LCSW, 12 years of experience
Hello, My name is Philomena , but you can call me Philo, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker- Qualified Supervisor in the state of Florida who has been in the field since 2013. My work history is colored with working with Teen Mother experiencing Crisis Pregnancy who opted to parent or place their children for adoption, assessing the Veteran population for biopsychosocial needs, and working in the educational setting as a School Therapist for Middle and High School age students. I have a love for Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies and Social Work Practice with the Elderly and have Undergrad and Graduate Certificates in both areas, respectively. While my resume and credentials may speak to my professional qualifications, I have many additional experiences that support my knowledge and cultural sensitivity. I offer a zeal for working with older teens, young adults, and women wishing to manifest change in their lives. I have worked with students struggling under social pressures and depression and have a natural knack for life skills, career guidance and helping others adjust to "Adulting." I firmly believe in the connectivity to ourselves and our environment and utilize a Systems / Strength-Based approach, focusing on what can be accomplished rather than deficits. Working as a Psychotherapist at NOLA Adulting LLC, I am able to help in bridging the gap between what formal education has taught us and life experiences. High School has prepared us for solving the quadratic equation, running a mile under 10 minutes, and understanding that in 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue, but we are not prepared on how to manage that feeling of emptiness we may experience post graduation and entering the workforce, setting appropriate boundaries in interpersonal relationships, or correct work email etiquette when we are fed up.
On our first session you can expect brief introductions with the space and opportunity for you to tell me what brought you to the therapeutic process.
I work well with highly motivated individuals who are looking to unpack past traumas in hope of facilitating positive change in there life. We all perceive life differently, so it important to know there is not qualifier on what constitutes a "traumatic" experience.
I specializes in therapeutic services concerning race, gender, and trauma, as well as Dialectical Behavior Therapy - which includes key concepts of Mindfulness, Emotional Regulation, Distress Tolerance, and Interpersonal Effectiveness. You are capable of making the change you wish to make. I believe in the therapeutic process, and though, at times difficult, I understand the best view typically comes after the hardest climbs. I look forward to hearing from you soon to provide assistance.
I have extensive experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to support clients in addressing a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress management, and maladaptive thought patterns. In my practice, CBT serves as a structured, evidence-based approach that helps clients understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. My approach is collaborative and tailored to each individual. I work with clients to identify unhelpful thinking patterns, build awareness of emotional and behavioral responses, and develop practical skills they can use in their daily lives. Sessions typically include psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring, behavioral strategies, and skill-building exercises. I also incorporate homework or between-session practices to help clients apply what they learn in real-world situations and see meaningful, lasting change. My goal is to empower clients with tools that increase insight, improve coping, and support long-term emotional well-being. CBT is a highly effective modality, and I strive to make the process supportive, engaging, and personalized to each client’s needs.
I have extensive experience providing culturally sensitive therapy to clients from a wide range of racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. My approach is grounded in the belief that culture plays a central role in shaping identity, values, communication styles, family dynamics, and how individuals experience and understand mental health. In my work, I prioritize creating a therapeutic environment where clients feel truly seen, respected, and understood. I take the time to learn about each client’s cultural background—not through assumptions, but through open dialogue, curiosity, and a willingness to listen. I invite clients to share the cultural influences, traditions, and experiences that are meaningful to them, as well as any experiences with discrimination, migration, generational differences, or cultural stigma around mental health. My approach is collaborative and individualized. I integrate cultural awareness into every aspect of treatment, including goal setting, coping strategies, communication styles, and how we frame emotional experiences. I also recognize the importance of intersectionality and how overlapping identities (such as gender, race, spirituality, sexuality, and socioeconomic status) shape each client’s lived experience. Ultimately, my goal is to honor each client’s full identity while providing supportive, empowering, and effective therapy. Culturally sensitive therapy allows clients to show up authentically, and I strive to ensure that every client experiences the therapeutic space as affirming, inclusive, and culturally attuned.
I have meaningful experience using mindfulness-based therapy to help clients cultivate awareness, emotional regulation, and a stronger connection to the present moment. My approach is grounded in the understanding that many emotional struggles—such as stress, anxiety, and rumination—stem from becoming caught in automatic thoughts or reacting to difficult emotions without awareness. In mindfulness-based work, I guide clients in learning how to observe their internal experiences with curiosity rather than judgment. This may include practices such as grounding exercises, mindful breathing, body scans, and awareness of thoughts and emotions as they arise. These skills help clients slow down, reduce reactivity, and build a more compassionate relationship with themselves. My approach is gentle, supportive, and paced according to each client’s comfort level. I tailor practices to fit each person’s cultural background, values, and lived experiences. Rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all method, I collaborate with clients to identify mindfulness tools that feel meaningful and sustainable for them. Mindfulness-based therapy can be especially helpful in increasing emotional resilience, improving stress tolerance, and fostering long-term inner balance. My goal is to empower clients with practical skills they can carry into their daily lives, helping them navigate challenges with greater clarity, calm, and self-compassion.
I have meaningful experience using mindfulness-based therapy to help clients cultivate awareness, emotional regulation, and a stronger connection to the present moment. My approach is grounded in the understanding that many emotional struggles—such as stress, anxiety, and rumination—stem from becoming caught in automatic thoughts or reacting to difficult emotions without awareness. In mindfulness-based work, I guide clients in learning how to observe their internal experiences with curiosity rather than judgment. This may include practices such as grounding exercises, mindful breathing, body scans, and awareness of thoughts and emotions as they arise. These skills help clients slow down, reduce reactivity, and build a more compassionate relationship with themselves. My approach is gentle, supportive, and paced according to each client’s comfort level. I tailor practices to fit each person’s cultural background, values, and lived experiences. Rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all method, I collaborate with clients to identify mindfulness tools that feel meaningful and sustainable for them. Mindfulness-based therapy can be especially helpful in increasing emotional resilience, improving stress tolerance, and fostering long-term inner balance. My goal is to empower clients with practical skills they can carry into their daily lives, helping them navigate challenges with greater clarity, calm, and self-compassion.
I have experience integrating Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) principles into my work with clients who benefit from building stronger emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness skills. DBT is a structured, evidence-based approach designed to help individuals navigate intense emotions and develop healthier patterns of coping and relating to others. My approach to DBT is supportive, practical, and tailored to each client’s needs. I work collaboratively to identify the areas where DBT skills can provide the most benefit—whether that involves managing overwhelming emotions, reducing impulsive behaviors, improving relationships, or increasing present-moment awareness. In sessions, I incorporate the four core DBT modules: Mindfulness: Building awareness of emotions, thoughts, and bodily sensations without judgment. Distress Tolerance: Developing tools to cope safely with crises and intense emotions. Emotion Regulation: Understanding emotional patterns and learning strategies to reduce emotional vulnerability. Interpersonal Effectiveness: Strengthening communication skills, boundary-setting, and relationship-building. While traditional DBT often occurs in group and individual therapy formats, I integrate DBT-informed skills into individual sessions in a way that feels accessible and manageable. I also encourage clients to practice these skills between sessions to reinforce learning and build real-life confidence. My goal is to help clients feel empowered, grounded, and capable of navigating difficult emotions with more clarity and control. DBT offers a compassionate, structured path toward emotional balance, and I strive to deliver this work in a warm, validating, and culturally attuned manner.
1 rating with written reviews
April 30, 2025
This was our first meeting up with her, and it was nice. Very calming very knowledgeable, understanding. Great listener gave us some references and referral that may suit are situation better