Meet The Team
Kelly Gregory
President and Owner
M.Ed., Ed.S.,LMHC
Kaylee Brenneman
M.Ed., Ed.S. Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Collin Richards
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
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Tiffany Long
Graduate Student,
Intern
Jaclyne Smith
Vice President
LCSW, MPH
Rachel Thorpe
M.Ed., Ed.S. Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Jennifer Rose Parker
RDN, CSR, LDN
Elena Scricca
Graduate Student,
Intern
Nicole Cope
M.Ed., Ed.S. LMHC
David Weinert
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Marisa Luciano
Graduate Student,
Intern
Leslie Fairchild
MS, LMHC
Maria Montenegro
Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern
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Ashlyn Doty
Graduate Student,
Intern
Kelly Gregory M.Ed., Ed.S., LMHC
President and Owner
E-Mail: KGregory@arenacounselingandwellness.com
pronouns: she/her/hers
“Do I contradict myself? Very well then I contradict myself, (I am large, I contain multitudes.)...Who wishes to walk with me?"
-Walt Whitman, Song of Myself
About
I decided to pursue a career in counseling after 5 years of teaching in the classroom from 6th to 12th grade. From there, I went on to graduate from the University of Florida with my master’s and specialist’s degrees in Mental Health Counseling. I began my career as a therapist working in residential treatment centers.There I worked with clients with a broad range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, addiction, eating disorders, self-esteem, and interpersonal relationships. I have additional training in trauma-focused therapy, DBT, and EMDR.
After several years of working in residential centers, I transitioned to private practice. In private practice, I have found a joy for working with students, people recovering from acute and complex trauma, and anyone going through a life transition. I want to help those who feel stuck, those for whom maybe counseling hasn't worked before, those who perhaps feel hopeless - to feel heard, seen, understood, cared for, and perhaps, a little less stuck. Everyone deserves to be the fullest version of themselves, and it is my privilege to walk alongside those trying to get there.
Areas of Practice
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of "noticing without judgment." As we grow in our ability to be mindful, we are better able to regulate our emotions and reactions.
EMDR
I am trained in Level 1 and 2 of EMDR. EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) is a research based technique for helping people heal from the effects of trauma.
DBT
Dialectal Behavioral Therapy is a research-based modality that helps cultivate tools for emotional regulation, interpersonal relationships, distress tolerance, acceptance, and mindful awareness.
Somatic Techniques
Somatic techniques help connect the mind and the body and how past events and current emotions are held in our bodies. This can include breathing and relaxation to alleviate stress and tension.
Internal Family Systems
Internal Family Systems, or IFS, is a compassion based way of approaching the internal dialogue we all experience. This approach allows clients to have a better understanding of their inner workings and how to cultivate self-compassion
Jaclyne Smith
E-Mail: Jsmith@arenacounselingandwellness.com
LCSW, MPH
Experience
Hello and welcome. I was first drawn into working in the clinical field as an undergraduate in college. I received a Bachelors in Social Work from the University of Georgia. I had always been interested in helping people, and social work gave me the opportunity to work with a variety of people from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. I went on to get my Masters in Social Work and Public Health from Washington University in Saint Louis. I became interested in the dynamics of working with trauma from a therapeutic standpoint. Since 2014, I have been working as a therapist and utilizing a trauma informed approach to help clients navigate through a wide array of issues, such as addiction, depression and anxiety. I began my career working as a therapist in residential settings and prior to entering private practice was the clinical program manager for a residential eating disorder program. As an outpatient provider, I am committed to providing the same level of passion and dedication to healing as I found in the residential communities. I am excited to work with students and other members of the Gainesville area to help foster healing, change, and growth.
Areas of Practice
EMDR
Level one and Level 2 trained
DBT
IFS
HAES Perspective ( health at every size)
A supportive and inclusive perspective that states that health is determined by behaviors, independent of body weight
EDIT level 3
Eating disorder intuitive therapy- a therapeutic approach that utilizes each person's intuitive wisdom to overcome eating disorder behaviors
CEDs (Training In progress )
Currently pursuing a certified eating disorder specialist certification, a certification that is recognized by the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals.
Areas of Practice
Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT): For individuals, couples, and families. This attachment-based, experiential therapy model is highly effective at helping clients, couples, and families deepen healthy connection, create attunement with themselves and others, and work through internal and interpersonal conflict.
Certified in EFIT (Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy)
EFIT Level 1 and 2
EMDR
Level 1 and Level 2 trained
I utilize a combination of therapies based on the evolving needs of the client and the needs of the therapeutic moment.
Nicole Cope M.Ed., Ed.S. LMHC
E-Mail: Ncope@arenacounselingandwellness.com
Experience:
I started my journey in the mental health field working in community mental health as a volunteer group facilitator and sitting in on individual sessions with my mentor. I realized that working with clients as a therapist was the right path for me, went back to college as an older student, and pursued both my Bachelors in Psychology and my Masters and Specialist degrees at the University of Florida. I have been working in the mental health field since 2008 and have experience working as a therapist in residential treatment facilities, acute psychiatric hospitals, and community mental health centers. Most recently I was the Chief Operating Officer of The Refuge, A Healing Place, a residential treatment facility for people who are working to recover from trauma, substance use, mood disorders, PTSD, and many other mental health symptoms. Although I loved that role, I was eager to get back into doing therapy with clients again--working to find meaning, building resiliency, and creating a safe space for clients to explore and recover. I am thrilled to be a part of the exceptionally talented team of counselors at Arena Counseling and Wellness providing excellent mental health care in the Gainesville area.
Kaylee Brenneman M.Ed., Ed.S.
Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern
Pronouns: she/her/hers
E-Mail: KBrenneman@arenacounselingandwellness.com
“Today will be what it is, I will be who I am, and there will be beauty in both.” - Sierra Boggess
About
Hello! I’m Kaylee Brenneman, and I’m so genuinely happy that you’re taking this step. It can take tremendous courage to start a therapeutic journey, and I hope that I can join you. Prior to becoming a counselor, I worked as an advocate and case manager at an emergency shelter for survivors of domestic violence. I received my Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) and Master of
Education (M.Ed.) degrees from the University of Florida in Mental Health Counseling, and I feel passionate about the processes of growth and change that we all engage in throughout our lives.
I began my clinical experience working in a residential addiction treatment program and feel passionately about working with individuals and families impacted by addiction in its many forms. I also deeply love working with teenagers and young adults who experience issues with distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and self-harming behavior. In my work as a clinician, I have
witnessed the immense resilience that people have in the face of the uncertain, the terrifying, and the overwhelming. The fact that you’ve made it this far means that you have tremendous strength already. My goal as a clinician is to assist my clients as they work to engage in life more authentically and fully. I believe that people are always doing the best that they can with the resources that they have, and they also want and need to deal with the hardships of life more effectively - that's where I step in to support, accept, educate, and guide you. I am so excited that you are seeking to begin your therapeutic journey. I look forward to meeting
with you soon!
Areas of Practice
Specializations:
Addiction
Self-Harming Behavior
Adolescents
Relationships and Communication Effectiveness
Trauma Recovery
Obsessive-compulsive Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder
Frameworks:
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Adlerian Therapy
Gestalt Therapy
Areas of Practice
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Trauma/PTSD
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Substance use and process addictions
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Depression
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Anxiety
Trainings/Specializations
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EMDR-level 1 and level 2
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Breathwork-Level 1
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Equine-assisted Therapy
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Experiential
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Mindfulness
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Leslie Fairchild, MS, LMHC
Email: lfairchild@arenacounselingandwellness.com
Pronouns: She/Her/Herself
About
Hey there! My name is Leslie and welcome to Arena! I am a licensed mental health counselor and look forward to providing a safe place to begin your journey of self-discovery. I received my Masters Degree in Psychology and Counseling from the University of West Alabama. I have experience in various levels of care to include residential, outpatient, inpatient settings, and have specialized experience working with individuals dealing with trauma/PTSD, substance abuse, depression and various process addictions. I am also trained in various treatment modalities to include EMDR, Basic ART, Breathwork Level 1, and Equine therapy. I started my career in mental health as a children’s case manager at a local community mental health center with the goal of becoming a therapist. I realized my calling was in counseling while working as a teacher’s aid and noticing the impact I had in holding space for my students.
Fortified with my trainings, experience and education, I am someone who understands that healing requires a safe place to explore and navigate those areas outside of a person’s comfort zone. As a heart centered, client focused therapist I look forward to empowering you to reach your highest potential.
Areas of Practice
Specializations:
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Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
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Body Image and Eating Disorders
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Borderline Personality Disorder
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Family Systems
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Relationship issues
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Substance abuse and addiction
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Trauma/PTSD
Frameworks:
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
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Internal Family Systems
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Motivational Interviewing
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Solutions Focused Therapy
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Person-Centered Therapy
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Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Rachel Thorpe, M.Ed., Ed.S.
Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern
Email: rthorpe@arenacounselingandwellness.com
About
Hello and welcome! I’m Rachel Thorpe and I am a registered mental health counseling intern. I received my Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) and Master of
Education (M.Ed.) degrees from the University of Florida in Mental Health Counseling. My journey to become a therapist has allowed me to work with a diverse population of clients in a variety of settings. These settings include working at a domestic violence shelter as a case manager, within the county jail providing substance abuse groups to men and women, the child advocacy center, and intensive outpatient therapy at a local community mental health agency.
Through my wide range of experiences I have found one constant amongst all groups of people: connection. We all seek deeper and more meaningful connections with ourselves and others. My passion for therapy stems from this belief that we can heal through our ability to improve our internal and thus external connections.
My approach to therapy is empowerment-based and trauma-informed. Our thoughts and behaviors often stem from learned patterns throughout our lives and my goal is to provide a safe, judgment-free space to explore and validate your experiences that brought you here today. I am so glad that you are interested in beginning your therapeutic journey and investing in yourself. The decision to begin therapy can bring up a wide range of emotions. It is my commitment to you to remain authentic and supportive of wherever you are at in your process. Come as you are. I hope to meet with you soon!
Jennifer Rose Parker
RDN, CSR, DNC, LDN
Pronouns: she/her
email: jparker@arenacounselingandwellness.com
I am a Registered and Board-Certified Dietitian since 2005 with a specialty in Renal Nutrition (Kidney Disease). After securing my B.S. in Food and Nutrition Science, I completed a Master's level internship at Barnes-Jewish College of Nursing at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. I have worked in private practice for general wellness and Diabetes Education and most recently spent 10 years specializing in nutrition therapy for Chronic Kidney Disease. Throughout my career I continue to see the positive effects of a diet rich in whole, plant-based foods that’s a balance for all lifestyles.
Whether you are a foodie or far from it, I will walk with you and reveal just how nourishing food can be.
Let’s get started!
David Weinert
Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern
Human beings are storytellers. We weave stories from our understanding of our own lives and the lives of those around us. As our minds compose the story it is possible for us to lose track of the plot. Occasionally we find ourselves believing that we are a supporting character in our own lives. You are meant to be the protagonist of your own story.
I believe that you are meant to live a life of unique purpose, and that you are worthy of dignity and respect. Counseling can be the place where we recalibrate our thinking, and strengthen the parts of ourselves we keep hidden and safe. Sometimes we need help, and that is only human. The hard work of therapy is to face those parts of ourselves that we have avoided. As a counselor it is my job to stand with you and help you see yourself through a lens of unconditional positivity. In therapy we grow and heal in safety.
In session we will use any number of techniques from EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy. Each client is unique and no two healing journeys will be the same.
I am so glad that you are looking for someone to stand with you in your pursuit of growth, healing, and wellness. I look forward to hearing your unique story.
Areas of Practice
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Grief and Trauma
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Depression
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Anxiety
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Couples and Relationship Issues
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Sexual Trauma
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Religious Trauma
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Existential Dread
Areas of Practice
Specializations:
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Self-Esteem
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Personal and Relational Boundaries
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Co-Occurring Disorders
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Trauma/PTSD
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Grief
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Children and Adolescents
Frameworks:
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Somatic Therapy
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Trauma-Focused CBT/DBT
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Yoga/ Pranayama Breathwork
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Play/Expressive Therapy
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Jungian Therapy
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Transpersonal Therapy
Maria Montenegro
Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern
Hello! My name is Maria and I’m a registered clinical social work intern. I attended the University of Florida, and earned my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, due to my passion for exploring and learning about social issues and collective human/social behavior and how it informs individual life experiences. Falling more in love with the complexity that makes each of us unique humans, quirks and all, and my passion for learning how to support others in their journey toward self-development and exploration, I earned my Master’s in Clinical Social Work. Additionally, my delight for movement and play has earned me a 200-Hr. Certified Yoga Teacher certification and I am currently working toward my 500-Hr. certification and a fitness personal trainer certification.
Throughout my internship and professional experience, I have worked in residential, outpatient, forensics, schools, and hospice settings with a diverse range of people. In these various settings I have had the honor of supporting people living with co-occurring disorders, substance use challenges, grief/loss, trauma/complex trauma, neglect, PTSD, emotional dysregulation, anger/rage, anxiety, self-esteem, and boundary needs. My therapeutic approach is person-centered and strength-based that is equal parts judgement free, nurturing, forthright, quirky, and interpersonal. I utilize a creative holistic model that honors the mind-body-heart/soul connection because I believe all the overwhelming, painful, depressing, stuck, scary, anxiety-ridden, raging experiences that we go through in life can impact every part of the self.
I’m a good fit for you if you are open to therapy where we talk, analyze, move/play, meditate, explore, and feel through whatever it is you need support in. We can do one of these modalities, some of these, or all of these. I don’t believe in one-size fits all because YOU are one of a kind and YOU deserve a one-of-a-kind approach. So, let’s get creative, uncomfortable, honest, weird, deep, and human!
Areas of Practice
Specializations:
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Trauma/PTSD
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Relationship Issues
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Anxiety & Depression
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Boundaries
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Mood Disorders
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Personality Disorders
Frameworks:
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Relational-cultural
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Person-centered
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Gestalt
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Mindfulness
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Somatic
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Transpersonal
Collin Richards
Registered Health Counselor Intern
Hi! I’m Collin. This path began for me volunteering at the Alachua County Crisis Center, where I worked the crisis phone lines and connected with people in their lowest moments. It is there that I learned that I cannot solve anyone’s problems for them, but that simply being available as a real person and offering connection in moments of crisis is often all that we need to move forward. Humans are social creatures whose great strength is our ability to heal and support one another through connection. After receiving my undergraduate degree in Psychology and Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from UF, I carry this attitude into the work I do today. I view it as my role to connect with you as another human being, building a relationship that offers you the space to engage, grow, and change in whatever way it is that you need. This is your time, and it’s my job to help us make the most of it.
My clinical experience took place at the Crisis Center as well, where I offered face-to-face counseling to clients with a wide range of identities and issues. I focused on, and prefer to work with, individuals healing from trauma and/or living with personality or mood disorder diagnoses. In my work I take a non-pathologizing stance. What our society labels as an illness or disorder often represents our best attempts at responding to unhealthy, harmful circumstances and relationships, trauma, oppression, and other real challenges. These strategies often served a purpose for us in the past. However, many of us find ourselves stuck reliving old patterns and creating pain for ourselves and others. It is our job to find new, better ways of relating to ourselves and to our emotions, of engaging in relationships, and of living in the world so that we can find the ease and satisfaction that can be so difficult to come by. This is the struggle of being a human. I view it as a true privilege to engage in this work with you.
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Areas of Practice
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Areas of Interest:
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Parent-Child Dynamics
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ADHD
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Autism
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Depression
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Anxiety
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PTSD
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Addiction
Frameworks:
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Family Systems
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Solution Focused
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Person Centered
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Mindfulness and Behavior
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Goal oriented
Tiffany Long
Graduate Intern
Hi! My name is Tiffany Long, and I am working on my Mental Health Counseling degree at Hodges University. I received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of North Florida. I spent a few years working at a Biofeedback/Psychotherapy office as a Neurofeedback technician. I gained experience working with adults and children dealing with ADHD, Autism, Depression, Anxiety and PTSD. Through this I developed a passion to further my career in working more directly with these individuals as I saw the complexity within each individual and caught a glimpse of how powerful a therapeutic relationship could be.
I see the relationship between therapist and client as a collaborative one, based on accurate empathy, genuineness, and respect. I believe the therapeutic relationship is at the forefront of the work done in counseling. My priority is to create a safe place where you feel supported and validated.
I lean toward existential psychotherapy, understanding that no one is immune to the tribulations that are inherent to the human experience. Through this understanding we can identify obstacles to healing and growth. Together we can uncover strengths that assist in growth while identifying present coping strategies that may no longer be helpful. I take an integrative approach to counseling with an emphasis on Family Systems Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Person-Centered therapy while utilizing Mindfulness and other Behavior Therapy techniques. I believe that each person is unique. My aim is to create a therapeutic experience beneficial to you based on our collaborative effort to identify goals.
Areas of Practice
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Eating Disorders
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Anxiety
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Body Image
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Self-Esteem
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Interpersonal Skills
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Trauma
Elena Rose Scricca
Graduate Intern
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Welcome! My name is Elena and I would love to be a part of your healing journey. I earned my Bachelor’s of Psychology from Florida Atlantic University with a certificate in Applied Mental Health Services and I am working on my Master’s of Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Hodges University. I am passionate about working with individuals struggling with body image, eating disorders, anxiety, trauma, overwhelming stress, self-esteem, and interpersonal issues. We all eventually find ourselves at a difficult point in our lives, but we do not have to go through it alone.
I strive to provide a warm, open environment where we can work on negative thought patterns and relationship challenges that may be causing issues with self-esteem or anxiety. We can delve into past traumas and learned behaviors that are difficult to let go of, despite how much they can negatively impact our daily lives. We will go over coping skills and techniques to help reduce distress in your daily life and find ways to alleviate these negative symptoms in the future.
Everyone needs a place where they can unapologetically be themselves and feel safe and welcomed in a judgement-free environment. I intend to provide that for my clients who may be experiencing conflict, stress, anxiety, or feeling like they don’t belong. I would love to help you in your pursuit to love yourself and build healthier relationships. The path to your healing journey starts here.
Areas of Practice
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Couples and Families
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Interpersonal Violence & Sexual Trauma
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Sexuality
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LGBTQ+
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Anxiety
Frameworks
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Narrative Counseling
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Family Systems
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Person-centered
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Existentialism
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Relational Culture
Marisa M Luciano
Graduate Intern
Pronouns: She/Her
Hello! My name is Marisa, and I am working on my Marriage and Family Counseling degree at the University of Florida. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Family & Child Sciences and Creative Writing from Florida State University. The way that we view and tell our stories make up the way that we live our lives, and I am here to honor your story.
My foundational work with sexual trauma and interpersonal violence showed me that warmth and authenticity are two critical elements that I will prioritize in our therapeutic space, and through that we can explore anything you feel comfortable bringing. We will spend time discussing your identities, how they intersect, and the ways they influence your narrative.
I take an integrative approach to counseling, utilizing Family Systems and Narrative Counseling because I believe in validating your unique perspective, that there is no one universal truth, and we are all part of a greater system. I am passionate about working with couples and families and believe that healthy relationships enhance the fullness of our hearts. I believe in creativity throughout the therapeutic process and using that creativity to work toward reaching your goals. I hope to be a space where you can make meaning out of your story, identify and discuss healthy patterns of functioning, and grow toward your own sunlight. I am excited to work with you!
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Areas of Practice
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Anxiety and Depression
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Interpersonal Issues
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Life Transitions
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Identity Development
Frameworks
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Person-centered
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Narrative Therapy
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Solution-Focused
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Relational Culture
Ashlyn Doty
Graduate Intern
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
My name is Ashlyn, and I’m a graduate student at the University of Florida studying mental health counseling. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of West Florida. After leading a mental health advocacy organization during my undergraduate years, I developed a passion for helping college students. Young adulthood can be a time of new beginnings, but there are also many challenges and adjustments associated with this major transition. I’m also interested in working with anyone who’s feeling helpless or hopeless and seeking a source of support through counseling.
Progress isn’t linear. You will likely experience highs and lows during your counseling journey and throughout your life. Doing the inner work that is necessary for growth requires courage and strength, and I applaud you for showing up and investing in your wellbeing, even when it’s not easy.
I will collaborate with you in exploring personalized ways to navigate life changes and cope with daily stressors. I strive to provide a safe, supportive place for you to share your story because I believe that everyone deserves a space where their vulnerability is met with compassion and empathy. There is healing in the connection that counseling can provide. You don’t have to weather this storm alone.