LCSW, 28 years of experience
Hi, My name is Velma Penermon Stevens, therapist with Soulistic Counseling and Therapeutic Services, LLC.. I am a licensed therapist (LCSW-QS) in the state of Florida. I attended Florida A&M University for undergraduate school then I went on to obtain my MSW degree from Florida State University. I have over 25 years working in the not for profit sector and 10 years in pastoral care. It is these work experiences where I gained my passion to help others, leading me to open my own private practice agency.
In our first session, my goal is to make you feel heard. We'll start with a brief introduction, then move into the specific challenges you're facing. This not only helps with the rapport building process, it also aids us with developing an appropriate plan of care for achieving your desired outcome thus restoring harmony and balance back into your life.
Having worked in this field for so many years, I have developed a style of therapy that promotes a safe, judgement free atmosphere for open dialogue which can lead to clarity, effective coping skills and feelings of empowerment.
I love working with people experiencing disharmony which can manifest itself with depression, anxiety, anger, mood swings, triggering traumatic events and conflict (both personal and relationship). Throughout my career, I have developed knowledge and skills that have afforded me the opportunity to assist people with achieving their highest potential. The people I work begin to report change and/or improvement as early as their third of fourth session, who go on to lead productive, healthy and harmonious lifestyles.
CBT is an evidenced based approach I've been using successfully with relationship issues, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, anger and aggression, and stress management.
Solution focused therapy is an evidenced based approach I've been using successfully with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, anger and aggression, and stress management.
Person Centered has been successfully used in my practice. It is one of the most common treatment modalities as it affords the client the opportunity to become more self-aware while achieving their goals for therapy. I have used this modality with a good degree of success with depression, anxiety, anger and stress management.
9 ratings with written reviews
August 4, 2025
I really enjoyed my time with Dr. Stephens
July 3, 2025
I specifically chose Velma out of many therapists because something told me she was the right fit. I am beyond happy that I chose to do that. I have been through a lot of traumas in my life that I never faced before. This is the first time in my life that I am working through it all, and Velma is the reason. She challenges my thoughts and provides me with great feedback. She has helped me through one of the most challenging times of my life. She is amazing & God sent. I will forever be grateful
May 19, 2025
Wonderful session as always, Velma cares about how you are doing and wants to ensure things are going well in your life. If things aren't, she will work with you to see what options you have available to make positive changes.