Embrace, Evolve, Thrive!

When your friends or family tell you to "snap out of it," it probably feels like you are alone on an island. All you want is for someone to understand why getting out of bed feels like running a marathon, or why living your day-to-day life feels like being stuck upside down on a roller coaster when you're afraid of heights. Internal struggles, past traumas, deep-rooted anxieties, and depression don't have a simple on/off switch. With individual talk therapy, I use a humanistic approach combined with identifying the root and possible causes to help my clients. Often, the day-to-day struggles are only surface-level and are more deeply rooted, and sometimes conditions like anxiety and depression, for example, are inherited through genetic predisposition, but suppressing these feelings will only make them worse. My goal is to help clients navigate through difficult times and provide them with the tools to recognize when they're struggling and how to manage it. 

cbt therapist near me St. Petersburg

Being in a relationship isn't at all like what we see in the movies. When you first meet someone and feel that instant spark, it's amazing and exciting, but it takes effort and commitment to maintain that spark. Sometimes, couples start to grow apart because they feel like they've lost their individuality and aren't being true to themselves. This leads to blaming and resentment in the relationship. It's natural to fear losing oneself or the other person, and this fear can lead to distancing ourselves from the relationship. Sometimes this distance happens intentionally, and sometimes it does not. Of course, some relationships may no longer serve a purpose or have reached their end, and that's okay. On the other hand, there are relationships where both partners feel stuck, lost, and miss the connection they once had, fearing that they'll never get it back. However, it's possible to rekindle that connection and regain a sense of individuality while still being a team with your partner. Through therapy, we can work together to uncover and address deep-rooted issues. I understand that couples therapy can be intimidating. As a therapist, I aim to be compassionate, empathetic, and straightforward. To find solutions, both partners need to be willing to truly hear each other, embrace uncertainty, take personal responsibility for the relationship, and be ready to put in the effort. With this approach, finding balance within the partnership is entirely possible!

couples therapist near me St. Petersburg

I recognize that family dynamics can be complex and challenging, often leading to a wide range of emotions. That's why I offer family counseling to support you as you navigate these difficulties and strengthen your connections. I work with families of all sizes and backgrounds to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and build deeper bonds. Family conflicts often stem from deeper issues rather than just surface-level problems. If families, regardless of their size, are willing to look inward and openly discuss the underlying concerns, healing is entirely possible. Together, we can create a more harmonious and understanding family environment.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often misunderstood. When people say "I'm so OCD" just because they like to be neat and organized, they most likely do not have the disorder. OCD can manifest in various subtypes, such as contamination fears, fear of harming others intentionally or accidentally, fear of something bad happening if things are not done a certain way, perfectionistic OCD, and more. All these subtypes share the common feature in that these fears, urges, and thoughts are completely unwanted and intrusive. Unfortunately, OCD leads a person to question their moral standing and struggle with a heavy sense of self-doubt daily. It can be challenging for those without OCD to understand, and parents of children with OCD often find themselves providing reassurance. However, reassurance is not helpful for OCD sufferers. If you or a loved one is struggling with OCD, I have both personal and professional experience with the condition and am highly trained in Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) therapy as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which are widely recognized as one of the most effective treatments for OCD. ERP and CBT, like all therapy, is nothing without a humanistic approach, and I pride myself on trying to create a therapeutic environment where my clients understand that they are now part of a team. ERP specifically can feel challenging at first, but it is completely worth it. If you are struggling with OCD or any other form of anxiety, I have full confidence that if you put in dedication and work, you can do this! It’s time for you to be the boss of you and not your OCD. 

erp therapist near me cbt therapist near me St. Petersburg

In life, everything affects everything else. If you struggle with abandonment issues, low self-esteem, or feeling stuck in a job that makes you miserable, this is all rooted in fear.  Fear can be the biggest bully you'll ever meet, and it can stop you from living your best life. We take steps in each session to truly understand and get to the root of why you are feeling the way you are, and we will use a humanistic approach along with a Cognitive Behavioral approach so that we can bring out the brave and amazing person that's living within you and waiting to fly. 

cbt therapist near me St. Petersburg

If you frequently hear comments like "Why are you being so sensitive?" or "You are way too sensitive," you might feel as though you don't belong or that you are out of place. I want to assure you that you are incredibly unique and amazing! As a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), you are deeply connected to your surroundings, and your sensitivity might be misunderstood. However, it's possible that you simply haven't found your tribe yet. Your sensitivity is a gift, and together, we can help you better understand it so that you feel empowered!