Psychologist Kara Anderson providing different types of therapy in Wimauma

Kara Anderson

Clinician
License Type(s): MS, LMHC, PCC-S
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGrief
29 years offering treatment

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.

Psychologist Bethany Livingston providing different types of therapy in Wimauma

Bethany Livingston

Clinician
License Type(s): LMHC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyEating disordersSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years offering treatment

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Florida and have been practicing for 10 years. I earned a Master of Arts degree in Forensic Psychology from Argosy University in 2011, and took additional courses in a Master’s Degree program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. A great deal of my therapeutic work has been with clients experiencing a broad range of concerns including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, relationship issues, career challenges, OCD, eating disorders, and ADHD. I use a client-centered, solution-focused approach to therapy, primarily utilizing cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness based therapy techniques, to aid in individualizing care for each client’s specific needs. I believe in helping clients gain new perspectives and insights in order to bring about positive change in their lives. It takes courage to seek out 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.

Psychologist Maureen Karol providing different types of therapy in Wimauma

Maureen Karol

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteem
21 years offering treatment

Hi, my name is Maureen and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC, in Florida where I have been practicing for over 20 years in both the community mental health arena as well private practice. I have experience in mobile crisis, substance abuse, individual, couples and family therapy in addition to being a qualified supervisor for licensure for the state of Florida. I would like to first give you an idea of who I am and how I tend to approach not only therapy but life in general. My motto is to help my clients “make life simple again” by taking the issues at hand and breaking them into manageable parts. Often times, people become overwhelmed by what is going on in their lives because emotion has skewed their perspective and has created anxiety and stress toward that issue/situation. I view my role as being a guide to helping the person reevaluate the concern/issue in a more objective way in an effort to break it down into manageable parts. When situations or concerns are broken down into objective manageable parts then the feelings of being overwhelmed dissipate and decision making becomes easier. I view therapy as just a learning experience that at times can feel uncomfortable and at other times feel very empowering. I use humor a lot in my sessions because it’s not only fun but also allows for a sense of levity throughout the process. Also, please know that you are the driver of this bus and I am simply your co-pilot. What we talk about or don’t talk about is entirely up to you and it is my goal to always have an atmosphere of respect and safety so that you feel at your most comfortable to be able to share what is going on for you. I look forward to working with you and seeing where the bus takes us.

Psychologist Hayley Schapiro providing different types of therapy in Wimauma

Hayley Schapiro

Clinician
License Type(s): LCSW
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
6 years offering treatment

Hayley C. Schapiro, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Hayley graduated from Columbia University in New York City. Her expertise is individual psychotherapy, case consult, and evaluation. Hayley worked as a psychometrician in a clinic overseen by a large hospital network in New York City. There she provided diagnostic clarity for families and facilitated their transition to community based services. Hayley was trained in administering assessments at New York Presbyterian Hospital: Center for Autism and the Developing Brain. Prior, Hayley worked at a New York City Charter School, where she provided individual mental health support, crisis intervention, and group counseling. Hayley acknowledges the many pressures families face but her priority is to smooth transitions, engage parents, and creatively brainstorm. Hayley excels in quickly building rapport with clients through humor, empathy, and unwavering engagement.

Psychologist Gina Tillman providing different types of therapy in Wimauma

Gina Tillman

Clinician
License Type(s): LCSW,MCAP
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
14 years offering treatment

I've been working in the field of mental health for the past 14 years, specializing in trauma therapy and addiction. I have worked in mental health clinics, held a private practice, and have worked for numerous years with the veteran population. I am a very eclectic clinician, trained in multiple treatment modalities and clinical approaches. My approach is non-judgmental and collaborative. I focus on client goals and client-centered needs, with the hope of assisting individuals on their journey toward a life worth living. I understand that individuals know themselves best, and I am there assisting them in the process of unearthing underlying concerns. The work is often about creating awareness in working to build tools and skills to enable healthy coping and positive behavioral lifestyle changes.

Psychologist Laura Moore providing different types of therapy in Wimauma

Laura Moore

Clinician
License Type(s): LCSW
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
22 years offering treatment

I knew from a young age that I wanted to be in a profession where I could help others. I have been blessed for over 20 years to work with adult of all ages, children, adolescents and families who want to make positive changes and live a happier and more fulfilling life. I want to walk this journey with you. I am a LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) in Florida with over 20 years expereince working with a wide range of concerns depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, self-esteem, trauma and abuse, ADHD, Autism, health issues and grief and loss. I am skilled in multiple therapeatic modalitie, Trauma and Loss Clinical Specialist and a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Specialist. As a counselor my goal is to provide you with a safe and supportive space where you can face issues you are experiencing and explore different ways of positively dealing with them. I will be your listening ear, cheer leader and emotioal support. Making the decision to start counseling is not an easy one, but often is one of the best decisions anyone can make. I look forward to working with you and walking this journey with you.

Psychologist Ashley Thornton providing different types of therapy in Wimauma

Ashley Thornton

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesDepressionCompassion fatigue
6 years offering treatment

Hello, nice to meet you. I look forward to talking with you. A little information about my personality is I am bouncy, bubbly, honest, and to the point. I believe we all need a encouragement in our lives to help us in a tough time. “Believe you can and you're halfway there." — Theodore Roosevelt. I am licensed in Florida with 4 years of professional work experience.” working with crisis, disasters, youth, teens, family, and adults. Prior to that, I did case management to help stabilize families and individuals who are in need with community resources. I also worked 10 years in law enforcement as a housing deputy and have experience with trauma and first responder burnout. I like helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. 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!

Psychologist Suzanne S Harrell providing different types of therapy in Wimauma

Suzanne S Harrell

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
5 years offering treatment

Hello! I have been a licensed social worker in Florida since 1997. I have also been teaching Yoga, breathwork and mindfulness for over 20 years. I love to combine traditional therapy techniques with those found in Yoga to create mind-body awareness in the reduction of stress and anxiety. I believe that YOU are the expert of your story and your experiences, and that you already have everything you need inside of you to heal. You already 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.

Psychologist Carissa Martinez providing different types of therapy in Wimauma

Carissa Martinez

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
10 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Florida with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with 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. 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.

Psychologist Colleen Walker providing different types of therapy in Wimauma

Colleen Walker

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
20 years offering treatment

With over 20 years of experience, I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and discover their inner strength. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults, supporting them through stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, abuse, parenting concerns, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence building. I believe that you are the expert in your own life, and my role is to provide guidance, support, and encouragement as you work toward healing and personal growth. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and tailored to your unique needs. Whether you're facing difficult emotions, life transitions, or simply seeking self-improvement, I am here to walk alongside you. Taking the first step toward therapy can be empowering, and I am honored to be part of your journey. Together, we can work toward healing, resilience, and positive change.

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What types of therapists are available to clients in Wimauma?

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Wimauma that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), therapeutic talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.

Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform

Mental health therapists in Wimauma available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Wimauma therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Wimauma therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Wimauma region and in the state of Florida.

How can a therapist help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want?

Therapists in Wimauma can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Wimauma may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 

Is it better to find a mental health counselor or therapist in Wimauma offering online therapy or in person?

Studies show online therapy can be just as effective as in-person counseling. Online therapy with licensed counselors is often more affordable, with BetterHelp pricing ranging from $65-$100 weekly, while in person therapy can cost up to $200 per session.

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