Therapists in Florida

As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for the past decade, I provide personalized therapy to those who are looking to improve themselves, their relationships, and their communities. At heart I am a lifelong learner and a creative. My specialties and expertise lie in the integration of creative endeavors as part of the whole of a mind-body innovative approach to mental health and total well-being. I view the therapeutic process and relationship through the lens of exploration. I invite clients to view their lives and experiences through a lens of curiosity in order to elicit possibilities.

I am a clinical and sports psychologist in Sarasota, FL. I am a researcher, a national speaker, an author, and a father. My published books include Anxiety Disorders Made Simple: Treatment Approaches to Overcome Fear & Build Resiliency and You Are Your Child's Best Psychologist: 7 Keys to Excellence in Parenting. I have traveled to over 120 cities across the nation training clinicians on treatment methods, including teaching my 8-hour seminar titled Rewire the Anxious Brain: Neuroscience-Informed Treatment of Anxiety, Panic and Worry. My treatment methods are based on brain research, happiness research as well as courage-based solutions with personal problems and relationships. I have worked with world cup footballers, super bowl champions, state, national and world champion athletes in all sports in my sports clinic. My vision and purpose in life is helping clients face their pain, overcome their pain, and bring healing to their lives.

Life is ever changing; the challenge is to be able to manage and keep moving forward while maintaining a positive and healthy mindset. Most of the time the answers to our questions, fears and even desires are just a matter of reaching forward to take action and working through it. Let's work together, I'm here to help. We are communal beings and benefit from the assistance of someone coming along side us to help. That is what I believe therapy is a collaborative effort to reach your desired goals. I am a graduate of Regent University (2011) with a Master's degree in counseling, a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia, and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Florida. As an outpatient therapist, I enjoy working with individuals, families, and children. I have extensive experience working with groups, individual counseling, premarital, marital, couples, family relationships, adults, adolescents and children. I have worked with children in schools as a therapeutic day counselor, intensive in-home counselor working with at- risk children and their families. I have also facilitated support groups for individuals dealing with depression, anxiety and bipolar.

I am a counselor licensed in Georgia as an LPC and Florida as an LMHC while also pursing licensure to become a licensed psychologist. I have worked in mental health since 2006 both in hospital and outpatient clinic settings. Most of my experience has been focused with, both, the veteran population and LGBTQ+ community addressing various issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, as well as issues related to sexual identity and orientation. Trauma-focused treatment and LGBTQ+ studies are areas that I've specialized in. My counseling approach is providing supportive and understanding. I firmly believe that for change to occur there must be respect, compassion, dignity, and receiving feedback to meet individuals where the client is. I attempt to remove stigma and labels associated with mental health. My main therapeutic approach is behavioral-cognitive and solution-focused however open to adapting and modifying with other therapies including motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and acceptance and commitment therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. To seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the needed steps towards this positive change it takes courage. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. Important to note that I work on this platform part-time while working full-time at a hospital. As such offer evening hours during the week and more availability on weekends. I look forward to working with you!

My interest in individual and social psychology developed when I was an undergraduate at Howard University in the latter part of the 1960s. While working my way through school I somehow also found time to provide volunteer services at various non-profit agencies in around the Washington DC area. After graduating with a degree in Sociology I worked at Federal Government clerical jobs crunching numbers but I really wanted to work with "real" people. I soon started working in case management and substance abuse counseling in New York City. I was recommended to enter a special accelerated graduate program in Clinical Social Work at Adelphi University by the director at one of the agencies. The Clinical degree launched my entry into a more research-based and specialized area of the field which had grown with the myriad social changes that were taking place in the country (substance abuse; HIV epidemic; two paycheck households; etc.). I moved to Florida in the 1990s I had to make adjustments to a culture that I was unfamiliar with but quickly assimilated to. I had the good fortune of working for some of the best agencies as well as having a successful run as an independent practitioner. I eventually spent my last ten years of employment as a mental health therapist for the Florida Department of Corrections before retiring in 2014. Over the years I have worked with individuals and groups from all walks of life and with a wide variety of concerns. I have also done presentations at schools and churches on the issue of emotional disorders and ways of identifying some of the symptoms in students. My training in Clinical Social Work would be categorized as a psychodynamic approach however, I have been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Approach and have been a certified trainer and Supervisor of Masters level therapists in the use of that method. Since retirement I have done some part-time quality-control work for a Community Mental Health Center and have been active in doing volunteer work with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, a local Hospice Center, and the American Cancer Society, however, these have been put on hold since the emergence of the COVID pandemic.

As a licensed therapist, I specialize in supporting individuals through life’s emotional complexities with warmth, insight, and care. My approach centers on fostering resilience, deepening self-understanding, and guiding meaningful personal growth. I offer a safe and compassionate space where you can explore your experiences with consideration for yourself, practice generosity toward differences in thought and perspective, and engage in inquiry to better understand your inner world. Together, we uncover patterns that may be holding you back and build tools for healing and empowerment. Drawing from widely accepted therapeutic frameworks, I help clients address a range of concerns—from workplace stress and anxiety to relationship dynamics and identity exploration. My goal is to support you in cultivating a more authentic connection with yourself and creating a life that feels purposeful and fulfilling.

Welcome to my profile page! I am Grace Cruz, a Licensed Therapist based in Florida, with over 8 years of professional experience helping individuals navigate life’s most difficult challenges. I have a true passion for supporting people who have experienced accidents and trauma, guiding them with care and effective strategies for recovery. My expertise includes neuropsychotherapy, EMDR, attachment-based therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Over the years, I have worked with clients facing stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, lack of motivation, low self-esteem, confidence issues, and depression. My goal is always to provide compassionate support while equipping you with the tools to heal and grow. I firmly believe you are the expert of your own story, and together, we will harness your unique strengths to overcome obstacles and achieve personal transformation. Taking the step to seek therapy is courageous—I am proud of you for beginning this journey. Let’s work together to unlock your potential and create the life you truly deserve.

I am a 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!

I am licensed in Florida with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related issues, depression, anxiety, work life balance, self-esteem, guilt and shame as well as ongoing life purpose needs. 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.

As a licensed therapist in Florida, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on helping clients develop deeper self-understanding, heal from past experiences, and build resilient coping strategies. I have extensive experience addressing challenges like depression, anxiety, Trauma, relationship dynamics, and social interactions. My therapeutic work focuses on creating a compassionate, affirming space where clients can explore their inner experiences. I'm particularly passionate about supporting individuals working through social anxiety, attachment challenges, posttraumatic stress, and personal growth journeys. My practice emphasizes self-love, effective communication, and healing from difficult emotional patterns. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I collaborate with clients to develop personalized strategies that honor their unique strengths and experiences. My goal is to empower individuals to cultivate greater emotional awareness, build meaningful connections, and move toward more fulfilling lives.

I am licensed in Florida with 30 years of professional work experience. I have a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology. I have worked in a number of clinical settings. I recently retired from the Dept. of Veterans Affairs as a Therapist (Tampa VA Hospital) assigned to the PTSD /Trauma clinic for the past 15 years. I am a Veteran and served for 6 years on active duty. I have worked in Forensic Psychology (incarcerated inmates), private practice, large hospital settings as well as group practice. Additionally, I was an adjunct professor at a local Community College where I taught a number of undergraduate Psychology courses. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger / emotional regulation, depression, adjustment issues (often observed in our veteran population) as well as issues related to emotional trauma and guilt. Finally, I have a number of years experience in group settings (i.e., psychoeducational and process groups as well). In closing, I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that may challenge you. Taking the first step to pursue therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I look forward to working with you toward your therapeutic goals.

I am licensed in Florida with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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.

I am licensed in Florida with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with LGBTQ+ related issues, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & despression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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.

As a licensed therapist in Florida, I bring over a decade of compassionate clinical experience supporting individuals through life's most challenging transitions. My practice centers on helping clients navigate complex emotional landscapes, with specialized expertise in depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and trauma recovery. I offer a supportive, non-judgmental approach that honors each person's unique journey. My work focuses on addressing communication challenges, processing difficult emotions like guilt and shame, and supporting individuals experiencing significant life changes. I have extensive experience working with women's issues, military veterans, and survivors of traumatic experiences. My therapeutic approach is collaborative and adaptive, drawing from evidence-based practices to help clients develop resilient coping strategies and meaningful personal growth. Whether you're struggling with mood disorders, relationship transitions, or processing past trauma, I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy and professional guidance. I understand that seeking support takes courage, and I'm dedicated to creating a safe, affirming space where you can explore your experiences and strengths. Together, we can work towards healing, understanding, and positive transformation.