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.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

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.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest 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!

About Aeron DeGroat