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Rated 4.9 stars out of 5, 11 ratings

Andrew Penn

LMHC, 8 years of experience

Open-minded
Authentic
Intelligent
Virtual
Next available on

About me

My name is Andrew Penn (he/him) — a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Qualified Supervisor in Florida. You might be feeling lost, burnt out, or disconnected from who you are. Maybe you’ve tried to make changes but keep getting pulled back by stress, self-doubt, or habits that no longer serve you. I’m here to meet you where you are — with empathy, curiosity, and respect — and help you move toward the life you want. Taking the first step toward therapy can feel intimidating — and that’s okay. You don’t have to do it alone. Reach out today to schedule a time that works for you. Let’s start building a path toward the life you deserve.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

You can expect a compassionate, collaborative space focused on your goals. Together we’ll uncover what’s holding you back, build coping tools, and strengthen your confidence so you can feel more grounded, connected, and in control of your life.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

I use a collaborative, evidence-based approach that integrates: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – to identify and change unhelpful thought patterns Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – to help process trauma safely and effectively Motivational Interviewing – to strengthen your motivation and align actions with your values A trauma-informed, strengths-based perspective – so you can move at your own pace toward meaningful change Our sessions are designed to help you: Reduce anxiety, guilt, and shame Build emotional awareness and healthier coping tools Reconnect with your sense of purpose and identity Strengthen your relationships and communication Heal from past experiences while creating a vision for your future

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I specialize in working with men and LGBTQ+ clients navigating issues like depression, trauma, and addiction, helping them live with more authenticity, resilience, and self-compassion. Although these are my areas of focus, I welcome and serve individuals from all populations, backgrounds, and identities. My goal is to provide a safe, inclusive, and nonjudgmental space for anyone seeking growth, healing, or deeper self-understanding.

Specialties

Top specialties

LGBTQ
Men's Issues
Trauma and PTSD

Other specialties

Addiction
Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
Substance Misuse

I identify as

Man
White

Serves ages

Adults (18 to 64)

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

As a therapist trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I’ve had the privilege of working with many clients to help them understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. CBT is an evidence-based, goal-oriented approach that allows clients to identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns and replace them with healthier, more realistic perspectives. This can be particularly effective for clients dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance abuse, among other mental health concerns.

EMDR

As a therapist trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), I’ve had the opportunity to guide clients through the powerful process of healing from trauma. EMDR is a unique, evidence-based therapy that helps individuals process and reframe traumatic memories by using bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements. This helps the brain reprocess traumatic experiences in a way that reduces the emotional charge attached to them, allowing clients to heal more fully. In my work with EMDR, I’ve seen clients who have struggled for years with the effects of trauma — whether it’s from past abuse, accidents, or other distressing events — make profound shifts; sometimes in a matter of three to four sessions.

Motivational Interviewing

As a therapist experienced in Motivational Interviewing (MI), I’ve found it to be an incredibly effective approach for clients who may feel ambivalent or uncertain about making changes, particularly in areas like substance abuse, mental health, or behavior patterns. MI is a client-centered, collaborative method that focuses on enhancing motivation for change by exploring and resolving any conflicting feelings or beliefs that may be hindering progress. In my work with MI, I focus on creating a supportive, empathetic environment where clients can openly explore their reasons for change — and their reasons for resisting it. It's about meeting the client where they are and guiding them to uncover their own motivations for transformation, rather than imposing solutions or judgments. I use open-ended questions, reflective listening, and affirmations to help clients explore the “why” behind their behaviors and how they align with their values.

Psychoeducation

As a therapist incorporating psychoeducation into my practice, I’ve found it to be an essential tool for helping clients understand the root causes of their challenges and empowering them to make informed decisions about their mental health and well-being. Psychoeducation involves teaching clients about psychological concepts, coping strategies, and the mechanisms behind certain behaviors, thoughts, or emotional responses. It’s not just about offering information, but also about helping clients apply that knowledge in their daily lives. In my experience, psychoeducation is especially valuable in helping clients gain clarity and insight into their mental health conditions, whether it's anxiety, depression, trauma, or substance use. For example, when working with clients who struggle with anxiety, I might explain how the brain’s fight-or-flight response works and why certain situations trigger intense physical or emotional reactions. This understanding can immediately reduce some of the fear or confusion surrounding those experiences, making them feel less overwhelming.

Supportive

In my experience working with supportive psychotherapy, I've found it to be an invaluable approach for clients who are facing challenges that may not require deep, intensive exploration but still benefit from consistent emotional support, validation, and encouragement. Supportive psychotherapy is focused on providing a nurturing and empathetic environment where clients feel heard and understood, helping them cope with immediate life stresses, mental health concerns, or personal struggles in a constructive and compassionate way. The core of supportive therapy is the therapeutic relationship. Clients often come to me when they need someone to listen, help them process difficult emotions, or provide guidance on how to manage overwhelming situations like grief, relationship issues, anxiety, or work-related stress. In these cases, I take a gentle, validating approach, offering encouragement and practical coping strategies to help them handle their difficulties more effectively.

Location

Virtual

Licensed in

Florida
Vermont

Accepts

Aetna
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Medicare
Aetna - WebTPA
All Savers
Ambetter Health
AvMed
Cash - $130 per session
Cigna
EAP:Cigna
EAP:Evernorth
EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Evernorth
Golden Rule
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Humana - Medicare
Humana Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Surest (formerly Bind)
Tufts Health/Cigna
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicare
Rated 4.9 stars out of 5, 11 ratings

1 rating with written reviews

March 29, 2025

Excellent

Verified client, age 45-54

Review shared after session 4 with Andrew