Hello. My name is Christian Cruz-Ayala. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. I have been in the helping profession for over 7 years. This is a journey that has been personally and professionally rewarding. It has much growth to me as an individual in my personal life as well as in my professional life. I graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in Psychology and Sociology. I then pursue a Masters in Counseling at Webster University. I have gained experience working in a crisis unit, working in inpatient substance abuse treatment. I then gain employment at a local methadone clinic where I was able to provide counseling services to individuals with an opiate addiction. Later on I began my journey in working with children, adolescents/teenagers, young adults and parents, which has now become my passion. I am one who believes the philosophy that life is a journey rather than a destination. I'm a huge believer that life throws many things at us through our journey, but what is more important is how we respond to life rather than what it throws at us. This Cognitive Behavioral approach is the same approach that I take when it comes to counseling. I use an eclectic approach, utilizing theories and teachings from all psychology teachings to help the individual respond well to life. I like to teach clients how to manage their own symptoms with the help of coping skills and give them the tools to help them. I’m a strong believer that whatever you put into this world is what you will get out of it. I want to help you define what it is to be you and how you can make a change in your own life to better yourself. I want to be a bridge on your journey of life to help you get to the destination that you desire.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Florida with over 20 years of experience working as a counselor and psychotherapist. I have worked with clients of all ages who have experienced a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, and stage of life changes. My counseling style is sensitive, warm, and supportive. I come from a person-centered approach which involves treating my clients with respect, dignity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, and solution -focused processes. My clients enjoy the challenges presented in sessions and find the changes they make are the changes they seek; it just was not in their conscious thoughts. People usually have the answers inside them and just need help finding their way to make the changes they seek. Seeking help is difficult, we must admit to ourselves that we cannot figure this problem out on our own. Or maybe, we just want to improve our quality of life and become more productive, more independent, or more powerful person. People seek help for many reasons. Helping people is my passion. I love to see the changes my clients make. I believe that any good relationship is based on trust, and I promise to create a safe space for you to be heard and validated. I am described as compassionate, gentle, and kind but can also be firm when it’s needed. It is important to note that I practice unconditional regard and will never judge or shame you. Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. I look forward to working with you!

Hello, my name is Beverly Knighten, I am a professional counselor currently licensed in Oklahoma with over 12 years of experience working as a LCSW in multiple settings, and states. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, addiction and SMI. Most of my career has been working with the military in various occupations and settings. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is eclectic, compassionate and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, and in a non-judgement approach. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, talk therapy, person-centered and solution focused counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

My name is Madeline Reyes, and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of Florida with over 15 years of experience in the mental health field, five years as a Forensic Counselor, and three years as the Program Director of a Forensic Facility in one of the most renown Mental Health Hospital in Miami. I have many years of experience working with adolescents, young adults, adults, & families around issues of depression/anxiety, behavioral concerns, parenting, relationships/family issues, adjustment/transitions, and trauma. My counseling approach is a combination of cognitive behavior therapy and motivational interview. During sessions, you can expect a warm nonjudgmental environment filled with respect, active listening, appropriate feedback, and support. I look forward to working with you.

Welcome to a peek into my life. I am a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC), in the beautiful sunshine state of Florida. I have been blessed to have many tassels on my hat of life. I began teaching Anatomy/Biology at the high school level over 36 years ago, then became an adjunct professor in the mental health program, where due to my background in Biology I was asked to teach Human Sexuality to the counseling students. I have practiced mental health counseling for 25years, and during that time have had the opportunity to develop a great bag of tools to help with my client's metamorphosis into a confident individual. As a mental health counselor, I mainly work with couples who are dealing with communication issues as well as intimacy issues. I am often called upon to assist people dealing with parenting dilemmas. During my year's teaching and counseling, I have been blessed to develop a common sense and eclectic style of therapy. I always tailor my mode of therapy to the client's best interest. I firmly believe the client must be the focus, therefore Client-Centered Therapy is always the foundation, as I believe respect, trust, and self-awareness is essential to the client-finding their answers to their concerns. I feel each person has all the answers or solutions to their concerns or stressors within, just where God has placed them. I want to assure you that there isn't too much under the sun that I haven't seen, heard, or experienced as a counselor. I also want to assure you that this road that we are about to embark upon is a journey that we will take together; Hand in hand, side by side. I am here to support and help you as you travel this amazing trail to self-awareness I am very aware of the courage and strength that one has in order to ask a stranger for help, in such major life's trials and tribulations. I admire you for taking these first difficult steps and am excited to embark on this healing process. I am excited to get started walking along beside you as we continue to once again find your place of peace.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida with over 20 years of experience. I have worked with a wide variety of people and concerns. I have experience in working with depression, anxiety and relationship challenges. I have significant experience working with clients who experienced trauma or emotional abuse as children. My therapy style is collaborative and client centered. I believe each person is unique and has their own story, their own challenges and their own needs. I approach therapy from a humanistic perspective and use a variety of methods to help my clients. I have training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) as well as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). I am open to working with my clients using the tools and methods they find most useful. I enjoy collaborating with my clients to help them find solutions to challenges, improve their well-being and support them in their journey.

Hello, My name is Melissa Elliott, but I like to go by Leesa. I have been a licensed mental health counselor in Florida for over 30 years. I admire you for your courage to seek counseling by recognizing areas in your life that need peace, happiness and balance. I believe that in working with the right counselor, an individual can shorten the journey to achieving their personal goals. I enjoy being a part of the journey. I encourage my clients to add practical tools to their existing tool kit. This will enable them to apply these tools in both current and future situations. One of the approaches I use is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which explores the relationship between our thoughts and feelings and how they impact our behaviors and choices. There is not just one approach that fits all, so I like to tailor the sessions based on the individual and what works for them. My life and work experience give me insights into the following areas: relationships, parenting, aging parents, work issues, infertility and adoption. If you choose to work with me, I look forward to being part of your journey.

Hello, My name is Sharta and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Florida. More importantly I have over 3 years experience listening to clients and giving resources and tools to help cope with life stressors. I work mainly with adults dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues while using motivational interviewing, Client Centered therapy and Solution focused therapy. Changing my therapeutic style to meet client needs is a necessary must to deliver quality care and a priority for each client. Thank you for seeking counseling services in this judgement free zone, you are taking a big step for change and I am here to assist you while making that journey.

Born in New York and raised in Philadelphia, I have lived in South Florida for the past 25 years, and I've been an LCSW for 20 of them. I am comfortable talking to a wide variety of people and I enjoy discussing the stressors involved in work, in relationships, in parenting. I feel that everyone can benefit from having productive discussions about challenging issues. PLEASE NOTE - I CAN ONLY PROVIDE THERAPY TO RESIDENTS OF FLORIDA. I have been doing teletherapy for the past 3 years, and I do not maintain an office for in-person therapy. I believe the teletherapy has opened to door for so many people who would not otherwise involve themselves in a weekly or bi-weekly trek to an office. I am comfortable with what I am able to offer through teletherapy, and while I understand that there are sometimes limitations, for the most part I find clients feeling rewarded by the experience. It's a brave new world. I am happy to engage with people who are dealing with anger issues, relationship problems, adjustment issues, loss and bereavement, anxiety as well as mood dysregulation. I employ cognitive behavioral interventions when I see the opportunity, and find that these techniques can be particularly helpful with anxiety problems. Please note that I do NOT conduct sessions while clients are driving.

My goal as a therapist working in the profession for the past 25 years has been to find solutions that work for you, helping you to discover the true potential of your life, so everyday can be a celebration and feel like a breath of fresh air. There may be no magic button or quick-fix solution when it comes to therapy but we can work together to find comfort and resolve issues in the difficult areas of your life and the challenges you have to face. Through various techniques and long standing approaches with proven results, we will be able to determine what behavior and/or thoughts might be holding you back from living your best life and finding meaning in everyday situations. Whether you are looking for support or guidance through a particularly difficult time or you are open to a real change in your life and where you are going, together, we can work meet your goals. Anyone dealing with any type of behavioral or emotional issue from depression to couple's counseling and everything in between is welcome. I graduated from Hillsborough Community College in 1993 with an Associate in Science Degree in Human Services Technology. I continued my education at the University of South Florida and earned a Bachelor of Social Work Degree. I also have a Master of Social Work Degree specializing in Clinical Social Work from Michigan State University. In 2000 I became a licensed therapist and began working in private practice in 2002. My past work experience includes working as a therapist in schools, homes, outpatient settings, as well as couples and Military Families for several years. Lastly, the treatment approaches that I frequently utilize are Client Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Trauma Focused Therapy. I hope you allow me the opportunity to work with you!

My name is Nelsy Villalobos. I am a licensed clinical social worker based out of Jacksonville, Florida with over 11 years of clinical work experience. I have worked with individuals and their families for over two decades providing a combination of clinical services, school health services, community support services, and case management to assist my clients with stress and anxiety, depression, unresolved trauma, the processing of abuse and coping with grief and loss with the goal of increasing their motivation, self esteem, and self confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I check messages Monday - Friday, a few times a day and respond within a 24 hour period. I do appreciate your patience on occasions when it takes a little longer to tend to professional / personal responsibilities. I understand that taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process! I am looking forward to working with you.

I am licensed in Florida with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, lgbt-related issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am a Counselor and Registerd Nurse, licensed in Florida with over 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I respect my client's time and money by getting to issues directly, and get down to business quickly. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Exploring your psychological, social, biological and spiritual of your life, I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am a licensed mental health counselor in Florida with 8 years of experience as a therapist and with over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am la Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self-esteem and building confidence. 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!