Licensed to practice in Florida and accepts 1 insurance. Specializes in Mood Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD), Trauma and PTSD and 5 more.
(she/her)
Clients say this provider is
I am a compassionate and dedicated therapist who takes a holistic, empathetic approach to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges. I believe therapy should feel collaborative, supportive, and tailored to you as an individual—not like a one-size-fits-all process. My work incorporates evidence-based approaches, including EMDR, as well as strategies informed by CBT, DBT, and ERP, to help clients process difficult experiences, better understand their emotions and patterns, and develop practical tools for managing anxiety, depression, trauma, and other life stressors. In addition to my clinical work, I am also a college professor at Florida International University and Barry University. Teaching allows me to stay engaged with emerging research and developments in the mental health field while also helping prepare and mentor the next generation of social work professionals. Above all, my goal is to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where you feel genuinely understood, supported, and empowered to make meaningful changes in your life.
In our first session together, you can expect a warm, welcoming, and non-judgmental environment where you can share your concerns, experiences, and goals for therapy. We’ll begin by reviewing your history, including any challenges or symptoms you’ve been experiencing, and discuss your mental health background. This session is all about understanding you better and exploring how we can work together to help you feel more balanced and supported. We will also discuss your treatment goals, and I will explain how I tailor my approach to best suit your needs. Depending on what feels right, we may start identifying immediate tools or coping strategies to help you manage in the short term, as well as create a plan for our ongoing work. My priority is to ensure that you feel comfortable, heard, and understood throughout our time together.
My approach stands out because I bring both clinical experience and genuine empathy to the therapy process. I have extensive experience working with individuals facing complex concerns, including trauma, OCD, anxiety, depression, and mood disorders, and I understand that meaningful change often requires looking beyond symptoms to understand the patterns and experiences underneath them. I use evidence-based approaches, including EMDR, while tailoring therapy to each client rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach. I also place a strong emphasis on continuous learning and staying current with developments in the mental health field so that my work continues to evolve alongside the needs of my clients. Most importantly, I believe therapy should be collaborative. I want my clients to feel understood, respected, and actively involved in their treatment as we work together toward meaningful and lasting change.
I am best positioned to work with clients experiencing trauma, OCD, anxiety, depression, and mood disorders, including bipolar disorder. I also have a particular interest in supporting women whose mental health is being affected by hormonal changes, reproductive health concerns, or major life transitions, including postpartum experiences, perimenopause and menopause, endometriosis, and PCOS. I help clients better understand their symptoms, identify patterns that may be contributing to emotional distress, and develop practical strategies for managing their mental health. My approach is best suited for individuals who are medically and psychiatrically stable and not currently experiencing an acute crisis, allowing us to focus on meaningful, ongoing therapeutic work. Whether you are looking to process trauma, manage OCD or mood symptoms, navigate changes related to women’s health, or simply feel more like yourself again, my goal is to provide personalized, compassionate care that helps you improve your quality of life and create lasting change.
Mood Disorders
Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
Trauma and PTSD
Anxiety
Depression
Grief
Life Transitions
Postpartum
Hispanic / Latinx
Woman
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Teenagers (13 to 17)
Florida
Ambetter Health
As a therapist, I am certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and am currently working toward full certification. I integrate EMDR into my practice as a highly effective tool for clients dealing with trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and other distressing emotional experiences. My experience with EMDR includes utilizing its 8-phase protocol to help clients process unresolved traumatic memories, reduce emotional distress, and reframe negative beliefs about themselves. I create a safe and supportive environment where clients can engage in the reprocessing of distressing memories while also learning to regulate emotional responses. I have seen significant progress in clients who have struggled with the lasting effects of trauma, and I continually utilize EMDR to empower clients to resolve past issues and develop healthier coping strategies. The approach has proven to be especially effective in helping clients reduce intrusive thoughts, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation related to trauma, enabling them to move forward with greater emotional stability and resilience.
I have extensive experience using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with clients who experience emotional dysregulation, particularly individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). In my practice, I integrate DBT's core components—mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness—into treatment plans to help clients build skills that promote emotional stability, healthier relationships, and effective coping strategies. I guide clients through individual and group sessions, where we focus on developing mindfulness techniques to help clients stay present and observe their emotions without judgment. I also emphasize distress tolerance strategies to manage emotional crises without resorting to self-destructive behaviors. Through DBT, I help clients increase emotional resilience, reduce impulsive behaviors, and improve their interpersonal skills, leading to enhanced functioning in their daily lives. I have seen significant improvement in clients' ability to manage intense emotions and navigate interpersonal challenges, making DBT an invaluable tool in my therapeutic approach
I have significant experience utilizing Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) with clients struggling with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and other anxiety-related disorders. ERP is a key component of my practice, and I use it to help clients gradually confront their fears and intrusive thoughts in a controlled, systematic manner. In treatment, I work with clients to identify their specific obsessions and compulsions and then create a tailored exposure hierarchy, which allows us to start with less anxiety-provoking situations before working up to more challenging ones. I support clients as they intentionally resist the compulsive behaviors that typically follow their distressing thoughts, helping them to learn that their fears are often irrational and that anxiety will naturally decrease over time. I emphasize the importance of tolerating discomfort in the short term in order to reduce the long-term impact of the anxiety. By providing a safe and supportive environment, I guide clients through the gradual process of exposure, allowing them to break the cycle of avoidance and compulsions, ultimately improving their quality of life and fostering long-term recovery.
9 ratings with written reviews
March 9, 2026
My experience has been excellent. She really takes the time to listen and offers helpful solutions. I always felt heard and understood during our session. I’m very happy with my experience, and choosing her as my therapist was one of the best decisions I’ve made.”
September 3, 2025
I was referred to Della by someone and I am very happy with our time. She is very understanding, asks questions that make you think beyond the surface, and I am excited to continue in my journey to mental health with her.
September 2, 2025
Della has a very thorough approach that addresses her clients holistically. Even with challenging issues, she creatively addresses them by seeking out a credible solution.