My philosophy is that every client that walks through my office door already possesses the answers to their problems. They just don’t know they do. I believe that counseling is a healing collaboration between counselor and client, where the client as the expert, and the counselor alongside the client, together evoke the emotional, psychological, and physical changes identified and desired by the client.
I earned both my undergraduate degree in psychology(2008) as well as my master’s in professional counseling(2011) from Georgia State University. I began my career working mainly with survivors of trauma. I believe that trauma is a part of life and began noticing a strong correlation between trauma, anxiety, and emotional eating and weight gain.
I work with weightloss in a unique way, by helping you get to the root of the issue. Whether its a childhood trauma or an unhealthy coping skill, together in collaboration with your body lets find the answer.

Feeling anxious, stuck, or just in need of someone to talk to? You’re not alone. Deciding to find a counselor is an amazing and powerful first step. Let me help you with the rest. Each session with me is specific to who you are and what you need. I find joy in helping my clients discover who they are and achieve the goals they have set for themselves.

Caroline received her BA in psychology from Cornell University and her MA with academic distinction in clinical mental health counseling from Northwestern University. She is currently a registered mental health counseling intern with the state of Florida, working under the supervision of Sarah Watt, LMHC. Prior to pursuing the counseling field, she spent ten years in the northeast building experience in the culinary, nonprofit, and business worlds. This gave her invaluable perspective that she could not have gotten had she entered the counseling field right away. At the end of 2019, she felt called back to the area of mental health and to her hometown of Ocala, FL where she lives with her daughter. She has experienced the positive impact of quality counseling in her own life, and strives to provide this for each of her clients. She is passionate about the power of the therapeutic relationship and the growth that can occur when we nurture our minds.

I am an individual and couples therapist at the Bellevue Trauma Recovery Center and I hold a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University in Santa Barbara and is licensed to practice in Washington State. With dedication and expertise in the field of mental health, I am committed to providing comprehensive, trauma-informed therapeutic support.

Serving both adolescents and adults, I utilize a person-centered approach and provides therapy from a holistic lens. My skills are rooted in Somatic Therapy, Polyvagal Theory, Emotional Transformation Therapy, and Internal Family Systems. I believe that assisting clients in building autonomy and choice in therapy is critical for healing.

My overall experience spans across diverse populations, including new parents, grief-stricken individuals, survivors of abuse, those impacted by infidelity, individuals dealing with PTSD, anxiety, and more. I am also particularly attuned to the needs of Latinx/Global Majority, LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities.

Within the therapy experience, I consider the unique blend of histories, cultures, beliefs, relationships, identities, and stories that are a play. I am committed to forming relationships rooted in consideration, trust, and care, ensuring a supportive and affirming space for clients and their support systems.

Embark on a transformative journey, where compassionate guidance, individualized care, and a commitment to well-being form the cornerstone of your therapeutic experience.

You are motivated, yet having trouble getting results like you used to. A perfectionist, but feeling like you're stuck. You may even feel like taking care of yourself is something you've been putting off for a bit longer than you would like. Whether it's anxiety, trauma or everyday stressors, you're in a place where you no longer want to be, and you need some compassionate accountability to help you navigate through. This courageous step you're about to take is one that will take you on a journey to knowing yourself better. And the truth is, you DO deserve to work towards that best version of yourself, all you need is some support!

As your therapist, I can help you keep all the things you love about yourself and adapt them to your current circumstances. As one who specializes in treating anxiety and trauma, I will help you lean into discomfort while facing the things that have brought you feelings of overwhelm and frustration. Providing compassionate accountability is my jam!

I understand that procrastination or nervousness might be an obstacle to start this journey of therapy, but I believe that because you've been through difficult things, you can come out on the other side as a more whole version of yourself. On the other side of your fear can be that breath of fresh air you've been needing. So, let's jump into the work together!

www.samanthaspeed.com

Cecilia is a National Certified Counselor, a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor-Associate, a Certified Supervisor Intern, and a Gottman Level 1 couples’ therapist. She has over 8 years of experience in addiction and behavioral health and a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from North Carolina State University. Additional education includes a graduate certificate in counseling education from N. C. State as well as a master’s degree in Liberal Studies from Wake Forest University and a bachelor’s in business administration from Catawba College. Cecilia has sought additional training in trauma, dialectical behavioral therapy, victim advocacy for survivors of gender based violence, emotionally focused therapy, and providing affirming and responsive treatment to BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ and Autistic and Neurodiverse individuals.

Are there love, work, family, or personal circumstances that you would like to discuss? Are you having symptoms that are causing you distress or interfering with your daily life? Are there changes that you wish to make or life transitions you are trying to get through? Are you struggling in your relationship and needing to find new ways to communicate, a new perspective on your partners, or a better way to understand your partner?
I can help! I will help you get beyond whatever holds you back, help you manage and overcome any symptoms you might be having, assist you in negotiation challenges in your relationships and work with you towards the changes you wish to make.
My clients generally regard me as genuine, insightful, easy to talk to, and humorous. I provide treatment face to face, via phone and via internet. Areas of interest include depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, communication concerns, and building self esteem. I welcome those who feel they might be "a challenge"

Hello, I'm Charita with Serenity Thoughts LLC. I'm currently accepting new clients struggling with depression, anxiety, parenting, anger, self-esteem or other life stressors and trauma. I aim to work with the BIPOC community, but of course all are welcome.

I believe learning about our mental health only helps us to get to know ourselves better, so we're better equipped to navigate life's challenges. Please reach out and let me help you step into your Serenity Thoughts!

Life can get overwhelming sometimes, and everyone has an opinion on how you should manage it. No matter what you’re dealing with, someone always suggests a quick fix— anxiety: “just calm down;” depression: “just be happy;” or disordered eating: “just eat.” The reality is, if it were that simple, we would all be perfect people and never struggle with anything in our entire lives. That’s just not human nature. So if that’s not the answer, how do we grow and change? How do we resolve the deepest, most wounded parts of ourselves?

There’s a quote by Christine Langley-Obaugh that I love, which says, “We repeat what we don’t repair.” We have to sit with those uncomfortable parts of ourselves—our anxiety, depression, disordered eating, grief—and figure out when and why it showed up. What is it trying to tell us about ourselves and our experience?

That’s what the therapeutic space is for. We put other pieces of our lives on hold for an hour, to sit and listen and process. From there, we can establish a different way for the brain and body to communicate with one another; a way that allows for expression without overwhelm. It’s a process that can take some time, but it is oh so worth it.

At any stage of development, we are bound to encounter obstacles to our ability to thrive. I help clients to become proactive agents in their own process. I have worked extensively with clients across all ages to reduce symptoms, promote growth, and instill acceptance, and lasting change.