More About Rebecca
Therapist
I’m a curious, deep thinking, recovering perfectionist who has spent the last seven years learning about anxiety, self-worth and emotional regulation.
I have a Master of Arts in Counseling and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. After graduating with my masters in 2014 I have worked in various mental health settings including outpatient and private practice. I have been working in private practice for seven years and my case load has always consisted of adults, teens, couples and families. Prior to starting my own practice, I worked with the private practice of Open Doors Counseling Center in Winter Park, FL. My office space is currently located in Journeys Counseling Center in Maitland, FL where I work alongside other private practice therapists.
I practice from a strengths based and person-centered approach primarily working with individuals who experience some level of anxiety or families/couples who experience conflict and disconnection. To learn more about the therapeutic modalities I use, you can visit my FAQ section. I balance a practical approach —teaching you coping skills that will help decrease your symptoms — with a story approach — getting to the roots of the problem.
The Resume
From a young age I was always wondering why people do what they do and how the world works. I’m a big believer that our strengths are our weaknesses. My ability to read a room, feel the feelings of others, question the deep and constant desire to seek truth also can lead to anxious thoughts, fear of the unknown and perfectionistic tendencies. It’s been a journey of freedom to learn how to cope, regulate emotions and give my gifts to the world without needing it to make me whole. An astrologer ponders the stars, the architect the lines of a building, the artist the colors of a landscape. People are the stars to me; I deeply enjoy knowing and understanding people, helping them to see their gifts and strengths. And… I genuinely have a heart for anyone experiencing the pain of anxiety. It’s plum painful.
If there’s a battle ground in your mind and heart with anxiety, count me in to be in the fight with you.
The Relatable
Human
I’m a southern transplant who still can’t get used to the idea that there are no seasons here in Florida. I’m a mom of two, wife, sister and friend. I’m a lover of sound proof head phones, sunshine and dark chocolate — and I agree with Professor Lupin that it does the trick to revive us after contact with life’s dementors. I like the idea of complexity… like whiskey in a teacup, or something being so quiet that it’s loud. The place I feel most small and yet safe is when staring at a vast ocean. I weirdly still collect sharks teeth, have trouble keeping plants alive and feel most at home in a jean jacket. I love any kind of learning about psychology and theology, enjoy a good lavender latte and think in pictures/metaphors. I strongly believe that all humans have inherent worth and that laughter, when done well, can be some of the best medicine on earth.
Therapist aren’t some breed of humans that have figured out life any more than a doctor would be immune to all disease and aging. We are human. The therapists I most respect are the ones who do their own work. How can we ask you to go somewhere that we aren’t willing to go ourselves? In my office I want to exude professionalism, pass on lots of knowledge and yet also let you know that you aren’t alone in being human.
With you and for you.
Learner
“Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it.” – Albert Einstein
Gathering information from those I meet about what they would call their strengths or gifts and how these were encouraged or frowned upon in childhood.
Learning about how anxiety, ADHD, autism and giftedness intersect.
Current things I’m curious about:
Currently receiving more training on OCD; learning how to effectively us the therapies of CBT, ERP and ACT to create effective change with OCD.
Reading about the Highly Sensitive Person.
Current trainings I’m diving into:
Speaker
Parents long to know how to help their students. Schools and churches are hoping to rally around parents as they navigate what feels like an unprecedented amount of anxiety and depression amongst our teens. In the last few years I’ve been sharing about anxiety, what helps and how parents can respond. I also have spent time sharing my own story in hopes that it will benefit others. Not all families or individuals are ready to begin counseling, so it’s exciting when we as counselors can come to you in the form of workshops or speaking engagements. Some of the contexts in which I’ve spoken over the last few years are:
School Parent Classes
School Chapel Meetings
Youth Group Events for Teens and Parents
Teacher Elective/Educational Seminars
Interested in hosting a workshop or need a speaker at an event?
Connecting you with me is as easy as…
1.
Send a message to let me know what you are hoping to gain from counseling.
If you know what you are coming to counseling for, briefly describe that in a quick contact message to me.
2.
I’ll respond with a call or email and we can discuss fit, availability and costs.
On the contact form you can let me know if you prefer a 15 minute free consult. This can be a great way to start the process.
3.
Fill out your intake paperwork and come on in for your first session.
My intake paperwork is all online. You will create a portal account where you can complete paperwork and send messages.