Bipolar disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Brandon, FL

Hi! I am a fully licensed mental health therapist. I have been in the business of helping people for over 15 years. I am direct and solution oriented, but will not rush the process.

One of the most empowering factors in my life has been spending 32 years as an Air Force Military Spouse. This empowered me to grow and learn through lived experiences in diverse groups. I’ve been a clinical social worker and prior substance abuse counselor for 30+ years working in a public agency, private practice, and with the US Army at Fort Carson, Colorado and at SHAPE, Belgium. I work across all ages to include both adults and children. In addition to my MSW in clinical social worker, I have an advanced graduate degree in Infant and Early Childhood Special Education Leadership and a doctorate degree in Curriculum and Diversity Studies.

I grew up in central Florida and earned my Bachelor of Science in Family and Child Sciences from Florida State University, followed by a Master of Arts in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from the University of South Florida. During graduate school, I gained experience working in a treatment facility and with college students at USF, advocating for children’s educational needs while they balanced mental health treatment. This exposure led to my interest in behavior-focused therapy, particularly in using exposure techniques.

I’ve worked with children, teens, and adults dealing with obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, depression, Tourette's, and disordered eating.

Please visit my website:

www.coastalpsychologicalgroupfl.com

We don't usually seek help when life is going well for us. Whatever your current situation is, you are looking for help and guidance. I provide an encouraging and warm environment for exploration and growth. I am passionate about my work and invested in your process towards transformation. I believe each client requires a unique treatment plan that is tailored to their personal life situation.

I believe therapy works best when clients feel safe, supported, and genuinely understood. My approach is warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental, and I strive to create a space where clients can openly explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences at their own pace.

I understand that reaching out for help can feel vulnerable, and I value the trust my clients place in me. I work to meet each person where they are while helping them build insight, coping skills, resilience, and confidence. I believe in balancing empathy and validation with practical tools and strategies that support meaningful and lasting change.

Clients often describe me as compassionate, approachable, calming, and easy to talk to. I utilize evidence-based approaches including CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care, while tailoring treatment to each client’s individual needs and goals.