Welcome to your healing journey,
My name is Mercedes, I’m a Caribbean American Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Tampa, Florida. I understand that starting therapy can feel intimidating—especially if you’ve felt misunderstood, unheard, or unsure whether therapy would truly reflect who you are. My goal is to create a warm, welcoming space where you feel safe, supported, and genuinely seen.
My approach to therapy is collaborative, client-centered, and culturally responsive—not rigid or “textbook.” I believe your culture, identity, and lived experiences are essential to the healing process. I work with teens, adults, couples, and families navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship challenges, family dynamics, and identity-related concerns.
I earned my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from National Louis University in 2020 and my Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida in 2016. For the past five years, I’ve worked as a trauma therapist in both inpatient and outpatient settings, supporting clients through crisis moments as well as the deeper emotional healing that follows. This background allows me to help clients feel grounded, supported, and empowered while developing practical tools for everyday life.
Clients often ask what to expect from the first session. Our initial meeting is a relaxed, supportive conversation focused on getting to know you. We’ll talk about what brought you to therapy, what you’re hoping to gain, and any questions or concerns you may have. There’s no pressure to share everything at once—we move at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
Together, we’ll begin building self-awareness, strengthening healthy boundaries, and working toward meaningful, sustainable change.
You don’t need to have everything figured out to begin therapy. You deserve care that honors your story, your culture, and your growth. I’d be honored to support you on that journey.
Let’s Elevate Together 💜
Additional areas of focus: Attachment issues, Caregiver issues and stress, Communication problems, Control issues, Divorce and separation, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Post-traumatic stress, Self-love, Social anxiety and phobia
FL LMFT MT5379