Lesbian Therapists in Lakewood Ranch, FL

Change can feel scary and stressful. Standing at a crossroads can feel uncertain and overwhelming. Sometimes our life circumstances change, other times we decide that what we are doing now, is no longer working for us. My focus is working with people who are experiencing anxiety, depressed mood, grief, loss, addictions, trauma, PTSD, and other adjustments and life transitions. This could involve changes in relationships, family, spirituality, health, career, education, or living situation. It could include death, healing wounds and inner children, identifying and enforcing boundaries, and identifying and changing limiting beliefs.

Everyday all of us struggle with multiple demands and expectations placed upon us, both externally and from within. Sometimes the demands become overwhelming, and we find ourselves experiencing a sense of sadness we cannot name, questioning our needs and wants, or wondering what our role is. Complexities in relationships create many challenges. Couples can find themselves struggling with a multitude of emotions that vacillate from love, joy and pleasure to disappointment, fear, anger and resentment. Learning how to develop and sustain a connected, fulfilling, intimate relationship can be difficult but well worth the investment.

I specialize in children, teens, young adults and parenting, with 20 years of experience counseling this population. Issues addressed include: behavior issues, anxiety and depression, school issues, family issues (including separated, divorced and blended families), self-esteem, peer issues, weight & eating issues including emotional eating, stress eating and binge eating, special needs, and clients living with chronic medical conditions. I use cognitive-behavioral therapy, positive psychology, solution-focused therapy, narrative therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and others. Counseling tailored to clients' needs.

Are you tired of putting others' needs ahead of your own and sacrificing your valuable time and energy? Are you burned out with toxic relationship patterns and ready to break the cycle? Are you ready to work on yourself and attract healthy people in your life? Are you ready to practice better holistic self care, in Mind, Body, Spirit, and Relationships? Are you ready to surround yourself with like minded healthy people you can trust who will support you? Are you ready to work with a practitioner who has been where you are and will empathize with you? If this sounds like you, you're in the right place!

Maybe it’s stress, anxiety or depression. Maybe you can’t put a label on it. You just don’t feel like yourself. We can help!

Are you feeling frustrated, anxious, depressed and/or helpless living with the emotional ups and downs of your own life or that of a partner, child or parent? There are times when we are stuck and need help with the challenges of life. I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 25 years of experience helping individuals, families and couples create an environment in which they can improve communication, solve problems and move forward in their lives.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if you could wake up every morning feeling happy, fulfilled, and free of any consuming negative thoughts? If your answer is yes, you are in the right place. Whether you are struggling personally or in your relationships (of any sort: romantic, parent/child, etc.) we can help you. With over 15 years of experience with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples, we are able to provide world class treatment for a variety of mental health concerns. Take the step to end your suffering today. It is time for you to learn how to live the life you deserve.

Do you want to turn crises into opportunities for growth? Do you want to heal the pain from the past and experience the life that you want in the present? Do you want to learn how to cherish your partner and live in peaceful harmony? Do you want to work through past traumas, change dysfunctional family patterns and shed outdated defenses? Problems in life are unavoidable, but suffering is a choice. Trying to elude the pain of life's challenges can leave you stuck in stress, anxiety, and depression.

I enjoy working with adults in an individual setting. I believe that you have the ability to solve your own conflicts. However, sometimes it is helpful to be able to have a safe place to process options and solutions to life's everyday challenges.

Relationships, careers, and retirement dreams cannot thrive when you are hurting. I work with adults, both individuals and couples, to treat grief, anxiety, depression and difficult life transitions (retirement, divorce, relocation, illness, end-of-life issues), as well as communication and sexual functioning. Some clients are anxious to free themselves from nagging issues of the past, while others struggle to discern the best path for their future. I support couples who want to increase intimacy, and I help couples who have already decided to separate to do so as respectfully as possible.

Have you been feeling overwhelmed with life's struggles or failing relationships? Have you been struggling with anxiety, anger, depression, shame, or low self esteem? Or maybe you're beginning to feel hopeless when trying to reconnect with your partner on a meaningful level. My goal is to help you harness your inner resources to thrive and authentically enjoy life again. When working together we will create a collaborative journey providing you with a safe space to explore your struggles, heal past traumas, create lasting connections, and identify your personal strengths as well as develop new tools to achieve healing and growth.

My name is Jessica Barbalato and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years experience in the field. I received my Master of Social Work from Fordham University and have experience working with diverse populations in various settings. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, adjustment issues/life transitions, trauma as well as identity issues. My belief is that strong relationship between client and therapist can be the catalyst for healing, change and growth. As a therapist, I would describe myself as warm, empathetic, charismatic, funny and non-judgemental. I conduct all sessions via teletherapy.

As most of us know, sometimes life presents challenges. These challenges could cause one to feel overwhelmed, anxious, confused, depressed or discouraged. This is when seeking help through therapy is beneficial. Have you reached a point in life where you know something needs to change, but you are uncertain of what to change or even how? So many of us face these moments where we feel like our life compass is just spinning and we have no clear direction. It feels like you are in the midst of a storm, and missing the proper equipment. Going through life's challenges with no therapy is like standing in the rain with no umbrella.

Are you sick & tired of feeling "sick and tired" all the time? If you feel your physical health has been declining, it may be time to address your mental health. As a critical care nurse and now a spiritually based licensed mental health counselor and medical intuitive, I can help. We know that the body follows the mind- the topic of my recent book, "Healing your Body by Mastering Your Mind." I have appointments available virtually and in person- in a comfortable quiet environment with flexibility to change my schedule to accommodate urgent needs. My certified therapy dog, Henry, works by my side to bring you comfort along the way.

You are suffering from the pain of grief. Intrusive thoughts about the loss you’ve endured come and go like waves. No one has been through the same thing you have, so no one can relate, and it’s made you feel isolated. It's scary and feels hopeless. Normally, you’re a very driven person, but since your loss, you feel paralyzed. Sometimes, you think of calling or texting them, but then remember you can't. The cycle of wanting to see or talk to them again, knowing you can’t, and having no one to relate to has also brought depression and anger.

The only reasonable approach to therapy is to meet my clients where they are. Perhaps you are feeling sad; Depression or anxiety have affected your daily functioning; Perhaps you struggle with PTSD/trauma; You are in a relationship that isn't working and you would like to mend things or try to figure out what to do next. You are experiencing sexual problems, identity problems, or career problems. I would be honored to co-partner with you to bring you to a place in life where brokenness is replaced by freedom and happiness.

Do you have anxiety that effects you physically and would like to decrease bothersome body sensations? Somatic Experiencing can help decrease these sensations and help you move through past traumas, injuries and negative core beliefs. Do you struggle sexually in the bedroom due to a history of sexual abuse, sexual addiction, or sexual dysfunction due to a medical condition? If so, I can help educate and walk you through the process to have a fulfilling and exciting sex life. I work with betrayed partners, sex/love/pornography addicts and those that have acted sexually outside of their primary relationship.

Are you experiencing a major life change, such as divorce and relationship stress, career transition and burnout, caregiver/compassion fatigue, grief and loss, health/medical issues, or everyday life stress? Are you looking for someone to offer compassionate support while you process these life events? I pride myself on holding space for others in life's hardest moments, and feel honored to watch my client's transform in ways they did not know were possible. I meet clients as they are and provide a safe space to reconnect with what they value and experiment with responding to the world around them more effectively.

The journey of one's life can be thrown off course by unexpected changes, trauma, grief, life/family transitions, and emotional struggles. I am dedicated in creating a safe place for individuals and families to understand themselves better and explore these life challenges. Everyone needs to feel understood and accepted at some point in their lives. My goal is to recognize each person's individual needs and help create a path to a more fulfilling life. I am committed to providing holistic, inclusive, and personalized interventions that are effective in getting you back to your complete self.