Hello, I am Fatima Chavez, a bilingual (English and Spanish-speaking) licensed psychotherapist. Originally from Queens, New York, I have had the privilege of calling sunny Florida home for over a decade. Since relocating, I have committed myself to public service, with experience in roles such as being a teacher, domestic violence advocate, juvenile youth advocate, and therapist. My career spans various areas, including community mental health, private practice, inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment, and mental health centers. I take a trauma-informed approach to therapy, blending evidence-based techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and expressive art therapy techniques. I am passionate about creating a supportive and compassionate space for individuals to heal and grow. My goal is to help clients unlock their full potential and guide them in becoming the best version of themselves.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
I recognize that the decision of starting therapy and selecting a therapist to work with can be stressful. During our first session we will get to know each other and we will start with introductions and I will learn about your needs, challenges and how I can best support you in creating a road map to your healing process.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My greatest strength is my ability to create a comfortable and welcoming environment. I focus on initially building trust and open communication, which ultimately allows you to open up and begin to identify triggers and patterns. I do not believe in cookie cutter approaches. I draw from a broad range of evidence-based therapeutic modalities. My approach is based on the unique needs and goals of each person, ensuring that the interventions that I use are aligned with their individual preferences and therapeutic requirements, rather than adhering to a single preferred modality. This allows for a more personalized and effective treatment experience.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
Are you looking around at your life circumstances and wondering why you feel unhappy, stuck, depressed, anxious triggered, conflicted or unfulfilled in some way? I believe that I can support you in making the changes you would like to see in your life.
About Fatima Chavez
Identifies as
Specializes in
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Licensed in
Accepts cash
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Trauma Informed Care
Trauma-informed approaches allow me to meet you where you are at in your healing journey. By adopting a trauma-informed perspective, I am able to create a safe, supportive, and compassionate space that fosters insight, empowerment, and healing.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
As a clinician, I am deeply committed to ongoing learning and understanding of my clients and their unique backgrounds. I prioritize the importance of recognizing and supporting different cultures, belief systems, races, sexual orientations, and gender identities, as this enables me to build a strong, empathetic connection. By fostering an environment where you feel seen, heard, and understood, I can provide more effective and personalized care. I have had the privilege of working with individuals from diverse cultural and personal backgrounds, which has enriched my ability to support clients with varied experiences and perspectives.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I have extensive experience with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I have applied this therapeutic modality across various settings, including private practice, substance abuse treatment centers and mental health inpatient centers. I teach clients how to utilize DBT skills to help support their distress tolerance, emotional regulation, challenging and reframing negative experiences and distorted perceptions. This approach empowers clients to build resilience, regulate emotions, and foster healthier patterns of thinking and behavior.
Polyvagal Therapy
Polyvagal Therapy allows me to assess and understand my clients autonomic nervous system responses, providing valuable insight into how their trauma manifests in their bodies. By recognizing and addressing the physiological reactions associated with the fight, flight, or freeze responses, I am able to support clients in regulating these responses and developing healthier ways to manage and process trauma. I also teach my client's about Polyvagal theory and how to apply specific coping skills to help support their overall mental health.
Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation allows me the ability to teach clients the skills and knowledge they need in the present moment to facilitate their growth and healing. I provide psychoeducation on a wide range of topics, including but not limited to coping strategies, grounding techniques, boundary-setting, mindfulness practices, and an understanding of family dynamics and systems theory. This approach empowers clients to make informed decisions, develop practical tools, and gain deeper insights into themselves and their relationships.