Greetings! My name is Calvin Ponds, I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) based in Florida. I work with clients in Florida statewide via Telehealth and in person (2025). I work well with adolescents, young adults, and adults. I specialize in in the treatment of First Responder with work related trauma, vicarious trauma, occupational distress, EAP compassion fatigue, burnout, PTSD, depression, stress and anger management. I use Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Solution-focused Brief Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, emotionally focused Individual, Couples and Family Therapy to help patients towards their healing journey.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
The first step is for us to gain better insight into the “What needs to be healed?” and the “How to heal?” roadmap. We will discover what we need to work towards and how we can work towards these goals. We will then create the foundations of our therapeutic relationship by gaining a sense of the therapeutic journey and the directions we need to go towards the patient’s healing journey.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My approach to the therapy process is individualized and tailored to the client’s needs. As a trauma therapist, my approach is primarily based on a Trauma-focused lens. I frequently use Trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy and cognitive behavior therapy as these evidence-based modalities assist in cultivating and nurturing the therapeutic relationship and allows us to grow and thrive through this therapeutic journey.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
My client population includes First Responders and their families, active, reserve and retired military, educators, individuals and families struggling with life transitions, trauma, depression, stress and mood disorders, to include teens, young adults and adults, families, couples and individuals. I strive to assist though this healing journey by guiding, educating, and motivating my clients to grow into their true potential.
About Calvin Ponds
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
As an evidenced based practicing clinician, I help individuals recognize how their negative thoughts can influence their emotions and behaviors, allowing them to challenge and reframe these thoughts to a more positive perspective with Cognitive Behavior Therapy.
Trauma-Focused CBT
I utilize TF-CBT to help children and adolescents, along with their parents or caregivers, overcome the negative effects of traumatic experiences like child abuse, neglect, domestic violence, accidents, or natural disasters, by addressing distorted beliefs related to the trauma and teaching coping skills to manage the emotional impact of those experiences.
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is one specific type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. It is a 12-session psychotherapy for PTSD. I utilize CPT to teach clients how to evaluate and change the upsetting thoughts you have had since your trauma. By changing your thoughts, you can change how you feel.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I utilize Dialectal Behavior Therapy or DBT to treat individuals struggling with emotional dysregulation, most commonly associated with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), but it can also be effective for managing other mental health conditions like depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use disorders, eating disorders, and suicidal behaviors by teaching skills in mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Mind-body approach
My approach is practical, focusing on Mind and Body therapeutic methods that focus on the interconnectedness of the mind and body, utilizing techniques to influence physical health through mental and emotional practices, often including meditation, relaxation techniques, yoga, tai chi, guided imagery, and biofeedback, to improve overall well-being and manage stress or symptoms related to various health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer.