Hi, I'm Kimberly. I’m a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) based in Florida, and I earned my master’s degree at Florida International University. My clinical journey began in a residential treatment center specializing in eating disorders, where I had the privilege of working closely with individuals navigating various challenges related to disordered eating. This experience deeply shaped my approach and solidified my commitment to helping clients build healthier relationships with food and their bodies. Since then, I’ve expanded my practice to work with individuals facing a range of issues, including anxiety, trauma, and depression, while always remaining rooted in my passion for supporting those with eating disorders. My goal is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel heard, supported, and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives.

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

In our first session together, we'll start with brief introductions, I’ll take the time to understand your background, including any challenges you’re currently facing This will help me create a tailored plan for us to work through in follow-up sessions. This is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about the process and what to expect moving forward. By the end of the first session, my hope is that you feel a sense of relief from just starting this process and that you have a clearer idea of how we can work together to help you move forward. We’ll also discuss next steps, including any assignments, tools, or strategies that may be helpful between sessions. Overall, the goal is to leave you feeling supported, with a plan to begin your journey toward healing and growth.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

Empathy and Compassion: I truly believe in meeting clients where they are and offering a compassionate, non-judgmental space for healing. I strive to understand each person’s unique struggles, creating an environment where they feel seen, heard, and valued. Experience and Specialization: My background in working with eating disorders, along with experience treating anxiety, trauma, and depression, gives me a deep understanding of the complexities these issues bring. I can connect with clients who are dealing with these challenges from a place of knowledge and practical experience. Holistic Approach: I take a holistic approach to therapy, recognizing that emotional, mental, and physical health are interconnected. I help clients explore their experiences in a way that fosters balance and empowerment in all areas of life. Collaboration: I view therapy as a collaborative process. I actively involve clients in goal setting, decision-making, and identifying what strategies work best for them. This empowers clients to feel more in control of their journey while helping to build trust and partnership. Patience and Flexibility: I understand that healing is a process and each person moves at their own pace. I am patient and flexible, adjusting my approach to meet the specific needs and pace of each client. I also provide consistent support, whether it’s through difficult emotions, setbacks, or progress. Effectiveness in Treatment: I pride myself on the effectiveness of my approach, consistently working with clients to make meaningful, measurable progress. I take a results-driven approach, and clients often see improvements in their emotional well-being, behavior patterns, and overall quality of life. Decreasing Assessment Scores: I track client progress through assessments and use this data to refine and adjust treatment plans. By regularly reviewing and addressing these scores, I work with clients to decrease symptom severity over time, helping them feel better and more in control of their mental health.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

I specialize in supporting clients who are navigating eating disorders, anxiety, trauma, and depression. For those struggling with eating disorders—whether it's binge eating, restricting, or disordered patterns around food—my approach focuses on understanding the emotional and psychological drivers behind these behaviors. We’ll work together to explore how food and body image are often linked to deeper emotional struggles, and I’ll guide you toward building a healthier, more compassionate relationship with food and your body. My goal is to help you develop healthier coping mechanisms, so that food is no longer used as a way to manage distress or emotions. When it comes to anxiety, I work with clients to develop strategies for managing overwhelming thoughts, physical symptoms, and the ways anxiety can take over daily life. We focus on building resilience and finding practical tools that help you regain control and reduce the grip anxiety has on your well-being. For those facing depression, I understand how challenging it can be to feel stuck and disconnected. Together, we’ll explore what’s contributing to the heaviness and work on taking actionable steps to improve your mood, rebuild motivation, and restore a sense of hope and well-being. When it comes to trauma, I approach healing with a deep sense of empathy and care. Trauma is unique to each individual, and my goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where you can begin to process past experiences at your own pace. I use trauma-informed techniques to help you work through the emotional, mental, and physical impacts of trauma, ultimately regaining a sense of control, safety, and empowerment in your life. Ultimately, my focus is on helping you achieve healing, growth, and empowerment—whether that means improving your relationship with food, managing anxiety, overcoming depression, or healing from trauma. I’m here to support you in navigating your unique journey and finding the balance and well-being you deserve.

About Kimberly Carlesi