Licensed to practice in Florida and accepts 50 insurances. Specializes in Foster Care/Adoption, Parenting, Trauma and PTSD and 7 more.
I am a licensed mental health counselor, National Certified Counselor, and Certified Autism Specialist with 36 years of experience in the field of developmental disabilities and mental health. My extensive background allows me to provide comprehensive support to individuals of all ages. I am trained in a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Animal Assisted Therapy, Trauma-Focused Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, Play Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), and Trauma-Informed Counseling. These diverse and evidence-based methods allow me to tailor treatment to each individual’s unique needs, helping them heal, grow, and build resilience.
The first counseling session, one can expect to begin building a trusting relationship where we will discuss your concerns, goals, and what has brought you to therapy. We will take some time to explore your history, background, and challenges you currently face. The first session is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions about the therapeutic process, ensuring you feel comfortable and informed moving forward. Please note, if the appointment is for a minor child, it is my practice to meet with the parent/s, caregivers for the initial intake session.
As a mental health counselor, my greatest strengths lie in my ability to deeply empathize with my clients, offering a safe and understanding space where clients can feel heard and supported. I provide encouragement throughout the therapeutic journey, helping clients stay motivated and hopeful even during difficult times. I strive to connect with clients in a way that makes them feel understood, while also being competent and knowledgeable in the methods and strategies I use. I approach each individual with care and a genuine desire to help them heal and grow.
I am dedicated to providing specialized support to the neurodivergent population and their families through an individualized, evidence-based approach. My ideal clients include those seeking assistance in navigating parenting or caregiving challenges, as well as individuals coping with ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, behavioral concerns, attachment disruptions, and trauma. I also specialize in trauma processing, helping clients recognize and resolve the lasting impact of adverse experiences on current functioning and relationships. My goal is to promote resilience, improve emotional regulation, and foster growth by tailoring interventions to meet each client’s unique strengths and needs.
I identify as
Cash - $110 per session
Aetna
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Medicare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Ambetter Health
Amerihealth Administrators
Amerihealth NJ Medicare Advantage
Anthem
Arlo
AvMed
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield - Medicare
Centivo
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
EAP:Cigna
EAP:Evernorth
EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Evernorth
Florida Blue
Florida Blue - Medicare
Golden Rule
GTEB
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Humana - Medicare
Humana Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
Independence Administrators
Independence Blue Cross
Independence Keystone 65 HMO
Independence Personal Choice 65 PPO
Medicare
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Surest (formerly Bind)
Tufts Health/Cigna
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Complete Care (C-SNP)
UnitedHealthcare Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicare
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
My experience with CBT principles is that it empowers individuals to become more aware of their thought patterns, challenge unhelpful beliefs, and implement practical strategies to improve mental well-being.
EMDR
I use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) as a powerful therapeutic tool to help individuals process traumatic memories and distressing events. This approach is especially effective in treating anxiety, PTSD, and other trauma-related issues enabling clients to move forward with greater emotional clarity and resilience.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
In my practice, I use Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to help identify and build on your strengths, focusing on solutions rather than problems. This approach is collaborative, empowering you to find your own solutions and make meaningful progress.
Play Therapy
In my practice, I incorporate Play Therapy as a powerful treatment method that encourages a natural form of communication. Play Therapy allows children and adolescents to express their feelings, thoughts, and experiences in a safe environment. This process may include activities like drawing, role-playing and games, to help process difficult emotions, build coping skills, and develop healthier ways to interact with others. Play Therapy is also effective for addressing trauma, anxiety, behavioral issues, and social challenges in a non-threatening way to explore and heal.
Child Parent Psychotherapy
I use Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) to support the emotional and relational well being of both children and their parents. This is an evidenced based approach that focuses on strengthening the bond between parents and children, particularly when there has been trauma, stress, or attachment disruptions.
14 ratings with written reviews
March 10, 2026
She is so empathetic and very intelligent. Really listens and truly cares.
March 4, 2026
My first session made me feel very comfortable with Joella and I truly believe she will be a great help in guiding me to improve my mental health.
October 14, 2025
So easy to talk to