Family therapy and counseling in Venice, FL

You don't have to have it all figured out to start. There is no right or wrong place to begin.

I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 25 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. I'm also a Certified School Counselor — which means I've spent decades not just in therapy offices, but inside schools, alongside kids and families navigating the real, daily pressures of growing up, parenting, and finding your way.

That breadth of experience shapes everything about how I work. I understand what it looks like when anxiety shows up in a classroom, when ADHD affects a family's daily life, or when an eating disorder hides behind achievement. And I know how to create a space where children, teens, and adults alike feel safe enough to actually open up.

“The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.” — Mulan

For the past five years, I have been honored to walk alongside my clients as they navigate challenges like anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationship issues, and self-esteem issues. I also work with clients struggling with mood disorders, OCD, and personality disorders, amongst other conditions. My journey in this field began with my education at the University of Central Florida, where I built the foundation for my clinical practice. It has been my mission to create a space where you can be yourself and we can work together towards healing.

Life can feel overwhelming when stress, relationship challenges, difficult experiences, or emotional struggles begin affecting your ability to feel connected to yourself and the people around you. You may find yourself stuck in unhealthy patterns, struggling to communicate effectively, or carrying emotional burdens that continue to impact your daily life. Whether you are navigating challenges as an individual, within a relationship, or as part of a family system, therapy can provide a space to better understand what is happening and begin creating meaningful change.

I’m Diera Woodard, LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I’m passionate about helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges with compassion, authenticity, and practical tools for real change. My mission is to create a safe, supportive space where you can heal, grow, and reconnect with your sense of purpose and peace.

Clients often describe my style as warm, honest, and empowering. I meet you where you are and walk with you as you develop the insight and tools needed to create lasting change. I believe that therapy should feel like a collaborative conversation — one that helps you understand your emotions, strengthen your coping skills, and move toward a life that feels more aligned and fulfilling.

My practice style is open minded, solution focused, and direct to the point. I love to help any individual from a humanistic point of view. I am extremely empathetic, love to be honest and being honest with my patients is key in my every day practice.

I am a dedicated Nurse Practitioner with a strong background in mental health and primary care, committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care. I earned my advanced practice degree from Wilkes University and have experience working with diverse populations across various clinical settings.

My approach is collaborative and holistic—I believe in treating the whole person, not just symptoms. I work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, and life transitions. I strive to create a supportive, non-judgmental environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered.

I utilize evidence-based treatments, including medication management when appropriate, and incorporate supportive and solution-focused approaches tailored to each individual’s needs. My goal is to help clients achieve stability, improve daily functioning, and enhance their overall quality of life.

I understand that seeking help can be a big step, and I am here to support you throughout your journey with respect, empathy, and professionalism.

I am an experienced and caring therapist with Ph.D. and LCSW certification. I view therapy as a partnership between client and therapist. I work with individuals with anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, and difficulties with interpersonal relationships. Additionally, I have broad expertise in emotionally focused couples therapy, sex therapy and family therapy. I have helped clients from many different cultural backgrounds.

I support mutual respect and open communication in therapy. I begin by listening and understanding your situation. Together we work on a personalized treatment plan shaped to reach your goals.

Hi, I’m a licensed clinician committed to creating a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel comfortable being themselves. I work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, emotional regulation challenges, trauma, life transitions, and relationship concerns. My approach is collaborative and strengths-based, integrating evidence-based practices including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness-based interventions, solution-focused therapy, and trauma-informed approaches, while also providing clinical and forensic evaluation services. My goal is to help clients feel supported, understood, and empowered in their growth.