

Headway connects Fort Lauderdale families with affirming providers who specialize in resolving communication breakdowns and strengthening bonds. Sessions are available as soon as next day, with many providers offering free initial consultations to discuss your family's unique needs.
My practice is grounded in evidence-based approaches, that honor the mind-body connection. I help you rebuild trust and connection with yourself and others. My work consists helping you develop awareness, build skills, and expand your perspectives so that you can live a life that is meaningful to you. In addition to my education background in Psychology, Couple and Family Therapy, I am also trained in EMDR, Mindfulness-Based modalities and attachment-based theories.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist offering therapy for children, teens, and their caregivers. I have over 9 years of experience working with youth and families on issues such as child depression, anxiety, trauma, and behavioral problems. I earned my PhD in Clinical-Community Psychology from the University of South Carolina. I completed a pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Miami (UM) Mailman Center for Child Development, where I specialized in pediatric psychology, primarily working in school-based primary care clinics with middle and high-school students. In addition to years of academic and clinical training, I am also the mother of a toddler. Being a parent myself has deepened my understanding and empathy for the families with whom I work.
If you're looking for a therapist who honors your story, sees the systems around you, and supports your growth with compassion and curiosity, look no further. With over 15 years of experience in mental health, I have had the privilege of working alongside extraordinary people, believing that people heal best when they feel seen. I value the concept of slowing down, breathing, and reconnecting with one's strengths. I work with individuals, teens, couples, and families, and I'm especially passionate about supporting people who juggle multiple roles or feel the weight of others' expectations. I have a bachelor's in human development and family studies, a master's in clinical mental health counseling, and I am currently working towards a doctorate degree in marriage and family therapy.
My name is Amy Lee Ellowitz and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I specialize in working with individuals navigating major life transitions who struggle with feeling overwhelmed by loss, relationship changes, identity shifts, and other "lifequakes" that shake their foundation.
I help by blending evidence-based therapeutic methods with genuine understanding drawn from my own experiences with transformation, creating a safe space where you remain in the driver's seat while building resilience and rediscovering your authentic self. In our first few sessions, you can expect a compassionate, affirming environment where your story is honored, your pace is respected, and we begin processing your experiences while establishing the foundation for meaningful growth. My practice is unique because I bring personal understanding of life's major disruptions and view challenges as opportunities for transformation rather than defining moments, always honoring your unique identity and journey. I am passionate about this work because your story matters deeply to me, and I believe lifequakes can become the foundation for renewed purpose—you don't have to navigate these changes alone, and witnessing your resilience and growth is deeply meaningful.
My clients arrive feeling overwhelmed by major life disruptions. They're questioning who they are, feeling isolated, and struggling with anxiety or grief. They want to rediscover themselves, build resilience, and transform their pain into meaningful growth with compassionate support.
As a licensed therapist with over two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through life's complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on empowering individuals, particularly those navigating midlife transitions, multicultural experiences, and healing from challenging personal histories.
A therapist passionate about helping children, teens, and young adults navigate the challenges of growing up in a complex world. My approach is warm, patient, and collaborative, I believe that building genuine trust is the foundation of meaningful change.
In my work with young people, I focus on creating a safe, supportive space where they can express themselves freely and feel understood. Whether it’s anxiety, depression, behavioral challenges, family stress, or identity concerns, I meet each client where they are with empathy and respect. I use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and strengths-based techniques to help clients understand their emotions, develop healthy coping skills, and build confidence in themselves.
When working with children and teens, I also value partnering with parents and caregivers, helping families strengthen communication, connection, and understanding. My goal is to empower each young person to recognize their strengths, navigate challenges, and develop the tools they need to thrive—both now and in the future.
Clients often describe me as calm, relatable, and easy to talk to. I believe therapy should feel like a supportive conversation that sparks growth, resilience, and self-discovery.
If you or your child are struggling to manage big emotions, adjust to life changes, or find a sense of direction, I’m here to help you take the next step toward healing and balance.
Population focus is children, teens, young and middle-aged adults.
CBT
TFCBT
DBT
Around the office, Marilisa (she/her) is known for her vibrant hair, comfortable jeans, and barefoot-friendly approach to work. It takes only a brief introduction to see that she has found her true calling. Passionate about her practice and grounded in her own personal peace, Marilisa naturally carries a sense of calm, steady warmth wherever she goes.
Thank you for stopping by and for considering me to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing and restoration.
Life can bring seasons of challenge, anxiety, family conflicts and relationship issues that leave us feeling weary. If you’re seeking a safe and compassionate space to process your concerns, strengthen your faith, and gain practical tools for daily living, I’m here to help.
As a Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, my approach is both clinically grounded and faith based, if requested —guided by the belief that true healing touches mind, body, and spirit.
It's difficult making the first phone call, booking an appointment and admitting you need help. Whether it's depression, anxiety, a mood disorder or trauma, it's frightening to admit that everything isn't how you want it to be and you don't have all the answers. If you're experiencing sadness, anxiety, mood swings, intrusive thoughts or images, flash backs, numbness or insomnia, there is hope and there is help. I'm going to teach you skills to manage you symptoms, emotions and relationships more effectively.


Headway makes it easier to find family-focused support — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Finding family therapists in Fort Lauderdale starts with understanding what your family wants support with. Family therapy can help with parenting conflict, adolescent struggles, blended family dynamics, communication breakdowns, and major life changes. Licensed family therapists are trained to work with the relational system, not just one person. As you compare therapists, look for listed experience with family counseling, marriage and family therapy, parenting support, or approaches such as family systems therapy.
Fort Lauderdale has a smaller local pool than larger Florida cities, so virtual appointments can make it easier to find a therapist who fits your family’s needs and schedule. Some sessions may include the full family, while others may involve parents, siblings, couples, or individual family members. It helps to discuss session structure before booking. Review therapist bios for availability, therapeutic approach, free phone consultations, and experience with the concerns most relevant to your family.
Therapy in Fort Lauderdale can be a significant investment without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs. Headway helps you search for family therapists who are accepting new patients, compare detailed bios, check your insurance, and see estimated out-of-pocket costs before booking. You can use the directory to find someone who matches your needs, accepts your plan, and offers the appointment format that works for your family.
If anyone in your family is experiencing or worried about abuse, threats, or coercion, joint family or couples therapy usually isn't the right starting point — individual support is safer. The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-422-4453) and National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233, or text START to 88788\) can help you think through next steps.
Use left and right arrow keys to switch tabs. Press Shift+Tab to return to the tab list from links in the selected tab.