Therapists in Lake Placid, FL

Welcome! Creating a safe environment is the first step toward meaningful change. I have been a psychotherapist for more than 20 years, and it has been my privilege to assist people in both outpatient and inpatient psychiatric settings. I have experience treating a broad range of disorders, and my specialties include depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, Borderline Personality Disorder, and narcissism. I hold an MSSW from Columbia University and a PhD in Social Welfare from Case Western Reserve University. I did my clinical internship and postdoctoral work at Yale University School of Medicine. I use a variety of evidence-based approaches, including CBT, DBT, Seeking Safety, Motivational Interviewing, and exposure therapies for PTSD. I respect and admire folks who want to grow and overcome their challenges. I hope I can be there to support you on that journey. We will talk about what you would like to achieve in therapy, and we will map out a way to get there.

As a Marriage and Family Therapist my speciality is working with African American and minority women, teen girls, couples and blended families. If you are looking for a safe, non-judgmental space for healing to begin Focus Therapy Clinic is the place. Working through a questionable time in your life as a women? Battling to understand your feelings and thoughts of self doubt as a teen? Or understanding the unspoken and unclear dynamics of a blended family? It is my mission to offer a comfortable, non-judgmental, culturally sensitive atmosphere as everyone has their own unique story to tell.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in anxiety, depression, grief, and chronic illness. I hold a Master's Degree in Social Work from Fordham University and have experience in hospital and school settings. I create a safe and empowering environment where you can openly explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences without judgment. Together, we will navigate the complexities of your internal world, understanding and integrating different parts of yourself to promote healing and growth.

It takes courage to seek out a fulfilling and happy life, and to take the first step towards making the change. When was the last time you gave yourself the personal attention you deserve to talk to someone about your mental health? Sometimes it seems difficult and overwhelming when you are faced with challenges to move on, and to overcome the pain and struggles you are experiencing. The stress, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, grief, anger, and all of life changes can negatively impact your well-being. I am here to support and empower you in your journey to health and wellness.

Symptoms related to anxiety, depression and anger have a tremendous impact on a person's life. If you feel that these behaviors have been been in control long enough and you are ready to take the first step in gaining a fulfilling and satisfying sense of self, you are on your way to change. Together, we can establish realistic and progressive treatment goals in an environment that feels safe and supportive.

Let's face it: life is tough. If you are struggling with anxiety, feelings of hopelessness, or a lack of direction, there isn't anything wrong with you - that means you are a human. The good news is that you already have it in yourself to overcome these challenges. Working with several approaches, I help clients with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and relational issues. I see clients from children through adults of all ages.

One of the biggest predictors of positive therapeutic outcomes is the rapport between the client and the therapist. I want you to know that no matter who you are or what your life journey has been, I will always provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you. I am also supportive of members of the LGBTQ+ community and embrace all gender expressions. I believe in body positivity, and Health At Every Size (HAES). I believe in empowering my clients and their families to be the best versions of themselves by providing them with the necessary education, tools, and resources to do so.

My name is Ashton Keys and I am a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern. I have been working in the field of mental health on and off since 2016. Most of my experience comes from working with ages 8 through 18 as well as adults looking to work on anxiety, depression, self-identity, or changes they are experiencing in their life. I also support the LGBTQ+ community. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Feminist Therapy, and Creative Arts Therapies are my strong points and frequently will incorporate art, narrative, and drama therapy techniques into counseling sessions. I would love to chat with you to see if we are a good match.

Stress, anger, depression, and anxiety can really impact your overall functioning and quality of life. Are you facing issues that you need help to work through? Do you have a life goal that you would like to achieve? Is it difficult to adjust to lifestyle changes? I recognize that our problems seldom exist in a bubble and that more often than not they are a direct reflection of our upbringing, past trauma, and/or our environment. Clients often cherish my ability to balance warmth and unconditional positive regard with challenging maladaptive beliefs.

I am privileged to offer life changing services to adults, couples, & families. I see signs of distress as a disconnection from a Self that is awaiting our loving attention. There is hope for this reconnection. At our core lies a unique Center inscribed with your "blueprint" that maintains your health, wholeness, and vitality. The problem is that too many were conditioned to forget this priceless essence. Healing and wholeness are about remembering and returning to this very Center of who we uniquely are. For children and adolescents it's about nurturing it into realization so that It is never forgotten in the first place.

Have you arrived at a point in your life where carrying so much emotional and mental weight is becoming significant in your life? Perhaps these challenges can present as feeling stuck and/or experiencing depression, anxiety & more. I believe your journey to Self can happen by showing up completely through internal work that focuses on awareness, connection, mindfulness, ancestral wisdom, and community. I work with individuals seeking alignment who are open to an integrative approach to therapy.

Navigating life after trauma, abusive relationships, sexual abuse, domestic violence, or religious abuse has left you feeling disconnected from yourself, your life and the people in it. You might be struggling with anxiety, depression, anger, or hopelessness. Perhaps you have difficulty taking care of yourself, setting boundaries, fostering intimate relationships, or feeling present and safe in your body and mind. Despite everything, you’re feeling called to heal. You’re ready to rediscover your personal power, cultivate self-trust and intuition, and transform the pain of your past into profound inner-peace and life-long resilience.