Therapists in Tampa, FL

Hello, I'm Heather Aynne Vernillo, a dedicated Nurse Practitioner with 25 years of experience. I specialize in hormone management and psychiatric mental health. I hold certifications from the ANCC and practice independently in Florida. My journey in healthcare began in community settings, hospitals, and academics—giving me a well-rounded perspective. I manage hormones, weight, and medical care with a strong focus on mental health. I have helped providers launch regenerative medicine programs. My work is rooted in safety and well-being. My educational background includes a Diploma in Nursing, a Bachelor's of Science, a Master’s in Science and further training as a Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing. I’m affiliated with leading nurse practitioner associations and enjoy serving as a faculty member for future healthcare workers. I am committed to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care with compassion and expertise. Whether it's a telehealth consultation or an in-person visit, I look forward to supporting your health journey. Treatment philosophy: At Vernillo Health & Wellness, I believe in a holistic, patient-centered approach to care. My goal is to empower patients by listening to their needs and developing personalized treatment plans. With my extensive experience in hormone management, primary care, and psychiatric mental health, I strive to create a safe and supportive environment. I focus on collaboration and education, ensuring patients feel informed and involved in their health journey. By blending traditional and functional medicine, I help enhance both physical and mental well-being. My commitment is to treat the whole person, fostering trust and compassion every step of the way. Together, we can achieve lasting wellness.

My journey into counseling came from my own childhood experiences of trauma and family conflict. I sought help but couldn't access what I needed at the time. This inspired me to become both a minister and counselor so I could help others in ways I wasn't helped. I've served in church ministries and community work for many years. I'm a person- and family-centered therapist who encourages parent and sibling engagement when appropriate. My goal is to help you focus on your strengths and strive towards personal growth using interactive, solution-focused therapy with practical feedback. I offer spiritual and Christian biblical guidance when requested. I work with clients seeking help with depression, anxiety, PTSD, couples and family therapy, and parent-child therapy. My mission is to provide compassionate, caring, and confidential counseling in a safe and supportive space. I welcome individuals and families from all walks of life, including the LGBT+ community, without judgment. I utilize a trauma-informed care approach and don't see you as a diagnosis. In session, I work to connect with you as an individual, help you understand yourself, problem-solve when necessary, and focus on positive solutions for the betterment of your life and mental well-being. I believe the counseling session is a space for self-exploration, guidance, and support through life's stressors. As an eclectic therapist specializing in trauma-informed care, I use a combination of CBT, psychoeducation with positive psychology, and reality therapy to help you achieve positive changes and personal healing.

I am a Gottman trained therapist, specializing in relationships, communication and couples. I also enjoy working with individuals who have difficulty expressing their own needs due to anxiety or fear of rejection.

I am so thankful you have decided to take the first step in improving your emotional health. Allow me to tell you a little bit about me. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida with a passion to help my clients improve their emotional well-being. I received my undergraduate degree from the University of South Florida in 2014 and received my master degree in 2017 from Capella University in Clinical Psychology with a focus on Clinical Counseling. When counseling, I look at whole person not just the current situation. I take time to get to know you and understand your situation and/or concerns. I treat all my clients with the upmost respect and compassion. I use motivational skills to help my patients see their strengths and help them create achievable goals. I believe in breaking the big goal into smaller goals that lead to meeting that larger goal. I believe this creates positive reinforcement for my clients and improves there emotional health, during what could be difficult time in their life. I look forward to helping you improve your mental health, one-step at a time. I have 4 years of experience working with depression, anxiety, bi-polar, addictions and co-occurring. I am a Certified Master Level Addiction Professional with the state of Florida.  SPECIALTIES:  Drug and Alcohol Addiction , Self esteem Bipolar disorder, Depression, Grief,  Coping with life changes ,  Mood Disorders , Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) , and Co-Occurring disorders. Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy Years of Experience: 4