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Shana Williams-Leary

Offering therapy in FL
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
19 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker that has worked over the course of 19 years in both inpatient Crisis and outpatient counseling settings with individuals, couples and families, ages 4 y.o. to 85 y.o. in Florida, Utah, Maine, Arizona, and several other countries. I am very versatile in my approach, tending to begin where you, the client are first, then tailoring my interventions from that point on. My specialty is in working with PTSD, i.e. abuse , and primary and secondary traumas, and have advanced training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, including the Flash Technique. I have also frequently worked with the Chronically Mentally Ill person, including those with Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Dissociative issues, and Depression, as well as those in various Life Transitional stages, Ex Pats, HSPs, and Developmental delays. I have also counseled a few individuals with up to middle stage Dementia (since newer Rx leaves them with tremendous adjustment issues) and their caregivers and parents struggling with parenting issues. My highest comfort level is with ages 18 and over in Individual sessions. My counseling style is ecclectic, with a warmth of engagement and focus on acceptance, positive regard, and trust-building, but can be highly solution-focused and brief as needed in the course of your therapy. I use a Motivational Interviewing technique to identify both what it is the client truly desires, as well as what they do not want, or are not motivated to achieve, and why. I then will shift to a more Strengths-based and Skill-building approach and the use of Cognitive-Behavioral and Humanistic interventions with a Family Systems and Developmental perspective on relational issues. I have done my own personal counseling work, and recognize it to be a powerful, yet courageous endeavor in a person's life. Good therapy can transform you and it is a gift to be able to engage in it. Every person is precious, and deserving of respect, kindness, and a place to be fully heard, accepted, and a place to develop their best selves in a healing, compassionate environment. I consider my work as a therapist to be a sacred trust, a privilege, a calling, and part of my own journey as a fellow human being. Working with you will be an honor to help you on your very unique path toward a healthier you, and in the style you determine to be the most helpful and supportive.

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Nancy Wess

Offering therapy in FL
License: LMHC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger management
14 years of experience

ABOUT ME Hello my name is Nancy Wess and I have enjoyed being a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida for the past 14 years. I have counselled individuals struggling with issues relating to self-esteem, relationships, stress, depression, anxiety, trauma and addiction. I have dealt with a diverse population and I believe that the client- therapist relationship is most important, and it is based on trust, honesty and respect. In my practice I have used CBT, Cognitive Trauma Therapy, Solution Based Therapy and Mindfulness; I believe that each individual seeking therapy can benefit from an eclectic mix of therapy styles. Also, I have a Fine Arts degree and believe that drawing and painting are an excellent means of therapy, as well as a useful communication tool. SPECIALTIES • Stress and anxiety • Trauma and abuse • Addiction • Coping with change • Shame and Guilt Also experienced in: Relationship issues, Anger management, Self-esteem, Depression, Codependency, LGBT, Attachment Issues, Assertiveness Training, Psychoeducation Clinical approaches: Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Trauma Therapy, Solutions Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, Client Focused, Cognitive Processing Therapy Years of experience: 14 Licensing: MH 12584 (Expires 03/31/2023)

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Deandra Hennemann

Offering therapy in FL
License: MS,LMHC
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida with over 9 years of experience working as a therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, stress, and work related concerns. I also helped many people who have experienced domestic violence, trauma, and LGBTQ+ concerns. My counseling style is jovial and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, brief solution focused, client-centered and trauma informed care. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to ask for help and seek a more purposeful life. I am proud of you for taking the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Catalina Ortiz

Offering therapy in FL
License: LMHC,MFT,NCC
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

Hi my name is Catalina, I am a mental health counselor, marriage and family therapist licensed in Florida with over 7 years of experience. I have worked in mental health clinics and private practice providing counseling, psychotherapy and psycho-education for adolescents, adults and elders with culturally diverse clients in Miami and Qatar. I believe encountering emotional obstacles in life is not only what makes us human, but also what allows us to transform and grow into wiser individuals. As humans, we know emotions by contrast; we can only know what it is to be happy if we have ever experienced sadness. Therefore, if you are going through a difficult situation, remember you are in a moment of growth and you have in your power the opportunity of being enlightened. Let me accompany and guide you in the search for your inner strength and help you discover that the control of your life and emotions lays within you. You are the expert in your life, hence my role as your therapist is to support and encourage you from a non-judgmental perspective. I will also help you discover useful resources that you can put into practice immediately to overcome what is affecting you. Each and every one of us is unique, therefore therapy should also be a completely individual experience. There is no universal solution for every problem, so my priority is to discover what works for you and together find the right answers to achieve your goals. Some of the interventions I use are: Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Psychological Astrology. I am here for you!

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Joanne Mercier

Offering therapy in FL
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger managementDepression
24 years of experience

You are reading this because something in your life feels overwhelming, and you are wondering if therapy can help. It absolutely can and does help. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) located in the state of Florida. I have been working as a mental health therapist since 1992 with clients on a wide range of issues including trauma, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, parenting issues, societal oppression due to sexual orientation, gender identity, or race, neuro-divergences, conflict resolution, and major life changes to name a few. I use eclectic therapeutic techniques including: Cognitive Behavioral, Solution Focused, mindfulness, and Systems theory techniques in my work as a therapist. I love to explore alternative ways to increase peace. Therapy requires trust. It requires work. It is worth it. I am warm, compassionate, and client centered in my approach and am led by your needs utilizing therapeutic techniques to help you to create positive change in your life. On a personal note, I am a woman of color, a mother to two adult children, a dog owner, and a passionate ally to the LGBTQ+ communities; all social justice and marginalized communities are important to me in my personal and professional life. Seeking help through therapy is brave. Life can be challenging, complicated, and overwhelming. We all need help finding our way to the best journey in our lives. I would be honored to walk a part of your journey with you. You have already done some important personal work in deciding to see a therapist to create positive change. I will work with you on prioritizing the changes that you would like to create and we will work toward attaining sustainable goals that you can accomplish. Our sessions together will be work, but you will leave them feeling lighter and accomplished toward positive changes in your life. I look forward to working with you and helping you to live your best life. Warm Regards, Joanne

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Lisa Watson

Offering therapy in FL
License: LICSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepression
15 years of experience

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Colorado, Hawaii, Washington and Florida. My experience began while serving in the USAF, in California, providing care to service members and their families struggling with Post Traumatic Stress, Anxiety, Substance Abuse and difficulty adjusting to military life. As my experience has expanded since leaving service, I have had the opportunity to work with individuals living with Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Personality Disorders and Severe Depression. My counseling style has always been flexible and tailored to the person I am working with while ensuring we are following a model of therapy that is researched and shown to be successful. I have extensive training and experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Informed Care and in working with the LGBTQ population. I prefer an approach that highlights your strengths and follows your lead. I have no experience working with children, however I do have an interest area of working with struggling parents. With 2 children of my own and education in early childhood development I would love to begin working to help others navigate the world of parenting. Whether you are wanting to navigate an unexpected life event, get a handle on life long anxiety or process through events from your past that still effect you today, I believe I can help you and fully believe everyone can recover.

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Ian Aiuto

Offering therapy in FL
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseDepression
6 years of experience

Developing a meaningful connection with a personal therapist can lead to long-lasting benefits. While this may prove difficult for some, therapist Ian Aiuto helps clients identify ways to overcome the factors that often prevent them from leading the life they ultimately desire. If you don't have a good relationship with your counselor, you won't make progress you are hoping to achieve. I want to provide you with some information about me to help you decide if my experience and style is the right match for you Barriers may include: Anxiety Depression Grief or loss Relationship and boundary issues Substance Use Disorder Sex Addiction "Most people will encounter anxiety and depression at some point in their life, but many will not seek help," Ian says. "It takes great strength to seek help. I want clients to recognize that there is assistance available to them." Therapy can help conquer feelings of: Shame Embarrassment Helplessness Hopelessness Ian will assist you: Discover solutions to your difficulties Engage in beneficial behaviors and thought patterns Remain neutral Help with accountability Ian's work as an adult medical social worker has given him useful insight and experience in helping people overcome grief, manage mental health issues, and find helpful resources in your area. When you're confronted with a personal crisis, talking to a trained therapist can help you conquer those things that hold you back. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Ian T Aiuto MSW, LCSW

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John Portolano

Offering therapy in FL
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
23 years of experience

In 1998, as retirement drew nearer and my career as a firefighter/paramedic was coming to an end, I had a great awareness that I was too young to spend the next twenty years playing golf or sitting on a beach. So, I decided to go back to school. I knew that I wanted to continue helping others and after months of exploring my options I decided that my next life chapter would be as a clinical therapist. Six years later I graduated from the University of South Florida with a master's degree in clinical social work. Over the course of the next twenty years I had the opportunity to work with children, adolescents and adults in a verity of settings. My education and experience extended well beyond my time in the classroom. I honed my skills while working with patients coping with emotional issues, addiction and the dual diagnosed. At present I know that I have the expertise to work with a vast majority of those that seek out help however, I've also learned my therapeutic limitations. Before entering into a therapeutic relationship I have to be certain that I have the expertise to provide the appropriate help or I would be doing my patient a great disservice. My singular goal is to provide you the help you seek. My therapeutic approach is using Solution Focused Brief Therapy and I've attached some information below to better explain what that is; Unlike Traditional forms of therapy that take time to analyze problems, pathology and past life events, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) concentrates on finding solutions in the present time and exploring one's hope for the future to find a quicker resolution of one's problems. This method takes the approach that you know what you need to improve your life and, with the appropriate coaching and questioning, are capable of finding the best solutions. I should also add that I'm not a shirt and tie or Dockers and Polo shirt therapist, more than not you'll see me in a t-shirt and shorts. Hopefully that does not dissuade you from coming onto my service but I definitely understand if it does.

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Tameka Perdomo

Offering therapy in FL
AddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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.

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Anika Cooke

Offering therapy in FL
Self esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

How to find counseling in Bonifay

Finding the best therapist close by in Bonifay can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Bonifay. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Bonifay, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Bonifay or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Bonifay area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Bonifay, elsewhere in Holmes, or in the greater state of Florida.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Bonifay area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Bonifay therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Bonifay due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Bonifay may not take health insurance, some in the state of Florida may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of Florida you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Bonifay, Florida working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Bonifay above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Bonifay helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Bonifay therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Bonifay therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Bonifay therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in FL, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 32425 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Bonifay counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Bonifay licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Bonifay, Florida can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Bonifay has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Bonifay.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Bonifay:

32425

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