Welcome! I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Florida, and I have been practicing for 7 years. I am also licensed in Vermont as a telehealth provider. I received my Master's degree from Capella University, and am passionate about helping adults with a wide range of issues to become the best version of themselves. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings, and to work healing and growth.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
During our first session, my goal is to get to know you as an individual. We will focus on your presenting issue(s) and gain background information to gain insight into your unique needs and experiences. Together, we will create treatment goals that are tailored to your specific needs and help achieve your therapeutic goals. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment for you as well as to explore your thoughts and feelings, and start helping you move towards healing and growth.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Having worked in the mental health field for the past 7 years, I developed the skills and experience necessary to work with a wide range of individuals and tailor my approach to meet their unique needs. I believe fostering a strong connection with my clients is the most important factor in their success. I am committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for my clients.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
As a mental health counselor, I have found passion in working with younger males and the LGBTQ population. I believe that everyone deserves access to quality mental health care, and I provide a safe and supportive environment for all my clients.
About Andrew Penn
Specializes in
Serves ages
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Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
As a therapist trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I’ve had the privilege of working with many clients to help them understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. CBT is an evidence-based, goal-oriented approach that allows clients to identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns and replace them with healthier, more realistic perspectives. This can be particularly effective for clients dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance abuse, among other mental health concerns.
EMDR
As a therapist trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), I’ve had the opportunity to guide clients through the powerful process of healing from trauma. EMDR is a unique, evidence-based therapy that helps individuals process and reframe traumatic memories by using bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements. This helps the brain reprocess traumatic experiences in a way that reduces the emotional charge attached to them, allowing clients to heal more fully. In my work with EMDR, I’ve seen clients who have struggled for years with the effects of trauma — whether it’s from past abuse, accidents, or other distressing events — make profound shifts; sometimes in a matter of three to four sessions.
Motivational Interviewing
As a therapist experienced in Motivational Interviewing (MI), I’ve found it to be an incredibly effective approach for clients who may feel ambivalent or uncertain about making changes, particularly in areas like substance abuse, mental health, or behavior patterns. MI is a client-centered, collaborative method that focuses on enhancing motivation for change by exploring and resolving any conflicting feelings or beliefs that may be hindering progress. In my work with MI, I focus on creating a supportive, empathetic environment where clients can openly explore their reasons for change — and their reasons for resisting it. It's about meeting the client where they are and guiding them to uncover their own motivations for transformation, rather than imposing solutions or judgments. I use open-ended questions, reflective listening, and affirmations to help clients explore the “why” behind their behaviors and how they align with their values.
Psychoeducation
As a therapist incorporating psychoeducation into my practice, I’ve found it to be an essential tool for helping clients understand the root causes of their challenges and empowering them to make informed decisions about their mental health and well-being. Psychoeducation involves teaching clients about psychological concepts, coping strategies, and the mechanisms behind certain behaviors, thoughts, or emotional responses. It’s not just about offering information, but also about helping clients apply that knowledge in their daily lives. In my experience, psychoeducation is especially valuable in helping clients gain clarity and insight into their mental health conditions, whether it's anxiety, depression, trauma, or substance use. For example, when working with clients who struggle with anxiety, I might explain how the brain’s fight-or-flight response works and why certain situations trigger intense physical or emotional reactions. This understanding can immediately reduce some of the fear or confusion surrounding those experiences, making them feel less overwhelming.
Supportive
In my experience working with supportive psychotherapy, I've found it to be an invaluable approach for clients who are facing challenges that may not require deep, intensive exploration but still benefit from consistent emotional support, validation, and encouragement. Supportive psychotherapy is focused on providing a nurturing and empathetic environment where clients feel heard and understood, helping them cope with immediate life stresses, mental health concerns, or personal struggles in a constructive and compassionate way. The core of supportive therapy is the therapeutic relationship. Clients often come to me when they need someone to listen, help them process difficult emotions, or provide guidance on how to manage overwhelming situations like grief, relationship issues, anxiety, or work-related stress. In these cases, I take a gentle, validating approach, offering encouragement and practical coping strategies to help them handle their difficulties more effectively.