My Why
I'm all about the 'WHY'. Our why is a powerful force that can drive us towards our most challenging times or greatest successes.
So why did I choose to specialize in working with chronic stress, anxiety, and trauma? First, I am a former chronic stress lifestyle liver and complex trauma survivor. I’ve had to undergo my own process of healing, so I truly get what it’s like to live in the anxiety and chaos. That said, I also know what it's like to look at the things we want to look away from as we go through our healing process. This journey is what prompted me to become a therapist in the first place!
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Second, after years of working with individuals, couples, and families as a clinician, I became frustrated with seeing clients hit a ceiling in their growth. I taught them skills to change their negative thinking patterns, calm their anxious feelings, and better understand why they did what they did which they found useful. Yet, deep down they still had those negative core beliefs about themselves or the world so it was a continuous challenge, always being on guard for moments that might trigger them to address afterwards.
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It wasn’t until I got trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy that I felt I had the tools to help my clients move past those limitations. What my clients can achieve has only expanded over the years as I became a Certified EMDR therapist and then EMDR Consultant-In-Training with the in EMDR International Association, EMDRIA.org.
EMDR is one of the foremost brain-based therapy models effective in treating trauma. Research has supported this model helping clients to create more adaptive neural networks in their brain! I can honestly say, it completely changed my view on what is possible in therapy. I’ve seen it in my own work with people. Sometimes clients have done years of therapy only to still struggle but have made great strides in a shorter period of time working with me. It’s not uncommon for clients to start feeling a real shift towards relief in their first few sessions.
Experience and Skills
At this point, you might be interested in what qualifications I have as a mental health provider. Below is some information about my education, experience, and skills.
To start, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Florida. I received a Bachelors of Science in Psychology from the University of Central Florida and then a Master of Science in Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University. I have worked with clients from a wide array of backgrounds on many issues particularly trauma, anxiety, self esteem, and couple and family issues. I’ve also served as a clinical supervisor to a team of counselors in a community-based program as well as current Florida Licensure Qualified Supervisor. I have been honored to have helped so many people!
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I am trained in several models, among the most prominent, brief therapy, narrative, mindfulness-based CBT, and solution-oriented approaches to help clients move towards their goals sooner. I'm also certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy, a world-leading therapy model in healing trauma as well as incorporate knowledge and skills from Attachment Theory, Ego State work and Somatic-based models to help with more complex healing. I believe each and every client is unique with their own distinct strengths and resources and work collaboratively with them to uncover and harness these abilities.
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In addition to monthly blog posts for my own website, I have been featured in Mindent Magazine (a magazine focused on providing stress resources for Mindful Entrepreneurs), Medium.com, and Marriage.com.
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Fun Facts
Interested in learning a little more about me? Ok then!
Firstly, I never recommend a strategy to a client that I myself have not tried. I am a firm believer and supporter of living a Mindful Life. This means I truly value self-care and make it a point to take care of myself so I can be present to help others. Some of the ways I do this are mindfulness, meditation, yoga, walking, journaling, and diaphragmatic breathing. For me, mindfulness is not just about being in the present but living a life every day that makes it possible for one to actually BE present.
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Speaking of walking, I know it might sound cheesy but I really do love going for long walks on the beach. You can often catch me there or at a local park. I love going to museums and learning about science and history. During the full moons, I’m usually doing sound bath healing or staring at the moon through my telescope. I also love animals and am the proud mama of a Chihuahua named Bane (like the villain from Batman). As you might guess, I’m a little bit of a nerd and proud of it!
Why work with Me?
Well, because I approach therapy from a mind-body perspective, we won’t just talk about your issues. You can expect to learn strategies effective in soothing your nervous system (aka physiological symptoms). I incorporate mindfulness, meditation, and other interventions to help clients find relief from their symptoms as soon as possible. I am trained in EMDR Therapy, which as I’ve mentioned, is an evidenced and brain-based model of therapy shown effective in treating not only trauma, but other adverse life experience as well. It is my passion and mission to help others love life now and ultimately live a more Mindful Life, today!
“Self-care is not selfish.. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.”
~ Elenor Brown
TESTIMONIALS
"Lisa is amazing! I would highly recommend her. She is very understanding, and has great resources and tips for anxiety. I can’t say enough good things about her."
K.E.
"Lisa is professional, kind and experienced in Marriage and Family therapy. She truly embodies her Mindful life business."
P.C.
"She has given me time and respect in regards to becoming comfortable with needing help and recognizing how much and where."
K. R.