Hi, I’m Stacey. I’m a psychotherapist licensed in the state of Florida (Licensed Clinical Social Worker #SW16157). I have 11+ years of experience as a mental/behavioral health therapist working with widely varied populations and cultures in different settings, which have included online telehealth platforms, assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, clients’ own homes, facilities for in-patient and out-patient addictions and co-occurring mental health treatment, and private practice offices. I’ve worked with ages 15 years old on up to 90 years old for individual therapy, group sessions, and at times families and couples. My experience includes helping those struggling with such issues as anxiety, stress, depression, bipolar, borderline, trauma/PTSD, some phobias, OCD, ADHD, grief, self-esteem, self-identity, self-doubt, relationships with self or others, codependency, internal or interpersonal conflict, impulsivity, communication and social skills, maladaptive coping, psychoanalytical defense mechanisms, parenting, life transitions, life balance, sense of purpose and life meaning, concepts of spirituality, goals setting, motivation, medical issues, pain syndromes, substance misuse, other types of behavioral addictions. I have specialized training and experience utilizing these models of intervention: MBCT (mindfulness based cognitive therapy), MI (motivational interviewing), CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), SFBT (solution-focused brief therapy), CPT (cognitive processing for trauma), ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy), Psychodynamic/Psychoanalytical, Gestalt, Somatic, Narrative, Mindfulness skills training, communication skills, laughter therapy. I often integrate some elements or skills from more than one of the above models for side-by-side use or a more linear use of transitioning from one model to another at appropriate points in time or therapy benchmarks. My practice frameworks and approaches include person-centered (meet the client where they are, and you are the expert on your own life experiences), systems theory (you or your problem don’t exist in a vacuum, and your environment and relationships matter), culturally sensitive (you are the teacher/expert on your own culture), trauma-informed (your trauma is unique to you, and I prioritize not to re-traumatize), strengths-based (you are equipped with your own innate resources that can be uncovered or revitalized to help tackle some issues in the present), humanistic (to help develop a healthy sense of self, explore feelings, find meaning), psychodynamic (explore roots of emotional and behavioral patterns in order to address a current problem; past influences present). I’m not just a cookie-cutter therapist; your course of therapy will be as unique as you are. Some folks understandably don’t have much interest in detailed time-consuming explanations behind my suggested therapy models or skills put together for their therapy, yet others have felt less powerless over the process by gaining understanding of the what’s, how’s, and why’s of it. And, some clients feel a need to understand a rationale before making a change or learning something different; understanding rationale or underlying science can be a factor in motivating change, reducing anxiety about risks or the unknown, and leading to a sense of empowerment as an active partner in their own therapy. However, via a devloped therapeutic rapport between us, it’s also perfectly understandable if you have little interest in becoming a psych expert during the limited time we have in session. Whatever your expectations, preferred approach, or interpersonal style, the point is overall movement toward your goals…not as much in how we get you there. My style is fairly laid back, and I look forward to some chuckles together (hopefully at appropriate times, of course!) I’m empathetic and caring, and my clients say they don’t feel negatively judged by me. My aim is for you to feel a sense of safety with me for open and honest therapeutic sharing, and for you to be able to lean on me as a trusted guide. I’m NOT overly passive with “uh hu”s, and I’m not shy about providing feedback OR asking for yours. I’m also an RN (Registered Nurse-Florida), which is useful when I teach about mind-body connection, what you are experiencing, medications, medical ailments, brain neurochemistry and neuroplasticity, and research and evidence supporting treatment. I like providing psychoeducation; for example, learning about what’s happening in your body during anxiety can help reduce your anxiety or distressing thinking about your anxiety; and, for example, learning about communication can help you evaluate your own or help you avoid or resolve interpersonal conflict. I strive to take a collaborative approach with you. I believe success requires a partnership, development of trust, mutual respect, and a sense of safety for you to be yourself in this therapeutic process. Keeping me informed of how you are experiencing this process with me allows us to collaboratively adjust our therapy path and your goals. I strongly recommend that my clients take an active role in their therapy; evidence shows “it works if you work it”. Even small tasks or work between sessions (and some repetition) leads to more rapid, effective, and lasting improvement. At times, I may provide you with simple worksheets, assessments, or a homework assignment. But, again, I see this as a collaborative effort, and I value your input and feedback on the process with me. To gain the most from the therapy process, it’s helpful if you are honest with yourself and me about your level of commitment to your therapy and willingness to take some action toward your therapy goals. It takes courage to seek out help, and I’m here to support and empower you in your journey. I look forward to meeting you! **NOTE: 1. Message me if you don’t see a time slot open that works for you, especially if short notice. 2. Please note that I don’t do “Chat” for weekly Live sessions; I offer AUDIO or VIDEO for Live sessions. (We can message back and forth a bit in the messaging though.) 3. In order to comply with my Florida licensure, I will need to gather some identifying info from you either before or at the beginning of the first session.