Therapy Services In Orlando

Individual Counseling
Individual therapy sessions last between 50 minutes. The frequency and duration of therapy will depend largely on your needs, treatment goals, and progress. Often client’s concerns are readily resolved with short-term therapy ( 3-6 sessions), and other chronic or more complex concerns require long-term (10 sessions or more) commitment before improvement is realized. My goal is that with every session the client has learned something new and able to move closer towards an overall improved life. Whether it is a present day issue or an event from the past that is causing distress in your life, talking to a licensed therapist will diminish the power this “thing” has on your life. When we allow light to go into dark places they are no longer dark and as scary as when they were kept in a secret hiding place.

Are you experiencing:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Unhappiness
• Lack of Focus
• Lack of Motivation
• Low Self Esteem
• Unable to trust others
• Sexual Integrity
• Relationship Betrayal
• Spiritual Issues
• Loneliness

These are some of the big ones seen by every therapist. Finding a qualified therapist in Orlando may seem easy since there are so many of us. To determine if the therapist is a good fit, go to at least 2 sessions. If you do not feel heard and validated, then move on to another therapist. Keep trying, you will find one that fits. If you bounce from therapist to therapist and you keep hearing the same thing, you may be in denial. Often times, what we need to hear is the hardest words to hear. Awareness is always the first step. You can do this, you can have a better life. By finding a therapist and having an open heart to receive what is being said, and the willingness to do the hard work, the reward is worth it. 

Couples Counseling
Couples therapy, whether married or dating, sessions typically last between 50 minutes to 80 minutes. The frequency and duration of therapy will depend largely on the needs, treatment goals, and progress of the couple. Often the couples’ issue can be resolved in 6-10 weekly sessions, moving to bi- weekly then monthly. Often I find in a couple’s session when one is able to see his/ her partner with fresh eyes and learn to respond in a kinder and more supportive manner this then motivates the other partner to do the same. We are only responsible for our own behavior and how we respond to our partner. This is personal responsibility. I can not change my partner, I can only change me. Understanding the partner is not the enemy but the ally. The goal being to build a stronger connection and healthier relationship. When two people have a common goal it really is a matter of finding a common path to accomplish the goal. Determining what does not work, and what worked in the past is part of the process. All past wounds do not need to be dredged back up in session, moving forward to do the relationship in a healthier manner is the goal. Eyes looking ahead, not backwards will take you to a better future.

Pre-marital counseling is beneficial to discuss with a trained therapist. I am certified facilitator for PREPARE/ ENRICH which helps engaged couples determine the strengths and growth areas of the relationship. Often couples will come in for 3 to 4 sessions before the wedding day to discuss the big topics faced in marriage. Marriage is not always easy so by discussing core values and beliefs ahead of the big day, can minimize the fears of the unknown. Learning how to communicate in a healthy way is vital for a great marriage and a long lasting relationship. Chances are you both have different communication styles, you both are unique and have views that may not match. Compromise is important, but giving up of self in a healthy manner for the marriage and becoming marriage centered holds the marriage together. Marriage is never 50-50, both need to give 100% to the best of their ability. By giving it all and making marriage a priority in your life, the benefits of marriage are a life partner, support system, a secure attachment, safety and trust. 

Family Counseling
Similar to Individual and Couples Counseling, Family Counseling duration depends on the needs and goals of the family. Often the goal is the same for each member but they are struggling with the way to implement the action plan. A family is like gears in a machine, all gears need to be moving in order for the machine to go forward. At times one member is suffering and feels stuck. Therapy can help other members learn how to help and do their part in supporting the hurting member. Using Internal Family Systems Therapy members see each person as an individual but also a contributor to the system (family). The whole is greater than the parts, in other words, a family has amazing strength to build up and to tear down. We know the words we speak have an impact on those around us, so does our behavior. Actions often speak louder than words. No action also speaks. If you have been saying the same thing over and over about the same problem, then it is time to change the solution. Speaking over and over is not working, do different, be different.

Online Counseling
Sometimes it is not possible to meet face to face. I am able to offer online counseling in the State of Florida using Skype and Zoom. The law states if you are not licensed in the state where you are practicing and where your client is, then it is unlawful to provide counseling/ therapy services. Coaching is a whole different profession in which it is not well regulated. Beware. Counseling requires a graduate degree, license, and continuing education courses. Counseling is regulated by the Florida Department of Health. Coaching is a certificate in which the individual is not trained to treat mental disorders.

Group Counseling
Sitting in a circle with a licensed therapist being guided through processing each others pain can be an intense and supportive method of therapy. When you see others who have suffered similar wounding, you no longer feel that you are "the only". Empathy is engaged and your own healing begins. There is a sense of confidence when you can hold another person's trauma along with your own, your capacity to do hard things expands and your perspective of your life focuses on what is truly important, your healing.

When Counseling is no longer confidential:
Information may be released, in accordance with state law, only when: (1) the client signs a written release of information indicating informed consent to such release; (2) the client expresses serious intent to harm himself/herself or someone else; (3) there is evidence or reasonable suspicion of abuse against a minor child, elder person 60+ years of age, or dependent child; or (4) a subpoena or other court order is received directing the disclosure of information.