Couples Therapists in Florida

Relationships are fundamental to our existence. Using my extensive training and experience, I help couples to build healthier communication and conflict resolution. I am also experienced in working with polyamory, BDSM dynamics, same-sex relationships, and relationships where one partner is in transition. I have trained in the Gottman Method for 10+ years, and I have been able to help many couples improve their communication, their conflict, and their overall relationship satisfaction.

I have spent my career focused on LGBTQ+ issues, and more specifically, gender identity issues. Transition is a big decision, and there is a lot involved. I help clients to navigate gender identity questions, determine what the best path forward is, and connect them to the resources they need to pursue transition in the way that best fits for them. I guide my clients through the process of transition to help them achieve authenticity, including HRT and surgery letters in addition to counseling. I won't make you jump through hoops to get referrals, and can often approve you in a single session. Another of my specialties is working with couples. Relationships are fundamental to our existence. Using my extensive training and experience, I help couples to build healthier communication and conflict resolution. I am also experienced in working with polyamory, BDSM dynamics, same-sex relationships, and relationships where one partner is in transition. As a member of and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, I understand the unique struggles that members of the community face regarding coming out, family complications, self-acceptance, and other issues. I help my clients to navigate these issues, and to live their best life possible.

I think the most important thing is for all boundaries to be set in the very beginning. No surprises! Also that the clients know that their relationship is my “client”… not either of the people individually. I’ll do what I feel is best for the relationship! 

Brianna “Bri” Jaworski, MA, LMHC- QS is a licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. Bri graduated from the University of Central Florida with a bachelors degree in Business and Health with a minor in Psychology. After starting her own business at age 25, she pursued a new career in counseling in 2010. Bri received her Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Webster University in 2015. Bri is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), as well as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and has spent a large portion of her career working with child victim’s of sexual abuse. Bri also worked for many years with victims of domestic violence, and their children. Bri is a certified Domestic Violence Core Competency Trainer in the state of Florida and trained all new employees and volunteers at her agency. Bri served as the Primary Prevention Advocate while teaching 7th-12th graders about healthy dating relationships and warning signs of abuse. Additionally, Bri provided group services to teens in the local shelter, taught Drug Court and Teen Court classes at the Manatee County Courthouse, Life Skills Training classes for survivors as well as parenting classes. During her clinical Internship, Bri worked for a child protection center in Sarasota, Florida which specialized in providing TF-CBT to child victims of sexual and physical abuse, neglect, and child welfare; as well as their non-offending caregivers and family members. Bri provided Individual, family and group counseling. Bri also worked with at-risk youth and adults in-home and in schools and also with sexually reactive children in the “Kid Kindness” Program. Bri continued on, working with trauma victims including: adult victims of childhood sexual abuse, depression, PTSD, anxiety disorders, adjustment disorders, personality disorders, Bi-polar disorders, trauma, grief, and ADHD amongst many others. Bri also facilitated both teen and adult support groups as well as animal supported counseling. Bri has also worked extensively with the child welfare system including DCF contracting, and intensive in-home substance abuse counseling. Bri is an EMDRIA approved EMDR therapist. EMDR or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is an empirically evidenced technique that has been shown to significantly help clients of trauma, grief, PTSD, addiction, phobias and many other issues by utilizing bi-lateral stimulation that mimics a REM sleep cycle. Disturbing events are able to be “reprocessed” thus lessening and many times diminishing negative cognitions and feelings. Bri has also worked as a Psychology professor, at a local polygraph credentialing and assessment center teaching Psychology classes as well as classes on administering polygraph assessments to convicted sex offenders. Bri has taught students from all over the globe! Opening a practice that is warm, open, comfortable and non-judgmental was imperative in the formation of Mandala Counseling Services. Bri prides herself in being able to build rapport and establish long lasting therapeutic relationships with her clients. She strives for the perfect balance of professionalism and genuine care and compassion for her clients. She loves animals, is a Reiki Master, enjoys Transcendental Meditation, traveling and of course... Batman. She cares deeply for her clients and has devoted most of her adult life to non-profit centers and helping victims of trauma.  

Couple's work is an area that I simply love. I believe that no one can heal outside the context of meaningful relationships. The most meaningful is often your spouse or significant other. I believe that if we can work toward healing relationships that many other mental health ailments have the potential to heal too.

Scott Fleming has nearly twenty years of experience journeying with people who have reached their life’s peaks and those that have encountered their lowest valleys. His experience includes working in acute care hospitals, clinics, church counseling centers, and private practice. In addition, he’s held academic and leadership positions in various settings for his entire career. He is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern and a seasoned Certified Pastoral Counselor. Combining the latest best evidence-based practices, clinical expertise, and other psychological advancements with a personalized approach, he cares for patients experiencing the emotional, spiritual, and psychological toll that comes with a variety of conditions and situations. Scott strives to be person-centered yet solution-focused in his approach. He counsels from a relational counseling model, holding to the core belief that an individual cannot heal or grow outside the context of meaningful relationships. Scott believes each person has a unique and sacred story justifying that treatment plans should be genuinely crafted with the client in mind. He has a gift for creating a safe place for people to process their pain and bond with his clients in meaningful ways. Scott subscribes to an eclectic, integrated approach customized to your unique story incorporating elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Adlerian theory, Narrative techniques, solution-focused results, and existential principles. He seeks to partner with every patient in their healing process - mutually collaborative and committed to the process. Scott considers the counseling relationship to be sacred and not one to be taken lightly. It takes much courage to step into counseling, whether it’s your first time or the first time in a while. In meeting with a new counselor, clients often secretly hope that this relationship works out so they don’t have to start over or walk away from therapy. This truth is something Scott understands and values. Whatever brings you into counseling, Scott aims to cultivate a grace-filled environment where you will be met without judgment. Scott specializes in working with clergy, healthcare professionals, first responders, educators, and military personnel. Issues he treats include Anxiety, Coping Issues, Chronic Illness and Conditions, Depression, Family Conflict, Moral Injury, Compassion Fatigue / Burnout, Peer Relationships, Relationship Issues, Self Esteem, Stress, Caregiver Stress, and vicarious trauma. Whether you’re encountering a bump in the road or a boulder in your path, Scott would be honored to walk with you toward your desired goals.

I help you develop relational intelligence for improved relationships and quality of life. Relational intelligence is about how we create connection, and then maintain connection. In sessions we will explore aspects such as, but not limited to, power and control, care and closeness, respect and recognition, the various bonds you have in life, needs, vulnerabilities and biases that become triggered in relationships, how you interact with the world around you, sex, sensuality, desire, romance, communication, and love.

I am a licensed mental health counselor in Florida and work with couples and individuals on improving their relationships and quality of life, and therapists on managing a number of experiences that come up through their work. I offer free, 15 minute phone consultations. Starting September 1, 2023 I will be accepting insurance. Currently I accept out-of-network insurance benefits that will support the cost of services. We can verify these benefits prior to the start of services, as many clients have out-of-network benefits and are not aware of it. Thrizer is my payment platform that verifies your insurance benefits and automatically processes claims for you so you can get the most of the session cost reimbursed quickly and for free.

You have to go in with an open mind, and make sure you are aware of the unique dynamics of each relationship. There is no cookie-cutter approach. 

Hi there! My name is Dr. Ana Alicia Potthast, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor with extensive experience and training in behavioral health, diagnostics, addiction, co-occurring disorders, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, trauma, domestic violence, sexual abuse and assault, maternity and fertility issues, grief and loss, hoarding, family dynamics and conflict, marital issues, sexual orientation and gender identification and expression, adjustment issues, stages in life, and many other situations that bring a client to seek counseling. I provide a collaborative and open approach therapeutic style, without any judgment to each client's unique situation. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy. I have a passion for assisting client's to reach their full potential and treatment goals. I obtained an Associate of Applied Science in American Sign Language from San Antonio College in San Antonio, TX, and then graduated with a Bachelor and Master of Social Work from Texas State University in San Marcos, TX, before obtaining a Doctor of Social Work from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, California. I am an affirming ally for LGBTQIA clients, and this is a Safe Space. I am presently on the Board of Directors for Fiesta Youth, a member of PFLAG San Antonio, a Federal Club member for the Human Rights Campaign, and a former Steering Committee member for the Human Rights Campaign San Antonio. I was the first recipient of the Pride Center San Antonio Community Circle Award for my volunteer work in the community. Additionally, I work in the medical field, and I have extensive court room testimony experience regarding recommendations for contested custody situations and child welfare situations. I also have a passion for working along-side clients who are living with addiction, and the trauma and hardships they experience as they navigate towards a life of sobriety. I am a wife and mother, and I enjoy hobbies of going to concerts, volunteer work, geocaching, American Sign Language, watching documentaries, dancing, and spending time with family, friends, and my many pets.

Most of the clients we work with ultimately decide to stay together happily. We are grateful to have an excellent team with proven success in couples counseling.

My name is Rabbi Shlomo Slatkin and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a Certified Imago Relationship Therapist. Together with my wife Rivka, we founded http://www.TheMarriageRestorationProject.com, a Global Initiative to help keep couples together and happy. To learn how to have a happy and healthy relationship, click here to find out about our 2 day Private Marriage Retreat, or visit http://www.themarriagerestorationproject.com/marriage-intensives

When working with individuals with relationship issues, it is essential to identify all the factors that keep that person in contact with the other person. Doing therapy and therapeutic sessions, I will educate clients on the difference between a healthy versus unhealthy relationship while helping the client identify the " red flag." While understanding that red flags can be subjective, we address concerns around some behavioral patterns in sessions. In the case of an unhealthy relationship, clients will work on a safety plan to depart from that unhealthy relationship or learn how to create and implement boundaries to mend their relationship to become healthier.

My education and most of my clinical training were completed in Florida. I am passionate about reducing the stigma associated with mental health and trauma. Over my 15-year career, I have worked extensively within the dependency and adult forensics systems and developed expertise in "not judging a book by its cover" and active listening. My counseling style includes behavior modification, solution-focused counseling, and coaching families through difficulties.