Heidy Castaneda
I approach therapy with the belief that healing and growth are always possible. Change is a natural part of life, and I view counseling as a supportive space where individuals and couples can explore challenges, strengthen resilience, and move toward greater well-being. My work is grounded in compassion, empathy, and respect, creating a safe environment where clients feel seen, heard, and understood. Fluent in English, Spanish, (and Spanglish), I enjoy providing therapy in whichever language feels most comfortable for my clients. My cultural background and bilingual skills allow me to offer a more inclusive and culturally sensitive counseling experience, something I believe is essential in building trust and fostering healing.
My goal is for them to feel supported and respected while exploring difficult emotions or experiences.
In my practice, I integrate evidence-based approaches such as EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Motivational Interviewing, tailoring treatment to meet each client’s unique needs. I also bring a person-centered philosophy, emphasizing empathy, authenticity, and collaboration as core elements of the therapeutic process. Outside of my professional life, I value balance and joy. I enjoy barbell strength training, which reminds me of the importance of persistence and self-care. I also love singing with my husband and spending meaningful time with family and friends. These personal joys keep me grounded and inspire the work I do with clients every day.
First session
Therapy typically begins with 1-2 sessions dedicated to understanding your history and establishing clear goals. We then spend the next 3-4 sessions developing coping mechanisms to manage your current stressors. The final phase of therapy delves deeper to address the root causes of the issues that brought you here. The specific length of treatment varies greatly from person to person. Therapy is a deeply personal, unique, and vulnerable experience. The therapeutic relationship is different from any other relationship in your life because its purpose is to offer safety, understanding, unconditional positive regard, clinical interventions when deemed appropriate, and support for any problem that you bring into the counseling room.
Strengths
My mission is to empower individuals with the strength of mind and spirit to face life’s challenges with personal bravery, fostering resilience and emotional well-being through compassionate, evidence-based care.
Ideal clients
I am best positioned to serve adult individuals who are navigating stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, or the aftermath of trauma. I work well with clients who are motivated to understand themselves and their patterns, open to personal growth, and seeking practical tools to manage emotions, improve communication, and strengthen relationships. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to each client’s goals, whether that involves healing from past experiences, enhancing emotional resilience, or building more fulfilling connections with themselves and others.
Treatment methods
EMDR
I am trained in EMDR, an evidence-based trauma treatment that helps clients process distressing memories through bilateral stimulation. In practice, I use EMDR within a trauma-informed, client-centered framework, ensuring clients develop coping and grounding skills before reprocessing. This approach reduces emotional distress, fosters new insights, and supports healthier beliefs.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), an evidence-based approach that helps clients identify and reframe unhelpful thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. In practice, I integrate CBT within a client-centered framework, teaching practical skills to manage distress, challenge negative thinking, and support lasting change.
Faith-based therapy
I hold a deep respect for each individual’s unique background and beliefs, fostering a safe and inclusive therapeutic environment for all. For those who find their grounding framework and guidance in their faith/religion, I am open to integrating religious or spiritual practices into our sessions, tailoring my approach to meet your specific needs and preferences.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
I practice culturally sensitive counseling, recognizing the impact of culture, identity, and lived experiences on mental health. I strive to create an inclusive and respectful space where clients feel seen and understood, integrating cultural awareness into treatment to support healing and growth.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing is used to help clients explore their goals, work through uncertainty, and strengthen their own motivation for change. This collaborative, supportive approach helps clients build confidence, clarify their values, and take meaningful steps toward lasting growth.
Location
Virtual sessions
In-person sessions525 Sybelia Pkwy, Maitland, FL 32751, #105
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Licensed in
- FloridaLicense MT5016