Couples therapists in Lakeland, FL

I'm Karina Astigarrabia Ferraz, PMHNP-BC — a Board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner practicing in Florida. Before specializing in psychiatry, I spent years as a Board certified nurse in cardiac intensive care, an experience that deepened my understanding of how the mind and body are inseparable. That background shapes the way I practice: I see mental health as rooted in biology, physiology, and lived experience — not just symptoms to be managed. I believe therapy is one of the most powerful and underutilized tools in mental health care. My work centers on evidence-based approaches — Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Interpersonal Therapy — integrated with a positive psychiatry framework that focuses on your strengths, resilience, and capacity to heal. When medication is appropriate, I incorporate it thoughtfully as part of a broader, individualized plan. Clients often describe me as warm, unhurried, and genuinely curious about their lives. I collaborate with Brain X Dynamics as an independent clinician, sharing a commitment to whole-person, holistic care — including attention to brain metabolism and the biological foundations of emotional well-being.

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Melanie D’Souza, LMHC with six years of experience helping adults work through depression, anxiety, trauma and addiction. I am also trained in EMDR, an evidenced-based approach that can help process and heal from past experiences that continue to affect the present.

I believe therapy works best when you feel seen, heard, and accepted exactly as you are. My goal is to create a space where you don’t have to perform, have it all together, or carry everything on your own.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I’ve spent my career supporting children, parents, and families through some of life’s most challenging moments. My background includes working in the NICU, early childhood mental health, and supporting families navigating trauma, medical complexity, parenting stress, anxiety, depression, and major life transitions.

I am especially passionate about working with women during pregnancy and postpartum, parents, caregivers, and individuals who have spent so much time caring for others that they’ve forgotten how to care for themselves.

I bring warmth, authenticity, and a little humor into sessions when appropriate. Therapy with me is a judgment-free space where you can show up exactly as you are.

I'm a retired veteran, have been working as a social worker/therapist since 2004, and have been in private practice since 2017. I have extensive and successful experience helping people with trauma/PTSD, relationships, boundaries, emotions, domestic violence, sexual trauma, substance abuse, grief, parenting, and more.

As a therapist born and raised in Miami, Florida, within a rich Haitian American and Caribbean culture, I understand the importance of connection, community, and resilience. My heritage has shaped the way I approach healing with warmth, empathy, and deep respect for each person’s unique story. In my practice, I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can feel seen, heard, and supported. Clients often describe me as kind-hearted, understanding, and compassionate. Together, we’ll work toward meaningful change and a more fulfilling life, one step and one moment at a time.

I am a licensed mental health counselor that is also National Board Certified. I have worked with clients of diverse ages and cultural backgrounds including adults in outpatient settings, youth and families in community-based programs and individuals in the jail system. I have experience treating addiction, grief, trauma, depression, anxiety and relationship issues.

Nice job taking the first step towards creating a life you are excited about. Seeking help can be overwhelming but it doesn't need to be. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Florida with over 10 years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families bloom into the best version of themselves. My areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, trauma, parenting, life transitions, family conflict and stress management.

Reaching out for support takes courage, and I'm glad you're here. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience, I provide a warm, nonjudgmental space where children, teens, adults, couples, families, and women can feel heard, supported, and empowered. I specialize in helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, stress, relationship challenges, parenting concerns, life transitions, self-esteem, and emotional well-being using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic therapy. My goal is to meet you where you are, help you build on your strengths, and support you in creating lasting, meaningful change.