LMHC, 21 years of experience
New to Grow
I’m Alfredo Hernandez, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Qualified Supervisor in Florida. I’ve dedicated my career to helping people find hope and healing through life’s toughest challenges, including anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, and substance use. My passion for this work comes from both professional expertise and a deep personal commitment to seeing people overcome obstacles and discover their strengths. In our sessions, you’ll find a warm, supportive space where we focus not just on what’s difficult, but also on building the skills and confidence you need to move forward. I believe lasting change is possible, and I’m here to walk alongside you on that journey.
In our first session, my focus is on getting to know you — not just your challenges, but also your story, your strengths, and what you hope to get out of therapy. We’ll take time to talk about what brought you here and what feels most important for you right now. You don’t have to prepare anything — just come as you are. I’ll also explain how therapy works and answer any questions, so you feel comfortable with the process. Together, we’ll begin creating a plan that fits your needs and goals. Many clients tell me they leave the first session feeling lighter, more understood, and hopeful about the path ahead. My goal is for you to walk away knowing you’ve found a safe, supportive space where change and healing are truly possible.
One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is that I understand what it feels like to struggle — because I’ve been there. As someone who is in long-term recovery from addiction, I know firsthand how overwhelming life can feel when you’re stuck in unhealthy patterns, and I also know the hope and freedom that come with healing. This personal journey is what inspired me to dedicate my career to helping others, and it allows me to connect with clients in a genuine, compassionate way. Professionally, I’ve worked across outpatient, IOP, and PHP programs, supporting people through challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use. I combine evidence-based approaches like CBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing with a supportive and non-judgmental style. What clients often tell me stands out is that I don’t just teach tools — I walk with them through the process, offering both clinical expertise and the understanding that comes from lived experience. I believe lasting change is possible for anyone, and my role is to help you discover your strengths, build confidence, and take steps toward the life you truly want.
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve been carrying more than you’d like to admit — worry that won’t quiet down, sadness that lingers, or stress that feels overwhelming. Maybe you’ve noticed patterns in your relationships that leave you feeling stuck, or you’re trying to support a loved one who is struggling and it’s taking a toll on you too. You might feel like you should have it all together, but deep down you know you could use support. My clients often have this in common: they want things to get better. They may feel uncertain about how, but they’re willing to take a step toward healing and growth. If this sounds like you, I want you to know you don’t have to go through it alone. In our work together, we’ll focus on building hope, practical skills, and the confidence to move forward.
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you understand how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. Together, we’ll look at patterns that may be causing stress or keeping you stuck and find new, healthier ways of thinking and responding. In our sessions, I’ll guide you through practical tools and exercises that you can also use in daily life — like strategies to manage worry, improve mood, and handle challenges with more confidence. This approach helps you gain skills that lead to lasting change and a stronger sense of balance and control.
In my practice, I use Solution-Focused Brief Therapy to help you focus on your strengths and the progress you’ve already made, even if it feels small. Instead of spending too much time on what’s wrong, we’ll work together to picture the future you want and take practical steps to get there. I’ll ask questions that highlight your abilities and resources, so you can see that change is possible and already within your reach. This approach is empowering and often helps clients feel hope and motivation early in the process.
I use Psychodynamic Therapy to help you explore how your past experiences, relationships, and patterns may still be shaping how you feel and act today. In our sessions, we’ll create a safe space to uncover underlying emotions and gain insight into the root causes of your struggles. By bringing more awareness to these patterns, you’ll have the opportunity to understand yourself more deeply, break free from what no longer serves you, and build healthier ways of relating to yourself and others. This process can bring long-lasting growth and healing.
I use Motivational Interviewing to support you in finding your own reasons and motivation for change. Instead of telling you what to do, I’ll walk alongside you, asking thoughtful questions that help you explore your values, goals, and strengths. Together, we’ll look at what feels important to you and resolve any mixed feelings you may have about making changes. This approach is respectful, collaborative, and empowering — helping you move forward at your own pace, with confidence that the direction is truly yours.