence based on my clients' positive feedback after providing services here for over 8 years. My clinical philosophy is one of a humanistic nature, with emphasis on the therapeutic relationship as the most essential building block of the counseling process. My therapeutic style is warm, interactive, attentive and compassionate. I believe that genuineness, unconditional positive regard and empathy are critical to the helping process. As needed, I am also direct and structured in my approach and tend to assign therapeutic homework or tasks to enhance the progression and continuity of the process in between live sessions or message exchanges. I have the ability to tailor and pace treatment to your individual and unique needs, and I am sensitive to evolving the process at your pace and convenience while still promoting and prompting advancement toward your goals. Furthermore, I take a holistic approach to health and wellness, with emphasis on achieving balance in major life domains. I believe that when needs, desires or aspirations are unfulfilled in one significant realm, the others are affected as well and this creates imbalance in one's life, leading to stress, anxiety, inconsistency, overwhelmed feelings, lack of self-care, somatic symptoms, etc. Lastly, in terms of professional characteristics and standards of care, I operate with the highest degree. I was esteemed throughout my career for my level of professionalism, ethical conduct, organization, efficiency and grace. My educational background includes: a bachelor's degree in psychology from University of Miami, FL; a master's degree in mental health counseling from Nova Southeastern University of Fort Lauderdale, FL; and additional post-graduate coursework in career counseling, and the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of mental disorders at University of Dayton in Bexley, OH. I enjoy the ongoing pursuit of continued education, training and professional development through seminars in specialized areas, reading and self-study. I highly value knowledge, information and effective application of therapeutic theories, models, strategies, and techniques that may benefit the people I serve. My clinical experience includes working with various diverse populations and treatment modalities, and the full spectrum of issues and disorders ranging from the most simple to the most complex co-occurring conditions. I specialize in treating depression/anxiety/stress, substance abuse/addiction, emotional/physical/sexual abuse, trauma and grief/loss. I also have extensive experience with counseling issues in the following areas: LGBT, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Intimacy-related issues, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Compassion fatigue & Addictions in general. Depression, anxiety and stress are some of the most common challenges faced by people who seek counseling. In this realm, I have worked with children, adolescents and adults in residential/hospital, outpatient and community-based settings. I have provided individual, group and family services, and have facilitated psycho-educational counseling groups and workshops on coping skills, stress management/reduction, emotion regulation, self-esteem and assertive communication skills. My approach though eclectic, tends to be rooted in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which per evidence-based research, is very effective in treating these issues. This active intervention is problem-focused and goal-directed in examining the relationships between thoughts, feelings and behaviors; and modifying unhelpful or negative patterns of thinking that lead to self-defeating beliefs and actions, to improve coping and overall wellness. I also take a mindfulness-based approach to CBT (MBCBT) by encouraging the use of mindfulness practice and self-compassion. These tools help to address and validate one's personal experience with distress, pain and suffering; and diminish associated negative symptoms by focusing attention on the present moment. Learning how to self-soothe and regulate emotions through effective relaxation, calming and grounding strategies are significant components of my clinical approach to addressing depression, anxiety and stress. For over two decades, I have treated teens and adults who struggle with substance abuse and dependency issues. In 1998, I was humbly honored to receive Florida Alcohol & Drug Abuse Association's Professional of the Year award. I have provided these services in various settings and levels of care from the least to the most restrictive. As an outpatient alcohol and drug counselor, I worked with self-referred individuals as well as those who had been mandated to receive evaluation and/or treatment as a condition of probation, parole, work, school or a family/community member. I provided these services in individual, group and family forums. As a clinical supervisor and administrator, I had the opportunity to develop and oversee programming and staff in the specialized area of addictions. In a training capacity, I facilitated seminars to educate clinical staff in the areas of assessing, diagnosing and treating alcohol and drug problems. I am very passionate about working with people who struggle with addictions in general, one day at a time, toward a healthy recovery and lifestyle. Maintaining a strong emphasis on healthy coping skills, positive support systems and relapse prevention planning are key to my treatment approach in this area. In the delicate area of treating the effects of abuse and trauma, I have worked with child and adult survivors of emotional/physical/sexual abuse and violence. I have extensive experience working with acute and post traumatic stress disorder and have developed and facilitated group curricula that focus on reducing isolation, guilt/shame and self-blame; building self-esteem, positive support systems and coping skills; and increasing a sense of mastery and personal empowerment. I am also well versed at teaching survivors how to implement effective relaxation, grounding and anchoring techniques to help diminish anxiety and maintain a balanced state of arousal and focus in the present moment. Encouraging self-forgiveness is also very important to me in helping survivors let go of illegitimate shame or guilt derived from any unwanted responses to, or effects from the abuse. Throughout the healing journey, I am sensitive to guiding the process at a pace that feels most comfortable and safe to each person, and promoting respite from focusing on difficult material if/when it becomes too emotionally burdensome. To help prevent any inadvertent re-traumatization from occurring during the counseling process, I am especially conscientious and attentive to providing trauma-informed care. Throughout my career, I have helped children, teens and families work through grief/loss challenges. In my professional opinion, there is no one particular formula for grieving. Though there are common elements or phases of grief, everyone grieves differently. It is a very personal experience and individual response to coping with significant loss of any kind - death, separation/divorce, relocation, retirement, job loss/change, etc. Grief occurs in stages, which may come like waves in the ocean, ascending and receding at any given time and in no particular order. I am skilled at helping people understand this phenomenon and learn how to navigate these treacherous waters. I have expertise in providing compassionate support and effective strategies to aid individuals through this vulnerable and difficult time toward a place of healing and acceptance. Working with LGBTQIA+ counseling issues is a point of passion for me. I respect, admire, embrace and promote diversity, individuality and authenticity in my personal and professional life. I am LGBTQIA+ informed/educated and have experience with bullying, coming out, internalized homophobia, gender identity affirmation and transgender support. Mental health problems are difficult enough in their own respect, let alone compounded by LGBTQ issues. I have worked with a broad spectrum of concerns in this realm ranging from depression, anxiety, shame, guilt, secrecy and confusion associated with sexual orientation/attraction and gender identity to homo/bi/transphobia and HOCD (homophobic obsessive compulsive disorder). Furthermore, LGBTQIA+ couples and families have unique issues when it comes to navigating the legal, emotional and financial aspects of raising and/or restructuring a non-traditional family. On behalf of this community, I firmly believe that more support, education and advocacy are greatly needed. With all the significant strides that have been made toward raised awareness and acceptance in our society, there is so much more that we can do to achieve full empowerment and equality for all. I want to be a part of this valuable movement and growth journey by helping one individual at a time. I genuinely admire your initiative and courage to reach out for support, and look forward to working together toward your goals. With patience and commitment and dedication to this process, this is the first step toward a happier and healthier or more evolved you.

Jeff Smialek is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 15 years of experience in the field. As a veteran Jeff understands that at any given time a person may need help and understanding. He brings a wealth of experience to his practice and is always seeking new avenues to continue to provide the most current techniques for his clients. Jeff has specialized experience providing therapy for adolescents and individuals with trauma, mood disorders, attachment disorders, and behavioral/impulse disorders. He is a graduate level professor in mental health counseling and is a Qualified Supervisor for mental health interns seeking licensure. Jeffrey believes with guidance anyone can have the fulfilling life they are seeking. "Most people are usually about as happy as they make up their minds to be." Abraham Lincoln.

Starting over can be HARD! Life transitions such as divorce, relocation, or separation from a job or a relationship can be tough to navigate. Whether these changes are planned or unexpected, they often bring about feelings of fear, confusion, frustration, and more. In my practice, I provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to process your thoughts and emotions. My goal is to meet you where you are and help guide you through your transition. I use motivational interviewing techniques, empowerment-based therapy, strength-based therapy, and more to help you identify, reflect, and process the barriers you feel may be keeping you from embracing or understanding where you are in your life. Your journey starts here! Today! I look forward to embracing this journey with you!

I am licensed in Florida with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & anger management. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in Florida with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, parenting issues, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Hey there! I'm Nandi, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in South Florida. I'm all about making life better for teens and young adults through empathetic and culturally relevant mental health care. With a career spanning 6 years in the field of mental health I began as an intake specialist, where I first recognized the immense need for personalized, empathetic support in this critical phase of life. Over the years, I've evolved from case management to life coaching, and now I primarily focus on clinical work, providing therapeutic interventions to empower young minds. My goal? To make sure that mental health care is not just easy to get but also speaks to everyone’s unique experiences and background. I believe that tailored support is the key to lasting growth. Let's work together to create a brighter, mentally healthier future for the next generation. You're not alone on this journey!

I am licensed in Florida and Rhode Island with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & family conflicts. I also have experience working with motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in Florida with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, ADHD, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders including postpartum depression, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling, happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Are you currently trying to navigate through the stress of a new life transition? Whether that is becoming a parent, exploring different career options, or ending a relationship just to name a few - I am here to help! Change is inevitable for us all, however reaching out for support during transitional periods can help reduce stress levels and feelings of anxiety. In doing so you will be able to make decisions with more clarity and be able to embrace positive outcomes that you can look forward to in the future. Whether your transitions are anticipated or completely unexpected I will work collaboratively to help you ease your worries and even fears. As a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist located in Florida I have had the opportunity to work with individuals, families, and couples within the public health, criminal justice, and private practice settings. I can ensure you that as a clinician I will always lead with compassion creating a safe space for my clients to share their vulnerabilities in a judgement free zone. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. Now accepting individuals clients with availability on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

I am a licensed therapist in Florida and South Carolina with 10 years of experience walking alongside people on their healing journeys. Life can be overwhelming, and challenges like stress, anxiety, grief, trauma, self-doubt, and life transitions can feel isolating. But you don’t have to navigate them alone; that's where I come in. I will bring my authentic self and experiences working in community mental health to the table; my goal is to add valuable tools to your toolbox, motivate you, and ensure you feel heard and seen throughout the entire experience. I believe that your emotions are not to be ignored or dismissed; they serve you in that emotions send you signals that something needs to change or something isn't in alignment with your values. You are the expert on you and I believe everyone is capable of change; neuroplasticity is a real thing after all. My approach is rooted in compassion, hope, respect, and evidence-based techniques. Together, we’ll create a safe space where you feel validated, seen, supported, and empowered to grow. I will tailor our work to fit your needs and goals, helping you build on your strengths, increase your confidence and self-reliance, and provide strategies to enhance your overall well-being. Taking the first step toward healing takes courage, and I want you to know you are not alone. I’m here to support you every step of the way.