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Our team of Winter Garden Counselors

Darren Lowe, MA LMHC

It was my personal life journey of healing that led me to become a counselor. Experiencing the healing process firsthand changed my life and solidified a deep longing to help others heal as well. I found that it was only when I dove into the deep end of my own painful experiences that I was able to find restoration.

My road to becoming a counselor was long and winding. I was born and raised in Central Florida, attending UCF after high school, then earning a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Rollins College while working in health care administration.

It was my personal life journey of healing that led me to become a counselor. Experiencing the healing process firsthand changed my life and solidified a deep longing to help others heal as well. I found that it was only when I dove into the deep end of my own painful experiences that I was able to find restoration.

When I’m not working, I am usually spending time with my wife and our three children. I also enjoy golf, reading, coaching little league, attending UCF football games, and doing home improvement projects.

My Approach

“Integro” is Latin for: “restore, repair or recreate.”

Although no one wants to experience pain and suffering, I believe that any situation can be restored with the right help because I have experienced significant pain personally and have used therapy, community, and connection with God to help me heal.

I help clients grow through their most difficult times and make use of even their worst experiences. The path to healing and restoration is a lifelong journey and I love helping people connect the dots of their personal stories to why they think, feel, and behave the way they do. With this insight, we can move toward restoration, healing, and a more congruent and fulfilling life.

I use an integrative approach, infusing Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Narrative, Adlerian, Person-Centered Therapy, and Mindfulness-based theories. I am also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR). Each client is unique, so I first assess what the most pressing needs are then create a collaborative plan for healing with the client.

Even if your situation is dire or if you have tried therapy in the past with poor or mixed results, in the words of Winston Churchill, “Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.” Find the right counselor for you and keep moving forward. You won’t regret it.

Tracy Kristoff, MA, LMFT

I am a Certified Trauma Specialist who helps clients heal from a variety of traumatic events which include war veterans, victims of abuse, and those suffering from grief and loss. I work with couples and families healing hurts and building attachment and trust. I also work with clients who experience anxiety and depression. I am trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, Dream Work, Psycho Drama, Creative Expressive Arts, Gestalt Play Therapy, Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction, Grief and Loss, Treating Affairs and Trauma in Marriage (Gottman Institute), Prepare and Enrich premarital counseling, Attachment healing, and Sexual Abuse Survivors.

I am a late bloomer!  Counseling became my second career, but it was always my first passion.  Growing up, I was the friend people turned to for support and advice during difficult times.  In my early thirties, the director of Covenant House Florida, where I worked as a Pastoral Minister, recognized these skills and encouraged me to go back to school for my master’s degree in counseling.  Then I eventually moved to California with my soon-to-be husband where I attended Fresno Pacific University and graduated with my Master of Arts in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling.

My Approach 

I use experiential and creative techniques in my counseling sessions.  I believe this approach helps people move from head experiences to bodily experiences where our emotions truly hide.  In our sessions, we might talk about where you feel a particular emotion in your body and how to release it. We might take a mindful walk around downtown Winter Garden to engage with nature. I might ask you to draw, paint, talk to an empty chair, or follow my fingers in EMDR. We might explore your dreams or how you experience God in your life.  My clients are courageous and face life’s most challenging moments during our sessions.  Whether it’s dealing with anxiety, sadness, loss, or old wounds; they seek a safe environment where they can open up and explore their troubles to gain clarity and insight. Their goals are healing, building resilience, and learning to handle life’s difficult moments with grace.  They are willing to engage in the therapeutic process because they know it will help build self-compassion, and stronger connections, and boost their overall sense of well-being and health.

Treatment Areas

I am a Certified Trauma Specialist who helps clients heal from a variety of traumatic events which include war veterans, victims of abuse, and those suffering from grief and loss.  I work with couples and families healing hurts and building attachment and trust.  I also work with clients who experience anxiety and depression.  I am trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, Dream Work, Psycho Drama, Creative Expressive Arts, Gestalt Play Therapy, Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction, Grief and Loss, Treating Affairs and Trauma in Marriage (Gottman Institute), Prepare and Enrich premarital counseling, Attachment healing, and Sexual Abuse Survivors.

Dustin Fitch, MA, LMHC

I have lived in Central Florida for most of my life. I attended Fordham University in New York and upon graduation was able to gain valuable experiences working in and managing small as well as corporate businesses. I have always enjoyed listening to and helping people with whatever they were struggling with. Whether it was sometimes advocating for co-workers, or simply listening to them relate their triumphs and tragedies, I am honored that people trusted me to listen, and often, to help.

Eventually, I discovered that becoming a counselor was my calling. I was blessed with an opportunity to pursue my Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Palm Beach Atlantic University and enjoy continuing to listen and work alongside those in need. When not working I enjoy spending time with my wife and two daughters. I enjoy listening to music of all types, reading, and being outdoors.

My Approach

I take an eclectic approach to therapy as every client is unique and therefore has unique goals and needs. I use a client-centered approach as a foundation, allowing my client and I the ability to form a strong, therapeutic relationship. My aim is then to discover and use the most effective treatment for each client. This allows me to incorporate various theoretical orientations such as CBT, Adlerian, Gestalt or Existential (just to name a few) based on the unique needs of the client. Just as every client is unique, every session will be tailored to their immediate needs as well as building on the progress achieved.

I want to help my clients understand the underlying causes that shape and drive their thoughts and behaviors. The importance is finding what is most effective in helping my clients to begin to feel that change is possible and that they are in control of themselves.

Treatment Areas

I have experience in working with teens, adults, couples and families. I am a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP) and can help clients struggling with anxiety which has the ability to diminish self-confidence and functioning in various aspects of our lives. I also enjoy working with those struggling with depression, low self-esteem, and anger. I also love working alongside those struggling with life changes, existential crises, and/or spiritual/ faith issues as well as communication and relationship issues. I am also willing and able to incorporate a faith-based approach if desired by the client.

Andrea Wilkinson, Ed S, RMHCI

Everyone deserves a safe place to explore and work through life’s difficult issues. I am passionate about helping people navigate these challenges. I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice from the University of Georgia while working with high-risk adolescents. Seeing the impact of counseling interventions on children and families led me to pursue my Master’s degree in Counseling and later my Educational Specialist degree in Counseling Supervision and Leadership, both from Valdosta State University.

Everyone deserves a safe place to explore and work through life’s difficult issues. I am passionate about helping people navigate these challenges. I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice from the University of Georgia while working with high-risk adolescents. Seeing the impact of counseling interventions on children and families led me to pursue my Master’s degree in Counseling and later my Educational Specialist degree in Counseling Supervision and Leadership, both from Valdosta State University. I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings including the juvenile justice system, the public school setting, as an adjunct psychology professor and research consultant, and in private practice.

When I am not working, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family, gardening, and cooking. I am passionate about the relationship fitness and nutrition play on our mental health and you can usually find me geeking out on the most recent research on the subject.

My Approach

I view my role as a counselor as a partner and an educator with the goal of helping clients learn how to think about their thinking, recognize maladaptive behaviors and habits, then use skills to gain clarity and confidence to create cognitive and behavioral change. Whether it is working on intense issues or just personal growth to live optimally, I can help you by utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution Focused techniques that are tailored to each person’s unique situation and need. We will work to create practical, actionable strategies that you can use right away that will lead to meaningful, measurable growth. I also look for opportunities to infuse art, movement, and music into my practice for those clients who are interested in those techniques. I am in the mind, body, and soul business and believe we are better when we approach change holistically.

Treatment Areas

In addition to working with adults dealing with anxiety, mood disorders, and life’s challenges, I also work with athletes working to improve their performance, children, adolescents (with an additional focus on student athletes and actors and gifted & talented students), improving the parent-child connection, maternal mental health, postpartum support, managing parental rage, and helping educators and caregivers prevent burnout. As a mom of three young children, I understand the demands of parenthood and the unexpected challenges that accompany this stage in life. My children are my greatest teachers and most days it feels like I have done more self-discovery in the years since becoming a parent than all my years before that.

LaMaras R James, MS, RMHCI

I have always had a passion for helping others and was given the natural gift of listening and providing solution focused feedback. This natural ability began to transform into a tangible vision for a career when I took a psychology course my senior year in high school. The course inspired me and I became so intrigued with the brain and human behavior I decided to pursue psychology as a major at the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.

I have always had a passion for helping others and was given the natural gift of listening and providing solution focused feedback. This natural ability began to transform into a tangible vision for a career when I took a psychology course my senior year in high school. The course inspired me and I became so intrigued with the brain and human behavior I decided to pursue psychology as a major at the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.

Once n college I was given great advice by an advisor. He told me to choose a profession where, even if I would not be paid, I would still want to show up and work. I chose to pursue a degree in counseling. I completed my practicum, gaining experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings, where I gained the confidence and skills necessary to turn my passion into effectively helping those in need.

I was born and raised in Orlando, FL. I am the father of 3 beautiful children and am passionate about giving back to my community through mental health service. When I am not working, I enjoy sports, exercise, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.

My Approach

I take a client-centered approach to counseling. I enjoy working with individuals, families, and couples from all walks of life and I pride myself in being able to meet them where they are. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution Focused techniques specific for individuals and families. My approach is to first establish the needs of each client, then collaborate with them to create a plan. Sometimes that could be therapeutic recommendations, guidance, tools, and skills. For others with deep wounding, I liken my approach to surgery, metaphorically operating on wounded areas- cleaning out, repairing or replacing damaged areas so they can properly heal and new growth can occur.

Treatment Areas

I am a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern (RMHCI) with the State of Florida and should be a fully licensed mental health counselor before the end of 2023 as nearly all of the experience and requirements have been met or will be very soon. I am trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TFCBT) and suicide prevention using the Columbia Suicide-Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS). I can assist with trauma, substance use, anxiety, depression, anger, parent coaching, and grief. I use a therapeutic technique called Narrative Therapy to address the root cause of behavior. I enjoy providing services for individuals, families, couples, children, adolescents, teens, and adults and feel very comfortable providing Faith-Based Counseling when requested by the client.

Emily Duarte LMHC

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a history of working with children and adults. I am passionate about helping others excel and offer non-judgmental care based on ethical practices to assist with improving their daily lives. In my free time, I enjoy time with my family and traveling.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a history of working with children and adults. I am passionate about helping others excel and offer non-judgmental care based on ethical practices to assist with improving their daily lives. In my free time, I enjoy time with my family and traveling.

My Approach

I believe in using empathetic understanding with clients through Solution Focus Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and coaching clients to be all they desire. Whether the concern is a mood disorder, coping skills, anxiety or self-esteem we will work together to better your life.

Treatment Areas

I work with clients struggling with abandonment issues, adjusting to change/life transitions, anxiety, fear/panic, worry/stress, batterer intervention, emotional abuse, career issues, child/adolescent issues, depression, emptiness, mood swings and disturbances, postpartum depression, self-esteem/self-worth/self-love issues, and more.

Heidy Castaneda, MA, RMHCI, RMFTI

No matter what reason brings you to counseling, it is always my goal to offer a safe space where clients can be authentically themselves without fear of judgment no matter who they are or where they come from. I was born in Cuba and emigrated with my family at a young age and have called Orlando home for as long as I can remember. I earned a Bachelor's of Science in Health Sciences at AdventHealth University and completed a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Rollins College with a certificate in Family and Relationship Therapy.

I have been privileged to work with adults, adolescents, couples, and families, both in English and in Spanish. I currently hold dual licensure as a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern and Registered Marriage and Family Therapy Intern. In my spare time, I enjoy barbell strength training, singing with my husband, and spending quality time with family and friends.

My Approach

I believe in the potential individuals have to work through their problems, achieve their chosen goals, and develop characteristics they would like to improve upon.

Some of the integrative and foundational therapeutic approaches I use are Humanistic-Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Existential, Gestalt, Mindfulness-based Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment, and Solution-Focused. I am also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) and in my work with couples, I am also Gottman Level 1 certified. Therapeutic methods and interventions are tailored to each individual client, couple, and family to meet their unique needs. My hope is to always collaborate with clients to reach the goals they set for themselves.

Treatment Areas

I am passionate about working with individuals, couples, and families struggling with anxiety, depression, life adjustments, childhood and adult trauma, family dynamics and conflicts, couples/relationship problems (including separation and divorce), grief and loss, self-esteem and identity, work-related issues, purpose and meaning in life, spirituality, EMDR and more. No matter how hopeless and overwhelmed you may feel about the problems you face, therapy can be the tool to understand, heal, and overcome. I am excited to partner with you to make lasting changes happen in your life.

Matthew Evans-Spates, MA, RMHCI

From an early age, Matt developed a passion for connecting with others and helping them grow and learn from their own experiences. He grew up in and outside of the United States in an active military family, learning many different cultures and ways of life and appreciating the human experience. With frequent transitions, Matt saw a need for compassionate professionals to be able to listen and develop specific plans to enable people on their journeys.

From an early age, Matt developed a passion for connecting with others and helping them grow and learn from their own experiences. He grew up in and outside of the United States in an active military family, learning many different cultures and ways of life and appreciating the human experience. With frequent transitions, Matt saw a need for compassionate professionals to be able to listen and develop specific plans to enable people on their journeys.

Matt attended Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Bible and Theology with a Youth Ministry emphasis. After working with children in several youth ministry internships and other professional settings, he decided to pursue a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Central Florida. There, he was able to study and develop exceptional skills and techniques in counseling. Matt has worked extensively with adults, teens and children individually, works with couples and families as well. Matt loves connecting with clients and digging deeper to discover ways they can work through difficulties and develop into more resilient people.

In his spare time, Matt enjoys taking walks with his dog, Luna, and playing tennis with his wife. He also loves watching movies and is an avid Marvel fan!

My Approach

Although we have collectively had times of hardship and struggle, individual and group counseling sessions with Matt will enable you to find a path of understanding and develop your strengths to live a more enriching life. Matt will help you look into your story and events that have shaped who you are and who you envision becoming. He will explore how these experiences have impacted you and develop a unique treatment plan to catalyze your growth into a better version of yourself.

He approaches therapy with integrated techniques of Narrative and Gestalt theories. Since each client’s story and experience is unique, he collaborates with his clients to determine the best modality for treatment. This will account for your specific mental, spiritual, emotional, physical, and relational goals for growth.

Treatment Areas

Matt’s passion is for those who feel lost in life. Specifically, he work with clients who feel disconnected from themselves and/or loved ones, from their past, or from their future. He has experience working with clients with chronic illness, teens diagnosed with ADHD, depression, anxiety, family structure and family dynamics, and relationship remediation. In addition, he specializes in working with kids 12 and under and engaging in play therapy.

Matthew’s Insurances Accepted

Cigna

Kelly Silver, MA, MSW, LCSW

I have worked in the field of therapy/social work for over 19 years in a wide variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, in-home and private practice, serving clients dealing with a variety of life challenges. In addition, I have also worked in child welfare and foster care for several years and have experience working with clients from a wide array of backgrounds and belief systems.

From a young age, and through an array of personal experiences and healing, I realized I was meant to help others and developed a passion for doing so. As a result, I am passionate about working alongside you to help you address and work through life challenges which may be preventing your healing and growth. I view therapy as a working relationship between therapist and client, whereby we work together to meet your goals and to help instill a sense of hope for your future. I am so glad that you have reached out for support as I know that it can be difficult to take that first step.

I have worked in the field of therapy/social work for over 19 years in a wide variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, in-home and private practice, serving clients dealing with a variety of life challenges. In addition, I have also worked in child welfare and foster care for several years and have experience working with clients from a wide array of backgrounds and belief systems.

My Approach

In our sessions together, I’ll meet you with warmth and compassion, a listening ear, and evidence-based techniques so you can overcome your challenges and struggles. You will find that I utilize and often combine several different types of therapeutic tools and modalities such as: Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Compassion Focused, Culturally Sensitive, Dialectical Behavior (DBT), Mindfulness-Based (MBCT), Motivational Interviewing, Person-Centered Solution Focused Brief (SFBT), Strength-Based Trauma Focused. I appreciate you taking the time to review and learn about me! I hope to be a resource for you.

Treatment Areas

I have experience assisting clients in understanding and managing trauma, anxiety, panic, and depression. I have worked with clients struggling in a variety of relationships with challenging communication patterns as well as clients who have been involved in toxic relationships. Toxic relationships often encompass codependency, domestic abuse/violence, infidelity, addictions, and grief. Such issues often result in the need for assistance and support in making life transitions, increasing self-esteem, decreasing anxiety and depression, and working through grief and loss. I enjoy working with adults, teens, and children.

Jessica Taylor, MA, RMHCI

I work with adolescents, individual adults, and couples, ages 12 and up. I can help with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, life transitions, relationship concerns, and trauma.

I am originally from Northern California; where I received my Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Minor is Psychology from Sonoma State University. Like many people, the dream of working for Disney brought me to Florida and I have been here for 11 years. Over the years, my dream and life goals changed. I felt a strong calling to become a Counselor. I have a passion to see people overcome what once felt impossible and live the life they desire. This led me to Asbury Theological Seminary where I completed my Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling.

I have continued to pursue education within the field. I am certified in Premarital Counseling and actively pursuing Florida state licensure in Mental Health Counseling, anticipating being an LMHC before the end of 2023! When I am not working, you will find me spending time with my daughter and family, volunteering at Church, or studying. I consider myself a forever student because I love to always be engaged in learning something new!

My Approach

My approach to counseling is client-centered and collaborative in nature. I believe counseling should be a space of openness, trust, and zero judgment. My counseling style incorporates methods from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Internal Family Systems among others. I also offer Sex Therapy and Christian Counseling when appropriate. Life can bring many obstacles and hardships that can require us to change, grow, and need healing, all of which can be difficult and take time. I believe each person has the inner capabilities to overcome and flourish once those skills are discovered.

Treatment Areas

I work with adolescents, individual adults, and couples, ages 12 and up. I can help with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, life transitions, relationship concerns, and trauma.

Meet Our Team of Counselors

we offer in person and telehealth services

Our Specialties Areas:

trauma, anxiety, PTSD, depression, low self-esteem or self-worth, life transitions, mood disorders, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma-Focused CBT abandonment issues, adjusting to change/life transitions, fear, panic, worry, stress, batterer intervention, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, emotional abuse, career issues, child & adolescent issues, emptiness, mood swings and disturbances, post partum depression, self-esteem, self-worth, self-love compulsive & addictive behaviors, excessive social media, internet, pornography, sexual issues, social isolation & disconnection, dissociation, spiritual & existential issues, couples & relational issues, divorce, parenting issues, chronic illness, ADHD, family therapy, play therapy

New Client

60 Minute Session

$100-$150

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