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Therapists answer…

Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?

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Dahyana (Diana) Paul

PMHNP-BC
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist because I’ve always been drawn to helping others, especially when it comes to mental and emotional well-being. I saw firsthand how mental health challenges can affect every part of a person’s life, and I wanted to be someone who could offer support, guidance, and hope in those difficult times. The ability to make a meaningful difference in someone’s journey—whether by helping them feel heard, providing tools to manage their struggles, or simply offering a safe space to be themselves—was what inspired me to pursue this path. What motivates me to continue is seeing the positive changes in my clients’ lives. Watching someone go from feeling overwhelmed or lost to gaining clarity, confidence, and strength keeps me passionate about what I do. Every person’s story is unique, and being a part of their healing journey is both a privilege and a deep source of fulfillment. The resilience and courage I witness in my clients push me to continue learning and growing as a therapist, so I can offer the best care possible.
Hi there and welcome! My name is Dahyana and I am an experienced Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and founder of Therapy To You! I provide personalized mental health care for children and families right at home, work, or online. Specializing in a holistic approach, our services extend beyond individual and family therapy to include support for schools, ensuring comprehensive care. Whether you are in need of medication management, therapy, or a combination of the two, I am here with you every step of the way. I truly believe that it takes a village and that's how I choose to operate here at Therapy To You! You should never have to feel alone. I utilize evidence-based techniques like CBT and DBT to address a wide range of issues from anxiety, ADHD, and Depression to more complex conditions. Whether you choose tele-therapy or in home services I ensure that you are always heard, valued, and comfortable. My clients all have access to me outside of sessions to ensure therapeutic success. Navigating mental health can be overwhelming, but you're not alone. I'm here to help lighten the load. In your free consultation, we’ll address all your questions, ensuring you feel supported. If I'm not the right fit, no worries! I’ll help find someone who is. Let’s start this journey together with clarity and hope! Have a great day and talk soon! Please Note: I am currently paneled with a select few insurance companies. Although my practice is largely private pay, If you would like your insurance to pay for my services, I can provide you with the necessary documentation for reimbursement.
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Lisa LeMaster

Licensed Professional Counselor
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist because I experienced firsthand how life-changing it can be to work with someone who truly gets it. My own healing journey taught me what it means to feel genuinely understood while processing difficult experiences, and I wanted to offer that same gift to others. After three decades as a sign language interpreter, I realized I'd spent my career being present with people during their most vulnerable moments - in hospitals, courtrooms, family crises. I learned how to hold space for intense emotions while maintaining professional boundaries, and I saw how powerful it was when someone felt truly seen and heard. But I wanted to do more than just facilitate communication - I wanted to be part of the healing process itself. What keeps me motivated is witnessing those moments when a client discovers something about themselves they didn't know existed, or when they finally stop asking "What's wrong with me?" and start asking "What do I need?" There's nothing quite like seeing someone reclaim their power and start showing up as who they really are, especially when they've spent years feeling like they had to hide or apologize for parts of themselves. Every day, I get to work with people who are brave enough to examine their lives and make changes. That takes incredible courage, and being trusted to walk alongside someone during that process never gets old. I genuinely believe that the self-confidence and self-love my clients are seeking already exists within them - sometimes we just need help uncovering it. That's what gets me up every morning and reminds me why this work matters so much.
I specialize in working with LGBTQ+ individuals and men's trauma. I believe everyone deserves a space where they can show up exactly as they are without judgment.My approach is grounded in the belief that you're the expert on your own life - my role is to bring my training and skills alongside your wisdom about yourself, creating a safe place where you can explore your truth at your own pace. I use trauma-informed approaches including CBT, DBT, Internal Family Systems, and Narrative Therapy to help clients process difficult experiences and reclaim their power. Whether you're navigating identity exploration, relationship challenges, life transitions, or healing from trauma, I'm here to create that safe space where real growth can happen. Because you deserve to be seen, heard, and supported exactly as you are.
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Joana Milla

APRN, PMHNP-BC
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a PMHNP because I am passionate about helping others achieve mental and emotional wellness. Seeing the progress my patients make and the positive changes they experience motivates me to continue. The opportunity to be a part of someone's healing journey and witness their growth keeps me dedicated to this work.
Hello, I'm Joana Milla, a dedicated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over six years of experience in mental health care. I specialize in treating patients of all ages, from teens to the elderly, ensuring everyone receives the care they need. As a compassionate and experienced psychiatric practitioner, I am committed to supporting individuals on their journey toward behavioral well-being. I specialize in helping clients navigate various conditions by integrating evidence-based therapies and medication management. My comprehensive care includes support for medication use, along with standardized testing and screening to evaluate and identify conditions such as Depression, Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, ADHD, Trauma, social anxiety, insomnia, Eating disorders, Body image anxiety, and finally, elaborate and meet your therapeutic goals. I am dedicated to providing a caring and holistic approach. I firmly believe in treating each individual as a whole - addressing the needs of the mind, body, and spirit in unison. Our journey together will involve delving into your distinct emotional landscape and collaboratively formulating personalized strategies for your healing journey. I'm certified in several areas, including psychiatric-mental health across the lifespan, crisis intervention, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Additionally, I am fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, which helps me connect with a broader range of patients. Our sessions will provide a safe and non-judgmental environment for you to express yourself freely. I will actively listen to validate and understand your experiences. It's important to emphasize that we are partners in your healing journey. Your input and decisions are essential in creating the appropriate treatment. Let's work together to achieve resilience, self-compassion, growth, and lasting emotional wellness.
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Gabriel Gilbert-Lurie

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Online & In-Person
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I decided to become a therapist in order to engage deeply with multiple levels of the human experience, and build a career rooted in genuine human connection. I wanted to take the creative talent that I had cultivated in a previous career and apply it to helping people to create meaning from and within their lives I had always been interested in becoming a therapist, and decided to dedicate myself to the pursuit after making it through a particularly challenging year in my life, and deciding that life is too short to do anything other than what I view as my calling. I have not regretted it one day since.
I believe that therapy is a space where you can be yourself, and I would love to be a part of helping you to explore your life in a meaningful way. Coming from a creative background, I decided to become a therapist to engage more deeply with the human experience, both intellectually and emotionally.  My work is centered around helping people grow into the fullest version of themselves—one that feels more authentic, more alive, more aware, and more at peace. Above all, I believe that real healing comes from the unique relationship we build together. Therapy works when you feel deeply seen, heard, and cared for, and that is what I strive to provide in every session. Together, we will work to explore your past, understand how it shapes your present and current relationships, and create a path toward a more meaningful and fulfilling now and future. My approach is rooted in empathy, curiosity, and respect, and I welcome clients from all walks of life. I also am LGBTQIA+ affirmative, culturally-sensitive, and sex-positive, so please bring yourself however you are.
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Daimary Perez

Compassionate Licensed Mental Health Therapist
Online Therapy
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist out of a deep passion for helping individuals and families navigate life's challenges and improve their mental health. Witnessing the positive impact of compassionate support inspired me to pursue this path. What motivates me to continue is the transformative journey I share with my clients and the resilience they demonstrate in seeking help. Additionally, my involvement in community outreach and mental health education fuels my dedication to this field. Ultimately, knowing that I can make a meaningful difference in someone's life drives me every day.
Hello! My name is Daimary Perez, and I am a dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a heart for helping individuals and families navigate life's challenges. With a Master of Social Work from Florida Gulf Coast University, I have spent years building a career focused on providing compassionate and effective mental health services. At the core of my practice is the belief that everyone deserves access to support that can make a real difference in their lives. Whether it's guiding students to overcome obstacles to their education or working with families to foster healthier relationships, my goal is always to empower those I work with. My experience spans from school systems where I've supported students' emotional and behavioral needs, to remote therapy sessions that bring healing into the comfort of your own home. I'm skilled in conducting thorough assessments, creating personalized treatment plans, and delivering both individual and family therapy. I'm proud to offer bilingual services in English and Spanish, ensuring that language is never a barrier to receiving high-quality care. Additionally, as a Youth Mental Health First Aid trainer, I am passionate about educating others on how to support the mental well-being of our young people. Beyond my clinical work, I am deeply involved in community outreach and have spearheaded projects like community gardens to improve local access to nutritious food. My approach is holistic – I believe in nurturing both the mind and the environment we live in. With every interaction, my aim is to provide a safe space for healing and growth. If you're looking for someone who will listen attentively, advocate fiercely on your behalf, and work tirelessly towards your well-being, I am here for you. Let's take that first step towards a brighter future together. *Specialties •Mental Health *Conditions treated •Anxiety •Depression •ADHD •PTSD •Bipolar disorders •Coping Skills •Self Esteem •Bipolar Disorder •Child •Codependency •Couples Counseling •Divorce •Domestic Abuse •Domestic Violence •Eating Disorders •Family Conflict •LGBTQ+ •Mood Disorders •Parenting •Peer Relationships •Pregnancy •Prenatal •Postpartum •Relationship Issues •School Issues •Self-Harming •Sexual Abuse •Women's Issues *Treatment philosophy Some valuable aspects from our therapy sessions include: Gaining enhanced coping skills, increased self-awareness, effective communication skills, empowerment and confidence, stress reduction, emotional support, a way to heal and process trauma, and an overall sense of well-being. *Treatment approach •Attachment-based •Mindfulness-Based (MBCT) •Trauma Focused •Gestalt •Motivational Interviewing •Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) •Psychodynamic •Strength-Based •Gottman Method •Solution Focused Brief (SFBT) •Culturally Sensitive •Dialectical Behavior (DBT) •Emotionally Focused •Experiential Therapy •Internal Family Systems (IFS) •Multicultural •Strength-Based *Insurance •Aetna •Cigna •Oscar Health •UnitedHealthcare •Blue Cross Blue Shield •Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts •Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey •Oxford •United Health/Optum