Hello, I’m Soraya Papayoute, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Florida. I am First Generation American born to Haitian/Dominican immigrant parents. I earned my Master’s degree from Barry University in Miami and have been practicing for the past six years. My passion lies in helping individuals of all ages and genders navigate their healing journeys, especially when it comes to overcoming traumatic experiences. I’m here to offer a supportive and understanding space where you can explore your feelings, work through challenges, and find the path to healing that’s right for you. Whether you’re dealing with past trauma, seeking personal growth, or just need someone to talk to, I’m committed to walking alongside you every step of the way. Together, we’ll work towards creating a life where you feel more at peace and in control.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In your first session with me as your therapist, you can expect a warm, welcoming, and non-judgmental space where we can begin to get to know each other. This initial session is all about understanding your needs, concerns, and goals for therapy. We’ll talk about what brought you here, what you hope to achieve, and any specific challenges you’re facing. I’ll ask questions to learn more about your background, experiences, and what’s currently going on in your life. This helps me get a clear picture of how I can best support you. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask me any questions about the therapy process, so you feel comfortable and informed. We’ll discuss how therapy works, including what you can expect from our sessions together, and we’ll start to outline a plan tailored to your needs. My aim is for you to leave the first session feeling heard, understood, and hopeful about the path forward. This session is the first step in building a trusting, collaborative relationship where you feel safe to explore your thoughts and feelings, and where we can work together toward your goals.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Choosing the right therapist is an important decision, and here’s why I might be the right fit for you. I bring an authentic, peaceful presence to our sessions—creating a space where you can truly be yourself without fear of judgment. My approach is rooted in genuine care and understanding, ensuring that you feel seen, heard, and supported every step of the way. I’m open-minded and deeply committed to meeting you where you are. Whether you’re facing trauma, anxiety, relationship challenges, or personal growth, I’m ready to walk alongside you on your journey. Together, we’ll explore your experiences, uncover your strengths, and work through obstacles at a pace that feels right for you. I believe in a collaborative process where your voice is central. You’ll find that I’m not here to tell you what to do, but to empower you to find the answers within yourself. My goal is to help you create meaningful change in your life, guiding you toward healing, self-discovery, and a deeper sense of peace. If you’re looking for a therapist who is compassionate, authentic, and truly invested in your well-being, I’m here to support you. Let’s embark on this journey of growth and healing together.
About Soraya Papayoute
Specializes in
Licensed in
Accepts
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
EMDR
EMDR, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a type of therapy that helps people heal from past traumas and difficult experiences. Imagine your brain as a filing system, and sometimes when something really upsetting happens, the brain doesn’t file it away properly. Instead, it stays in a way that makes it keep bothering you, like it’s stuck. During EMDR therapy, the therapist helps you focus on those difficult memories while guiding your eyes to move in a specific way, like following their fingers back and forth. This eye movement helps your brain reprocess the memory so that it’s less distressing and can be "filed away" properly. Over time, the upsetting memory loses its strong emotional charge, and you can think about it without feeling overwhelmed. It’s a structured and safe process, and many people find it helps them feel better and more at peace with their past.
Brainspotting
Brainspotting is a type of therapy that helps you work through deep emotions, traumas, or difficult experiences by focusing on specific points in your visual field. The idea is that where you look can affect how you feel. During a Brainspotting session, your therapist will help you find a "brainspot"—a spot where your gaze naturally lands when you think about a particular issue or emotion. This spot is believed to connect directly to the part of your brain where that issue or emotion is stored. By focusing on that spot while you talk or think about what’s bothering you, your brain can start to process and release the emotions tied to it. It’s a gentle and supportive way to access feelings that might be hard to reach through words alone, helping you heal and feel better over time.
Trauma-Focused CBT
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is a type of therapy designed to help children, teens, and young adults who have experienced something very upsetting or traumatic. It combines talking about your thoughts and feelings with learning new skills to cope with the effects of trauma. In TF-CBT, you'll work with a therapist to understand how the trauma has affected you—like how it might make you feel anxious, sad, or scared. The therapist will help you learn ways to manage those feelings, like relaxation techniques or ways to change unhelpful thoughts. You'll also get a chance to talk about the traumatic event in a safe and supportive way, which can help reduce its emotional impact. The goal of TF-CBT is to help you feel better, regain a sense of control, and move forward in a healthy way.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that helps you understand and change the way you think and behave. It focuses on the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, showing how negative thoughts can lead to negative feelings and actions. In CBT, you'll work with your therapist to identify unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors, such as frequently thinking, "I'm not good enough," which can make you feel sad and avoid trying new things. Together, you'll learn to challenge these negative thoughts and replace them with more positive, realistic ones, which can improve your mood and actions. CBT often includes practical exercises and homework to practice new skills in real-life situations, like keeping a journal, practicing relaxation techniques, or gradually facing fears. It's usually a short-term therapy with specific goals in mind, helping you make tangible changes in your life. Think of CBT as a way to train your brain to think and act in healthier ways.