Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Brandon, FL

I have a BS degree in Health Science from San Jose State University and an MSW degree from the University of Southern California. Yes, I’m originally from California. I’m a licensed clinical social worker in both California and Florida. I was first licensed in 2003. For the first ten years of my practice, I worked with children, adolescents, and families.

I have over eight years of experience supporting individuals whose mental health is affected by health and medical issues. Finally, I’m trained in Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP).

CJ deeply believes that a person’s past does not define their future. With a potent blend of empathy and expertise, she is passionate about helping individuals uncover their innate resilience and capacity for healing. Her approach is rooted in the belief that even the most painful histories can be transformed into sources of strength.

Having grown up in foster care, CJ brings a lived understanding of adversity—not as her reason for becoming a therapist, but as a quiet source of strength that has shaped her superpower: the ability to sit with any form of trauma without judgment or shock. Her presence is steady, compassionate, and unshakable—able to hold space for stories that are often too heavy for others to carry.

Specializing in trauma-informed and somatic therapies, CJ supports individuals, couples, and families through experiences of PTSD, anxiety, and complex trauma. Her mission is to guide clients toward a life marked by grace, growth, and resilience.

I am a Masters-Level Clinician providing individual and couples counseling both in-person and via telehealth. I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Eckerd College and my master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. I am a member of the Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic and Professional Honors Society, the American Counseling Association, and the American Mental Health Counselors Association.

My experience allows me to work with individuals seeking to improve their mental health. I am passionate about helping teens, young adults, and college students dealing with anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem issues, and trauma.

I believe everyone deserves a safe place to feel heard, supported, and understood. I earned my Master's degree in Counseling from Webster University and tailor therapy to each person's unique needs and goals. My hope is that you'll feel comfortable, encouraged, and empowered as we work together toward healing and lasting change.

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 am a bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Art Therapist working with children, adolescents, and adults. I completed my Bachelor’s in Psychology with a Minor in Art and earned my Master of Science in Art Therapy from Florida State University.

I am passionate about helping others overcome challenges and understand the inner workings of their minds, empowering them to create positive changes in their lives. I’ve completed training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Advocacy Core Training.

I work with individuals, children, and families, helping them rebuild life skills while addressing mental health challenges. I completed my Bachelor’s in Psychology at the University of South Florida and earned my Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. I am bilingual in both English and Spanish, and I’ve worked extensively with Hispanic families, making me uniquely suited to address their specific needs.

My additional training includes Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Integrative Harm Reduction Techniques, and I’m currently undergoing training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

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.