Aeron DeGroat
Greetings! I'm Aeron (she/her) and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Master's Certified Addictions Professional, and EMDR Institute Trained Therapist located in FL with 7 years of experience. I am so happy you are here and starting your therapy journey! I specialize in trauma, LGBTQIA++ issues, women's issues, self-esteem, body image/repairing an unhealthy relationship with food, anxiety, and depression. I show up to sessions as my authentic self! This means that I am not a "blank slate" style therapist, and believe it is incredibly vital to healing to discuss all factors contributing to distress, including (but not limited to!) the impact of racial and cultural factors, sexism, transphobia, homophobia, misogyny, generational and religious trauma, colonization, current political climate, and late-stage capitalism on mental health. No topic is off limits, and I can promise a safe space to explore all facets of your experience.
I specialize in trauma, LGBTQIA++ issues, women's issues, self-esteem, body image/repairing an unhealthy relationship with food, anxiety, and depression.
First session
The first session with be geared towards getting to know one another and acclimated to the therapy process. I will conduct a clinical interview, which will consist of generalized questions about your history and more specific exploration of the challenges that bring you into therapy. The first session is also an opportunity for me to introduce myself and answer any questions you might have about me, my approach, or the overall therapy experience. We may also discuss any relevant diagnosis info (if you are using insurance we need a diagnosis on file). Clients have a right to be informed about any diagnosis on file and why it was given.
Strengths
I show up to sessions as a real, present, and transparent person and allow my full personality to shine through! You can expect humor, some foul language, honest reactions, and a supportive but straightforward approach to supporting your growth. You are not reaching out to a therapist to talk to a robot, so I will never be that. (Although AI is scarily convincing these days! 😆) Although I put the therapeutic alliance first and foremost, I also pride myself in effectively utilizing evidence-based practices, primarily originating from the cognitive umbrella (all therapies that deal with your thoughts and responses to them). My preferred trinity of modalities- ACT, EMDR, and DBT provide an arsenal of healing interventions proven to propel healing. You are the expert on yourself and your experience, and I am the expert on therapy- together we will make a powerful team!
Ideal clients
I find that I do my most meaningful work with women and LGBTQIA++ population aged 18-50. I have a deep understanding of millennial and gen Z culture and challenges. My clients also tend to have worries about greater societal concerns and align themselves with strong values in human rights and equality. I love working with individuals who identify with the labels of eldest daughters, high-functioning anxiety,
Treatment methods
EMDR
I am trained by the EMDR Institute and find this modality to yield powerful healing from varying degrees of trauma and difficult life experiences. Although remarkably effective, EMDR is very different than traditional talk therapy. If this is an intervention you are interested in, we can discuss more about whether this is a good fit for you, and what to expect in your first session. For those seeking EMDR intensives, I am open to this on an individual basis, please reach out with questions.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I utilize ACT interventions to build a foundation of mindfulness to support focusing on the present and accepting thoughts and feelings without judgement. I find ACT perspectives to be validating, empowering and simple to integrate into daily experience!
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I integrate DBT skills throughout sessions to support my clients in developing coping skills to address distressing emotional responses and be effective in interpersonal relationships.
Gender-affirming therapy
I am passionate about supporting and affirming your gender identity. I will support you in connecting with your authentic self!
Feminist
Not just for cis-gender women! A feminist perspective in therapy explores the impact of the patriarchy on all gender identities.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Doesn't specialize in
Licensed in
- FloridaLicense MH20571