The Gottman Method

Nice to meet you!
My name is Theodosia Soula Hareas

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Qualified Supervisor Director

My passion for helping couples and families extends beyond my clinical practice. I actively participate in community outreach programs, workshops, and speaking engagements.

I work in Virtual

My hourly rate is: $185 for individuals and $235 for couples

My specialties are:
Couples and marriage therapy Family Counseling, Counseling for children ages five and up, teens, and adolescents, Counseling for women, Parenting & co-parenting Issues, ADHD/Executive function counseling, Anxiety Grief, Trauma, Life transitions

Contact Us to Schedule

Let’s get to know each other!

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor driven by a passion to help individuals, couples, and families thrive through therapy. With over 16 years of experience, I have a genuine commitment to helping my clients navigate through challenges and struggles and to foster strong and loving relationships.

I work with children, teens, adults, couples, and families from all walks of life. Everyone is welcome in my office, regardless of their race, culture, religion, gender, and sexual orientation. My goal is to be a safe space for everyone.

I am a proud mother of three children, giving me a unique perspective and first-hand knowledge of the difficulties of balancing parenthood with personal and professional responsibilities.

I spent much of my early career helping children and currently incorporate play and art therapy with my younger clients.

Utilizing play and art in therapy provide powerful avenues for children to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a safe and creative manner. Through play, children can freely express themselves, develop problem-solving skills, and gain a sense of control. Incorporating art-based techniques into therapy to facilitate emotional expression allows them to communicate non-verbally, using colors, shapes, and symbols to express their inner world. Both modalities help children process trauma, develop social and emotional skills, enhance self-esteem, and foster resilience. Creating a supportive and nurturing environment empowers children to find their voice, heal, and thrive, unlocking their full potential for growth and well-being.

When it comes to couples and families, I use a holistic and systemic approach, guiding couples and families toward healthier, more fulfilling relationships. I understand that each individual’s well-being is intricately connected to the dynamics within their relationships and family system. Drawing upon evidence-based practices and tailored interventions, I help my clients navigate conflicts, improve communication, strengthen emotional bonds, and develop effective coping strategies.

My passion for helping couples and families extends beyond my clinical practice. I actively participate in community outreach programs, workshops, and speaking engagements. I am extensively involved in the Greek Community and my church and have recently been quoted in numerous Newsweek articles where I have given my perspective as a licensed therapist.

As a Qualified Supervisor Director at McNulty Counseling, I am using my passion and experience to supervise interns and mentor the next generation of mental health counselors.

A bit more about me…

Specialized Areas of Focus for Couples and Families

Throughout my career, I have gained expertise in addressing a wide range of issues that commonly impact couples and families. My areas of focus include:

1. Communication Challenges: I recognize communication’s crucial role in maintaining healthy relationships. I help couples and families develop practical communication skills, fostering an open, empathetic dialogue that promotes understanding and emotional connection.

2. Conflict Resolution: I support couples and families in navigating conflict constructively. By providing a safe and neutral environment, I can facilitate the exploration of underlying issues, encourage empathy, and help develop strategies for peaceful resolution.

3. Intimacy and Sexual Concerns: I understand the complex dynamics surrounding intimacy and sexuality within relationships. This is a non-judgmental and supportive space for couples to explore their concerns, deepen emotional and physical intimacy, and address issues related to desire, satisfaction, and compatibility.

4. Parenting and Blended Families: Recognizing the unique challenges faced by parents and blended families, I offer guidance in navigating co-parenting, step-parenting, and family integration. I am here to help families establish healthy boundaries, manage conflicts, and foster a sense of cohesion and harmony.

5. Life Transitions and Adjustments: I also assist couples and families in navigating significant life transitions, such as marriage, divorce, relocation, or the birth of a child. I provide support and guidance during these pivotal moments, helping individuals and families adapt, grow, and build resilience.

Incorporating play and art-based techniques into therapy

I wholeheartedly believe in the power of art and play therapy to help children express themselves, heal, and grow. I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact these therapeutic modalities can have on young minds, and it is truly a privilege to facilitate this process.

Incorporating art-based techniques into therapy to facilitate emotional expression allows children to communicate and process their thoughts, emotions, and experiences nonverbally. Through various artistic mediums such as drawing, painting, sculpting, and collage, children can freely express themselves and create tangible representations of their inner world. Creating art becomes a language that transcends words, enabling children to explore and make sense of their feelings, memories, and challenges.

During therapy sessions where art is incorporated, I provide a safe and nurturing space where children can freely explore their creativity. I encourage them to express their thoughts and emotions using colors, shapes, and symbols. Through gentle guidance and support, I help them interpret and reflect on their artwork, encouraging self-awareness, self-acceptance, and emotional healing.

Play therapy, on the other hand, allows children to naturally engage in their most natural form of communication: play. Play is a child’s language, and through various play techniques, I create an environment where children can freely express their thoughts, fears, desires, and conflicts. Through imaginative play, storytelling, and role-playing, children can explore different scenarios, problem-solving skills, and develop a sense of agency and control over their experiences.

In play therapy sessions, I provide a wide range of toys, games, and props that encourage creativity and imagination. I observe and interact with the child, joining them in their play and providing gentle guidance when necessary. By building a trusting therapeutic relationship, I create a safe space where children feel comfortable exploring and expressing their innermost thoughts and emotions.

Both art and play in therapy sessions allow children to externalize and process their experiences in a developmentally appropriate manner. They enable children to explore complex emotions, resolve conflicts, and develop coping strategies. These therapeutic approaches can help children build self-esteem, enhance problem-solving skills, regulate emotions, and improve communication and social skills.

It is an incredible privilege to witness the transformative power of art and play therapy in the lives of the children I work with, and I am truly honored to be a part of their journey toward healing and growth. I aim to empower children to discover their strengths, develop resilience, and navigate life’s challenges. Through these expressive modalities, children can find their voice, heal from trauma, and create a greater self-understanding and emotional well-being.

ADHD and Executive Functioning

I am highly passionate about helping those with ADHD, and there are many ways that therapy can benefit those with this diagnosis.

I help individuals develop essential skills such as time management, organization, planning, and impulse control through tailored interventions and strategies. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can assist in identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and improving self-regulation. Additionally, I provide a safe space for exploring emotional and social difficulties associated with ADHD, offering coping mechanisms and social skills training. Therapy empowers individuals to understand their strengths, embrace challenges, and implement practical tools to manage ADHD symptoms, fostering self-confidence, improved focus, and overall well-being.

I received my Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University Sarasota in May 2007.

I began my career by becoming a Certified Domestic Violence Advocate working with children at a shelter for children and teens. I continued my practicum as a crisis counselor for victims of trauma. My supervisor was one of the first to implement Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) into practice and also trained me in DBT. I later worked as the primary therapist for a residential facility, running daily social skills groups for the three cottages that housed dozens of children and teens.

I have been in private practice since beginning with McNulty Counseling in 2018.

I have used my experiences growing up in a family business and helping my husband’s business to incorporate executive, business, and life coaching into my practice at McNulty Counseling. I have made several appearances on NBC’s Bloom as a Mental Health Expert, and I am a Newsweek Mental Health Contributor with many articles in the U.S. and Europe that have also been translated and published in both Latin America and Asia.

I am the Clinical Supervisor at McNulty Counseling and oversee interns working towards licensure. I utilize the Integrated Developmental Model of Supervision that combines the clinician’s skills and the clinician’s experience to have the intern reach optimum levels of autonomy and competency.

My Fun Facts:

I have been the Greek Dance Director at my church for over 30 years. I have taught hundreds of students and performed with my group for decades.

I served on the board of the Pancyprian Association for Refugees from the island of Cyprus, where my family is from. I planned many events that involved working with Congress and other government officials both here and overseas on refugee issues. I received an honorary award from the Pancyprian Association for my work with the organization.

I have three wonderful children – two are in college, and one is in high school.

Nice to meet you!
My name is Nicole Wilson

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Certified EMDR Therapist

I approach therapy from a relational perspective. I believe that we are shaped by our families, and continue to be shaped by our life experiences and the environment around us.

I work in St. Pete – Downtown

My hourly rate is: $185 for individuals and $235 for couples

My specialties are:
Marriage & Relationship issues, Divorce Recovery, Women’s Issues, Anxiety, Parenting Issues, Life Transitions, Certified in EMDR, Certified in Relational Life Therapy, Brainspotting

Contact Us to Schedule

Let’s get to know each other!

I approach therapy from a relational perspective. I believe that we are shaped by our families, and continue to be shaped by our life experiences and the environment around us. Making connections, learning and healing from our past experiences is a pathway forward to creating a more fulfilling future. I work to help my clients do just that in order to develop better relationships with themselves and with others. I am a Certified EMDR Therapist and also trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). I am certified in Relational Life Therapy and trained in the Gottman Method, an evidence-based approach to couples therapy.

My goal is for individuals and couples to emerge from crisis stronger, wiser, and with hope as we work together through the counseling process. Life’s challenges can provide opportunities for personal growth and increased understanding. Here you will be met where you are on life’s journey.

It is an honor and a gift to walk alongside clients through their most difficult journey, holding space for them and helping guide them toward the best version of themselves, living their best life. I am a collaborative therapist and strive to meet clients where they are each time they walk through the door, working at their pace in a safe and welcoming space where individuals and couples can work through some of their toughest challenges and concerns.

A bit more about me…

I received my Master of Arts degree from the University of South Florida. I completed my internship at Suncoast Center for Mental Health and The Tampa Jewish Family Center. I have experience working in a private setting and in Community Mental Health. Prior to my work as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I worked in Human Resources, as a School Administrator for a private Montessori School, as well as being a mom raising 2 amazing teenage boys.

The variety of my life and work experiences enrich my work as a clinician and allow me to connect with a wide variety of people. My areas of passion include working with trauma, life transitions, parenting and relationship issues.

My Fun Facts:

• As an only child in a Military Family, I had the amazing opportunity to live in the Philippines and Germany growing up and traveled to many beautiful countries. This unique experience has helped me be open-minded and accepting of others. In addition, it has helped me be more flexible and enjoy new experiences.
• I love nature and enjoy being outside. Connection with nature grounds me; it is in nature where I find peace.
• As a registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) I enjoy subbing classes in my free time. The connection between the mind, body, and soul is critical in healing and finding a sense of inner peace and well-being. I believe our body holds our stories, and yoga helps us understand and accept those stories and have the courage to change the outcome.
• I have a thirst for knowledge and am passionate about learning, especially when it comes to mental health and yoga. I am happy to spend hours reading, e-learning, or heading to a seminar. Call me a nerd, but it fills my cup!

Nice to meet you!
My name is Emily Tripp

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

My passion is assisting my clients by helping them repair their relationships with themselves and others. I focus on empowering individuals to express their emotions through various outlets, communicate their needs, and find their purpose.

I work in St. Pete – Downtown

My hourly rate is: $185 for individuals and $235 for couples

My specialties are:
Stress Management, Life Transitions, Marriage & Couples, Families, Trauma, EMDR, LGBTQIA+, Self-Esteem, Addiction, ADHD, Imposter Syndrome, Emotional Regulation, Teenage/Youth Issues, Aging & Developmental Life Span, Anxiety & Mood Disorders

Contact Us to Schedule

Let’s get to know each other!

I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a Graduate Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy. I specialize in various therapeutic modalities, as well as talk therapy, to improve the connection between emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Before private practice, I worked in multiple settings, including inpatient, outpatient, and holistic wellness counseling centers.

My passion is assisting my clients by helping them repair their relationships with themselves and others. I focus on empowering individuals to express their emotions through various outlets, communicate their needs, and find their purpose.

A bit more about me…

With the increasing dependency of technological advancements, society is moving away from the ability to have meaningful connections. Studies have shown correlations with higher anxiety, depression, and attention/comprehension affiliated issues related with increased screen time. Consequently, this results in increased isolation, imposter syndrome, the need for instant gratification, and low feelings of self-worth. I strive to help people achieve their goals of finding a sense of purpose, boosting confidence, and letting go of stressors that have consumed them.

I make clients feel comfortable with my nontraditional approach to counseling by using a range of modalities. In addition, I would consider my personality more relaxed while also knowing when to assert recommendations. In a time where individuals struggle to feel validated, it is my goal to create a safe space to help clients feel that they can trust again. By helping access the inner strengths from within, we can work together to increase a sense of awareness, connection, and ability to foster mindfulness. You are not alone. Integrating various healing components to the mind, body, and spirt can bring forth a sense of long-lasting fulfillness.

Working with clients of all ages and backgrounds grants me the experience to help tackle issues as they occur. Life transitions can be unpredictable so whether switching schools, divorcing, job changes, or death; these parts of life can promote deeper meaning. A common denominator expressed within various clients tends to be similar; feeling stuck, high expectations, unresolved trauma, stress or conflict, and shame. Nevertheless, there is an opportunity to help you heal again and uncover the potential root of the problems.

I hold additional trainings in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) trauma therapy and a Graduate Certificate in Marriage and Family. I studied systemic issues throughout schooling in addition to individual therapy. I am a current member of the Suncoast Mental Health Counseling Association and the International Honor Society in Psychology. The alternative modalities I have experience with conducting individual/group therapy contains music and art therapy. These can be phenomenal tools to help uncover what the mind can’t fully articulate or extract. Lastly, I utilize both Eastern and Western philosophies to accommodate an extensive range of multicultural and eclectic backgrounds. I look forward to working with you!

My Fun Facts:

• One would call me a musical enthusiast where I take great pleasure in venturing to various concerts and music festivals. I appreciate all genres of music, but would consider my favorites consisting of alt. rock, metal, instrumental (violin), and smooth jazz.
• I have a genuine admiration for travel and experiences. (Yes, I’m a millennial!) My favorite landscapes contain waterfalls and natural springs. I have frequented many throughout the states and hope to one day explore Sydney (AUS), Capetown (SA), Alaska, and New Zealand.
• I love animals! I have a Teddy Bear dog (Bichon, Poodle, Shitsu mix) named Pookie Bear, “Pookie”, and two cats. Yes, the name Pookie Bear was inspired by the comic, Garfield, which is Garfield’s stuffed teddy bear, Pookey.
• I received my Master of Arts degree in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from the University of South Florida in Tampa. I graduated with my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of South Florida in DTSP! (Go Bulls!) I attended St. Petersburg College for my Associate of Arts at the Gibbs campus. Each college experience was wonderful in itself!

Nice to meet you!
My name is Christopher Rhodes

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

I’m a passionate, licensed therapist that prides myself in helping others navigate life’s challenges with clarity and compassion. Through personalized, evidence-based support, I guide teens, adults and couples toward greater emotional well-being and meaningful change.

I work in Tampa

My hourly rate is: $185 for Individuals and $235 for Couples

My specialties are:
Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Self esteem, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, Attachment issues, Codependency, Communication problems, Control issues, Coping with natural or human-caused disaster, Dependent personality, Family problems, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Hoarding, Impulsivity, Infidelity, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Self-love, Sex addiction, Sexual dysfunction, Sexuality, Social anxiety, Young adult issues

Contact Us to Schedule

Let’s get to know each other!

As a therapist, I believe that meaningful change starts with feeling seen, heard, and understood. My approach is rooted in building genuine, trusting relationships where clients feel safe to explore their thoughts and emotions. Therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all, and I’m committed to walking alongside each person at their own pace, honoring their experiences, and helping them reconnect with their strengths.
I work with teens, adults, and couples facing a wide range of concerns—from anxiety, depression, and life transitions to sexual dysfunction, stress, and relational challenges. I also have a special passion for supporting couples in deepening emotional intimacy, improving communication, and rebuilding trust using research-based Gottman techniques. Whether you’re navigating a major life change or simply feeling stuck, I’m here to help you move forward with clarity and purpose.
Each session is intentionally tailored to meet your unique needs. I draw from evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Client-Centered Therapy, Gottman techniques, and Positive Psychology. These approaches allow me to help clients challenge unhelpful thought patterns, develop practical coping strategies, and build on their existing strengths in a way that feels empowering and sustainable.
Whether you’re stepping into therapy for the first time or returning to continue your personal growth, I’m here to support you with empathy, encouragement, and evidence-based care that truly fits your life.

A bit more about me…

Outside of the therapy space, I’m someone who genuinely loves connecting with my community. I believe healing doesn’t just happen in sessions—it happens in the little moments of daily life, relationships, and self-discovery. My passion for mental health is deeply rooted in a desire to help others feel more at ease in their own skin and more confident navigating the ups and downs of life.
When I’m not working with clients, you might find me getting involved in local community projects, enjoying the slower pace of small-town living, or simply recharging with a good book and a cup of coffee. I bring that same grounded, thoughtful energy into my sessions—meeting people where they are and helping them feel both supported and empowered.
As a therapist, I’m always learning and growing, just like the clients I work with. I stay current with continuing education and regularly explore new tools and techniques that may benefit the people I serve. My goal is to provide a space where you not only feel safe and heard, but also inspired to make meaningful changes that last.

My Fun Facts:

• My wife and I live in Brooksville, FL with our 5 cats and German Shepherd (all rescues!)
• I love photography and utilize old film cameras.
• I went to Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL as well as Nova Southeastern University in Tampa, FL.
• I collect vinyl records.

Nice to meet you!
My name is Aimee Yasin

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

Too often life is full of turning points- times when you must start over or make a big decision, whether by choice or circumstance. Change is hard, whether it’s expected or not. I consider it an honor to assist my clients in navigating life changes.

I work in Sarasota

My hourly rate is: $175 for individuals and $225 for couples

My specialties are:
Couples, Individuals, Adolescents, Emerging Adults, Anxiety, Depression, Personality Disorders, Suicide and Crisis Prevention, De-escalation, Grief, Parent & Child Relationships

Contact Us to Schedule

Let’s get to know each other!

Too often life is full of turning points- times when you must start over or make a big decision, whether by choice or circumstance. Change is hard, whether it’s expected or not. I consider it an honor to assist my clients in navigating life changes to become the best versions of themselves possible. My passion is supporting couples and individuals as they work through challenging experiences and explore new tools to be successful.

I have worked in the mental health field since 2007 in a variety of settings. I’ve worked in residential treatment facilities, home-based services, community mental health agencies, and crisis services. My experience includes children, teenagers, and adults, ages 6-65.

I have experience providing individual, family, and couples counseling. I have supported goals ranging from stress management and anxiety reduction to grief, trauma processing, and crisis de-escalation. I love working with couples and families as they navigate challenges in their relationships by providing strategies for effective communication, conflict resolution, and effective tools that address underlying areas that are impacting the relationship.

I enjoy working with individuals who experience chronic depression and/or trauma that have resulted in personality disorders. I enjoy working with adolescents and emerging adults. I use interventions from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and the Gottman Method for couples to assist my clients in understanding the links between their past experiences and current patterns of behavior. My belief is that awareness can create change, which can create healthy minds and relationships.

A bit more about me…

I was raised in Sarasota and graduated from Riverview High School (Go Rams!). I graduated from Florida Southern College with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2006 (Go Mocs!) and then moved to North Carolina, where I worked at a wilderness residential facility for adjudicated juveniles. In 2010, I moved to Nashville, TN, where I began working in community mental health and attending graduate school at Capella University. I earned my Masters’ degree in Mental Health Counseling in 2013 and became licensed in Tennessee as a Licensed Professional Counseling with a Mental Health Service Provider designation in 2017. Once licensed, my career focused on working with military personnel and their families. I also worked as the Clinical Supervisor for Suicide Prevention and Crisis Stabilization for Centerstone of Tennessee. I opened my own private practice in 2019. Most recently, life circumstances have brought me back to the Sarasota area where I enthusiastically and quickly became a Licensed Mental Health Counselor for the state of Florida. I’m so excited to be back home and to be working in my original community.

I fully believe that starting therapy should be as uncomplicated as possible. You’ve made the decision that counseling would be beneficial for you, and that should be the hardest step you have to make! Today you are one step closer to a new you where you feel empowered and on a positive path to growth and well-being.

I am passionate about helping you find the right path for you. I believe you are the expert of your life, and it is my job to help you identify your true potential. While we can’t change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

My Fun Facts:

• My best friend is my pit bull named Blue. I’m convinced he understands everything I tell him!
• I love anything to do with the water. Give me a body of water and some sunshine, and I am set for the day.
• I’m a book worm to the core. My goal for this year is to read 52 books. I enjoy most fiction genres but have most recently been on a psychological thriller kick.
• I proudly support the US military. I have several US Marines in my family (including my brother) and was married to an Army Infantryman for close to ten years.
• At any given time, I have at least 5 different types of to-lists in my possession. Crossing things off my lists gives me life!

Nice to meet you!
My name is Albena Christova

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

Over the last 33 years, I have worked with children, adults, and seniors providing individual, family, and group therapy. If you choose to take the journey with me for personal growth and a happier life, I promise you a safe place where you can be your true self, express your feelings without fear of judgment, and explore your own needs and expectations. You can count on my unconditional support throughout the process of making choices that will lead to happiness and fulfillment in your life.

I work in St. Pete – Tyrone

My hourly rate is: $185 for Individuals and $235 for Couples

My specialties are:
Individual, Couples, and Family Therapy, Anxiety, Depression, Self-Esteem, Communication Problems, Coping Skills, Conflict Resolution, Stress Management, Life Changes

Contact Us to Schedule

Let’s get to know each other!

Throughout my career as a Licensed Therapist, I have worked with clients of all ages and backgrounds in different Outpatient settings. I also have extensive experience with individuals who have been diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness as well as substance abuse disorders. I utilize Solution Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to assist my clients in reaching their goals and achieving the best possible outcomes. Over the years I have been trained in different treatment modalities that may be used based on your needs.

In the beginning of my career, I asked a prominent psychiatrist what treatment approach she was using in her practice, her reply was: “I don’t know the name, whatever works for the client!” Let’s find together “whatever works for you!” In your therapeutic journey we will work together as a team, but you are the real hero!

As a Qualified Supervisor, I supervised and mentored many interns leading them to their fulfilling careers as mental health therapists.

A bit more about me…

I graduated from the University of Sofia with a Master’s degree in Sociology/Minor in Psychology before moving here with my family 34 years ago. As I began working in a local Community Mental Health Center, I continued my education at NOVA Southeastern University and received a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. I continued working at Suncoast Center for Community Mental Health in various roles for several years before moving to more acute outpatient settings.

As a therapist I firmly believe that while we cannot control external circumstances, we have the power to choose how we react to them. Overcoming so many obstacles and changes in my own personal life taught me that we all are much stronger and more resilient than we believe at times. Let’s find this inner strength together!

Forgiving, accepting and loving yourself are the key elements of happier life! If you are reading this, you have already taken the first step towards feeling better emotionally.

My Fun Facts:

• I lived in Tripoli, Libya for 2 years and graduated from High School there at age 16.
• I lived in Baden, Austria for two years prior to moving to the States.
• I had to learn Vietnamese when I moved here as I was working in a Vietnamese restaurant for a year.
• I love spending time with my family, especially with my 5-year-old granddaughter. She has this incredible gift to make me laugh anytime, any day, and for any reason!
• I LOVE to cook! My kitchen is my happy place where I create amazing meals for my family.

Nice to meet you!
My name is Anna Kitsos

Registered Mental Health Clinical Intern (RMHCI)

I consider it a privilege to be a part of someone’s healing journey. It takes a tremendous amount of courage to show up and be willing to share your vulnerabilities with another person. From the first session, you can expect warmth and recognize safety, so that you can lean into the process. I truly see the good and potential in each person I work with, and taking this step is a reason to feel proud.
I work in St. Pete – Downtown

My hourly rate is:
$185 for Individuals and $235 for Couples

My specialties are:
I work with individual adults, couples, and families and have experience in trauma, abandonment and neglect, depression, anxiety, relational issues, self-esteem, mood disorders, and personality disorders. I provide a person-centered approach and have training, often utilizing Attachment Theory, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Polyvagal Theory. I also have training in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples and am currently doing more extensive training in this approach to working with couples.

Contact Us to Schedule

Let’s get to know each other!

I believe the therapeutic relationship is the foundation for meaningful change. My goal is to create a space where you feel genuinely seen, safe, and connected. This means showing up with attunement and presence, so you can begin to let go of protective barriers and be fully yourself. Many of us carry feelings of shame or isolation, especially when we feel misunderstood by those closest to us. In therapy, connection becomes the antidote—and the starting point for healing. Some days we may laugh, and other days may be a bit heavier. It’s all about what you need and bring into the room that day, and I will be with you to support, validate, or guide you with insight and tools to implement outside the therapeutic space.

A bit more about me…

I began my career in business, driven by a strong motivation to grow and adapt—never remaining stagnant, a value I still hold today. After facing personal hardships, I sought support through counseling but often left feeling more misunderstood than helped. I know what it’s like to carry shame and fear, and how these emotions fuel disconnection and unhealthy patterns. I also know what healing looks like—thanks to therapists who shared their own experiences and helped me rediscover hope. Today, I find purpose in helping others see themselves as whole, not defined by the parts they struggle with. As a clinician, I remain vigilant in continuous training for growth and being able to provide the best care possible!

My Fun Facts:

• I’m originally from TN, and while the sun and beach are wonderful, I miss the seasons and find the mountains amazing. It makes me feel part of something much greater than myself!
• I LOVE roller coasters and white-water rafting, especially when it’s with my 2 sisters!
• I have a 3 year old French Bulldog named Luka who is more than a handful!!!

Nice to meet you!
My name is Kelly Lehman

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
Having been a therapist for over 19 years, I feel honored to be a part of each of my clients’ healing journeys. I respect and value all who demonstrate the strength to ask for help and allow me to hold space for them as they work through challenging times.
I work in Virtual
My hourly rate is:
$185 for individual and $235 for couples
My specialties are:
Grief/Loss, Chronic Pain/Illness, Couples/Marital Counseling, Anxiety, Depression, Parenting, Infertility, OCD Eating Disorders/Body Image Issues, Military Life, Senior Stage of Life Transitions

Contact Us to Schedule

Let’s get to know each other!

Having been a therapist for over 19 years, I feel honored to be a part of each of my clients’ healing journeys. I respect and value all who demonstrate the strength to ask for help and allow me to hold space for them as they work through challenging times. I believe my clients are the specialists in their own lives…they are the experts in the driver’s seat. I am the passenger who can point things out and help them consider different ways to reroute when life is not flowing as desired, but ultimately, the client always has the choice in which direction to go. Because I view my clients as experts, I believe therapy should involve collaboration. I don’t have all the answers, and it is not my job to create my goals for someone else’s life. Rather, I assist in their identification of personal goals and facilitate the creation of a plan to achieve them. I don’t believe there is a such thing as ‘the perfect life’…I certainly don’t have one! Therapy is not for ‘crazy’ people, rather everyone can find value in it from time to time. We all have struggles and storms in our lives, and being able to support people through their own is truly rewarding to me.

When you begin a therapy relationship with me, we become a team. Our sessions are an opportunity for you to share your thoughts and emotions, free from any judgment. I ask my clients to bring their authentic selves into session (don’t worry, I can help you to connect with that part!), and I provide a nurturing, safe environment for you to feel free to grow into your genuine self. I believe we are all capable of healing. It may take time, but if you are open to the process, I would be honored to walk alongside you.

A bit more about me…

Throughout my career, I have worked with many different populations in a variety of settings. Early in my career, I gained experience in an inpatient setting, as well as in a substance abuse residential program for individuals coming out of state correctional institutions. I also spent a year as a school counselor within the public school system. Ultimately, I transitioned into private practice, where I worked primarily with clients struggling with eating disorders in an outpatient/intensive outpatient environment.

I also worked extensively with military service members and their families during intense times in our recent military history. My own years as a U.S. Marine Corps spouse have given me the ability to empathize with the challenges of this life, and I am eager to support our military families who face similar hardships. In addition, I enjoy working with couples as they attempt to resolve conflict and reconnect with one another. Whether the relationship has drifted apart over the years, there was a significant violation of trust, or a couple is looking for assistance as they amicably separate, I work with the different ‘parts’ of the relationship to facilitate healing.

Over the past years, I faced my own unexpected medical challenges, and this provided me with a greater level of compassion for those experiencing chronic pain and illness. I am passionate about supporting those who may be struggling with medical symptoms and diagnoses that are interfering with their mental health, and I work to provide my clients with the tools they need to advocate for themselves for their own healthcare needs.

In addition to working in the mental health field, I also have been a personal fitness trainer. I personally have benefitted, both physically and mentally, from exercise, and I recognize how inter-connected these aspects of our health are. I view wellness from a holistic lens, and I support my clients as they work to achieve greater health and functioning.

I consider myself to be eclectic in my therapeutic approach. I realize that we are all individuals and have different needs and preferences. There is no one size fits all approach to therapy. However, first and foremost, my goal is to develop rapport with my clients. This is so important for clients, so they can feel safe being vulnerable. Some of the theoretical orientations that I pull from are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Emotion Focused Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. I also am a fan of the Gottman Method and Imago Relationship Therapy. I realize all these orientations may sound daunting and overwhelming, but I also try to help my clients feel comfortable with humor. Laughter has been proven to have tremendous benefits on one’s physical and mental health, and it truly can be healing.

My Fun Facts:

• I’m from Wheeling, WV…close to Pittsburgh, PA
• I have 2 incredible daughters (22 and 14) who are tremendous gifts in my life.
• I have 3 dogs, a boxer pit mix named Pork Chop, a boxer named Nugget, a red nose pit puppy named Sprout, and 2 cats.
• Back in the day, I was active in Crossfit…then powerlifting, and my max deadlift was 340lbs.
• I competed in an overnight GoRuck challenge that lasted over 12 hours.
• I started and owned by own home organizing business where I facilitated our senior population with downsizing and transitioning into alternative living arrangements. I really enjoyed getting to know my clients as I helped them in their personal space. Starting a business was, by far, one of the hardest things I ever did.
• Reality tv is a guilty pleasure, that really doesn’t make me feel guilty!
• I used to foster for an animal rescue, and at one point had 16 kittens in my house. It was a lot!!
• I love being back in Florida where I can enjoy these Gulf coast sunsets!