Our Counselors

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.

I have always had a desire to help others. Throughout the early stages of my career, I worked in education as a teacher and developed a passion for special education. I went on to earn a Master of Science degree in Special Education from Long Island University. Working in the public school system for over 12 years, I assisted numerous children and teens through their struggles with learning disabilities, ADHD, depression, anxiety, self-harm and family issues. I also have extensive experience in the IEP process and helping families learn how to work cohesively when one member has a disability.

Through this time in my life, I gained invaluable experience, and it became clear that helping other people get through life’s difficulties is my life’s calling. I earned a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University, and since then I have gained experience working in clinical and faith base counseling settings.
My Approach

I take an eclectic approach that is largely dependent on the client’s needs and preferences. With Client-Centered Therapy as the foundation, I utilize Existentialism and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy most commonly. I am also comfortable providing faith-based counseling for Christians. My aim is to utilize whichever techniques will be most effective based on the presenting issues and what feels most comfortable and natural for my clients. I always start with where my client is, including working within my client’s worldview, even if that is different than mine.

Treatment Areas

I have extensive experience working with children, teens, and adult individuals, as well as couples and families. I have successfully worked with issues such as anxiety, depression, change of life situations, grief, divorce, relationship/sex issues, single-parent issues, families with disabilities, neurodivergent populations, Autism Spectrum Disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and more. I love working as a team with parents to help their children through difficult issues and dynamics. No topic is too sensitive and no concern too little or big.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

I was born and raised in a small town in Mississippi. I received a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Master’s of Education in Counseling from the University of Mississippi. 

Personal life experiences and faith led me down the path to pursue a career in counseling. I find it challenging yet intrinsically rewarding as clients begin to heal and grow. I moved to Central Florida with my husband and our three children in 2021. When I am not working, I enjoy serving my local church and community, watching my kids play sports, and spending quality time with my family. I also enjoy a relaxing day at the beach, camping, and a good cook-out. 

My Approach

I take a holistic and client-centered approach to therapy. I focus on building a safe and trusting client/counselor relationship and encourage client-led goals and expectations. I Integrate proven strategies from humanistic, cognitive, and behavioral theories including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness. 

Each individual and each situation is unique and requires a tailored plan of treatment. I often approach neurodiversity differently, utilizing a more educational approach with the expectation that clients will gain the social, emotional, and executive functioning skills needed to be successful in life. 

Treatment Areas

I enjoy working with children, adolescents, and adults.
Some specific areas of focus include: Anxiety and Depression, Parenting, Childhood Behavioral Issues, Major Life Transitions, Marital Issues, and Premarital Counseling.

I have experience working with neurodiverse children (ADHD, Autism, and Dyslexia), and Behavioral issues related to trauma and/or transitions. I am passionate about helping children and parents of children with learning differences become confident in their unique abilities, learn to navigate social/emotional relationships, and thrive as they develop new skills. 

I am also trained in Trauma Based Relational Intervention which is utilized to meet the behavioral and emotional needs of vulnerable children. I work with children who have had traumatic experiences (ie: abuse, neglect, foster care, major transitions, etc.) and their parents/caregivers to learn how to Connect, Empower, and Correct by creating a sense of safety and a secure attachment, establishing trusting relationships, and correcting problematic behaviors. 

Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, anger, or stress from work? Are issues like trauma, abuse, family disputes, or relationship problems burdening you? I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Qualified Supervisor with two decades of experience. Remember, you don’t have to navigate these challenges by yourself. Reaching out for support is a courageous and empowering decision. Together, we can work through these difficulties and uncover pathways to healing and growth. In our sessions, you’ll find a compassionate ally dedicated to guiding you through the complexities of your emotions and experiences. Let’s embark on a path of self-discovery, resilience, and hope, and transform life’s obstacles into opportunities for personal development and well-being.

My approach

I believe you are the expert of your own journey, and within you lies the strength to face life’s challenges. As a veteran, I deeply appreciate the value of resilience, and the courage required to seek support. With a compassionate and empathetic approach, I tailor my therapeutic techniques to meet your unique needs and circumstances. My role is to create a supportive, judgment-free environment where we can delve into your struggles, enhance your strengths, and develop tools that empower you to move forward with confidence.

Treatment Areas

I assist adults aged 18 and older—individuals, couples, and families—in overcoming life’s challenges and discovering pathways to healing. Whether you’re facing the pressures of modern life, navigating complex relationships, or processing past traumas, I am here to support you in finding clarity and peace. My areas of practice include depression, anxiety, trauma, family dynamics, work/life stressors, demanding careers, parental stressors, parenting high performance kids (athletics/performing arts), life/business coaching, couples and family issues, and more.