Therapists for Teens in Pensacola, FL

A Licensed Psychologist since 2004, I have specific expertise in child, adolescent, adult, couples, and family therapy. I have worked with over ten thousand children, adolescents, and adults.

I received a B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Georgia. I completed an Internship at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. I was an Outpatient Psychologist at the Lakeview Center. I developed a multi-modal Drug Abuse Program and was Director for several years. I entered private practice in 1974 with continuous service to the Pensacola Community. I provide therapy for children, adolescents and adults in either individual or family sessions, as well as marital/relationship therapy.

Sometimes life feels like we are barely just going through the motions. It can be overwhelming, unmanageable or just unenjoyable. My goal is to help individuals heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths. Whether it is you or your child or teen struggling to adjust, a trauma, a struggling relationship or the hardships of managing day to day life, I am here to help you thrive, not just survive. Therapy is work work but it can also be an energizing and fun experience. I strive to make your experience one that you look forward to and benefit from.

My goal is to provide a safe, therapeutic environment, where clients can share their innermost struggles and challenges without feeling judged or criticized. Therapy is an avenue to address the challenges in life that sometimes seem unmanageable. I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship, based on genuine acceptance and unconditional positive regard, can be the pathway for change to occur. I work with individuals, adults, and teens on a variety of issues and disorders including but not limited to depression, anxiety, parenting issues​, abuse, grief, trauma, low self-esteem, life cycle transitions, and substance abuse.

I am a Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern and a Certified Trauma Professional. I have over 10 years post-Master's experience working with adolescents and adults in various settings such as schools, hospitals, and shelters. I currently work in private practice with ages 11 +. I can help with you or your adolescent with issues such as trauma recovery, stress/anxiety, depression, self-esteem, periods of transitions, and generally feeling “stuck”. I believe that you already have the answers you need within you. Let's work together to block out the unnecessary noise and ground yourself in your own innate wisdom.

Some stages of life can be tough, finding relevant help that is measurable shouldn't be. Compass II Life exists solely for youth, couples, & families in need of brief therapy & support, yet with results the family can measure. Day & evening appointment availability for support with parenting, anxiety/depression, anger management, respect for parents/authority, purpose, marriage counseling, & more. Different by design, my practice targets a new approach to the delivery of mental health care & mentoring for youth/families across the Gulf Coast. Telehealth remains available for those in need of remote services or support.

Are you depressed, anxious and overwhelmed? Or maybe you are just unsure how to handle your current life situations. Therapy offers a safe place to explore thoughts and feelings and find new coping skills to face life's problems.

Thank you for considering me to help you on your journey. I offer In-person & telehealth. Reaching out for help is often the hardest step. Let’s make a plan and figure things out. I specialize in anxiety, depression, PTSD, relationship issues, parenting, teen issues, self confidence building, adjustment issues & goal setting. Working with veterans is also a passion of mine having served in the military myself. In addition to therapy I also offer one time evals for Veterans to document symptoms & trauma history/ provide a diagnosis/supporting screeners to aid in VA Disability Claims.

Currently accepting clients! If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem, military-related issues, family, or past trauma, I would love to help. Maybe you’ve been to therapy in the past, but didn’t see the results you were hoping for? I am passionate about working with teen and adult clients to help uncover how their past may have contributed to current relationship and/or life stressors, as well as learning new ways to help overcome challenges and challenge old ways of thinking that are no longer serving you.

Are you feeling stressed and overwhelmed with anxiety? Are you living in a marriage that no longer fulfills you? Do you find yourself wondering if you are enough for your children? You're asking yourself "what if I have a panic attack?" "what if my husband leaves me?", "what if I fail?" Do you ask yourself "who am I and what do I want out of life?" If any of this sounds like you, you are not alone. You deserve to live a life free of anxiety. You deserve to have a marriage where the communication flows and expectations are met. You deserve to live a life without fear of the "what if's". With the right tools and skills, you can!

I have enjoyed providing support in mental health for over 20 years now. We all face moments of distress and experience unplanned circumstances in our lives that we simply are not prepared for. It can be difficult to navigate our way through all of the thoughts that may come up or the different levels of pain we tend to experience. I know that reaching out for help can be challenging. We all have our own healing journeys and I am grateful to be able to help individuals with discovering their own path to healing, growth and change.

I am a licensed mental health counselor who specializes in work with children, adolescents and adults of all ages. I will work with you and/or your loved ones to address any concerns with managing the effects of depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, divorce, grief and loss and various other challenges while helping you maintain a productive life style.

I am passionate about providing a safe, non-judgmental space for people to explore and express themselves while also processing and learning to cope with life’s challenges. Sometimes, you need help navigating unwanted thoughts, negative beliefs, past traumas, and relationships. You don’t have to do it alone; that’s where I come in. My goal is to help you begin to function at your best level. I work to offer help with tools to solve problems or just to listen. Together, we can collaborate to help you recognize your own strengths, change unhelpful patterns, and develop skills for coping with life’s difficulties.

My path to becoming a therapist was more of a calling than a career decision. I’m not particularly suited to this profession. I’m introverted, which causes me to present as somewhat unfriendly and aloof to strangers. I’m really not concerned with small talk or what I consider the superficialities of life. But when it comes to exploring the deepest, most difficult and painful core aspects of your life that’s the space where I feel most comfortable. The foundation of my practice is my own personal journey in 12-step recovery. I would say I was "chosen" for the gift of recovery from a self-destructive lifestyle more than 34 years ago.

Is your relationship in big trouble? Then you want RESULTS. Practical, no-nonsense changes get you over the stuck part. Results don't come from analyzing the past, labeling you with some disorder, or dredging up every last hurt feeling and resentment you ever had. Real results come from being trained how to make changes that create happiness and connection. What I do is relationship TRAINING. There may be some things you need to learn or forgiveness or maturity that needs to improve. I am direct and straight-forward. Start getting the success you want with the specific skills, support and suggestions you need to make changes.

"Spinning my wheels." "Struggle Bus." "Stuck." These are just a few of the common phrases we use to express how we're feeling when things get difficult or we're struggling to make changes in our lives and relationships. Sometimes that "stuck-ness" feels like depression or sadness, stress or anxiety. Sometimes it's behaviors and beliefs we want to revamp to get life moving forward again. And, sometimes, it's hard to define in words. For many of us, it's knowing we want to change and grow, but it's also frightening. Fortunately, we don't have to do it alone.

Ferrara Therapy Collective - where healing and growth intersect. I understand that each person’s journey is unique so my therapeutic process is tailored to meet individual needs. My commitment is to create a safe and empathetic space where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and relationships. I believe in empowering you to navigate life’s challenges, fostering resilience, and facilitating transformative experiences. Your well-being is my priority and I look forward to supporting you on your path to personal and relational growth.

I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with over 10 years of experience working with couples, families and individuals. I strive to provide compassionate, effective and evidence-based clinical psychotherapy and counseling services to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, with the goal of maximizing personal potential and increasing resilience in the face of adversity. Family, relationships, jobs, school, illness, kids, life changes, STRESS! Even the smallest daily stressors can pile up until you feel completely overwhelmed.

The power of therapy can be life changing. It is an opportunity for you to process present and past emotions, life stressors and transitions, all while strengthening coping skills and developing a deeper understanding of yourself. Therapy is a space to feel seen and heard in a supportive and non-judgmental environment. I am a strength-based therapist, as I believe in each individual's capacity for emotional growth and meaningful change in all stages of life. Through authenticity, collaborative discussions, and a little humor, I strive to create a warm therapeutic environment that promotes acceptance, empowerment and healing.