LCSW, 14 years of experience
New to Grow
Hi, I’m Glen Cognac, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida. I specialize in helping adults who are struggling with addiction, trauma, anxiety, depression, and major life transitions. For years I’ve worked across different levels of care, from PHP and IOP to outpatient treatment, which has given me a unique perspective on what clients truly need at different stages of recovery and healing. My approach is neuroscience-informed and evidence-based. I draw from EMDR, CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing to help clients not only understand what is happening in their lives, but also why. By looking at how the brain and body respond to stress, trauma, and cravings, I help people build practical tools that make lasting change possible. I believe therapy should feel like a safe, nonjudgmental space where you don’t just talk about your struggles, but also discover strengths you may not have realized you had. Many of my clients come to me feeling stuck, ashamed, or afraid of repeating old patterns; and together we create a new way forward. If you’re looking for a therapist who will listen with compassion, offer clarity, and give you tools that actually work in daily life, I’d be honored to support you.
In our first session, we’ll focus on building a foundation of trust. I want to hear your story, what brought you here, what challenges you’ve faced, and what goals you hope to achieve. We’ll also talk about your strengths, coping skills, and what has or hasn’t worked in the past. I’ll share a little about how I work, and we’ll discuss different approaches that might be most helpful for your situation. Whether it’s exploring patterns through CBT, building emotional regulation with DBT, or beginning trauma work with EMDR, I’ll tailor our plan to your unique needs. The first session is not about judgment, it’s about understanding. Many clients leave their initial session feeling a sense of relief simply because they’ve been truly heard. My goal is for you to walk away with not only a clearer picture of what therapy will look like, but also a sense of hope and direction for the future.
One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is blending a neuroscience-informed perspective with a compassionate, practical approach. I believe clients benefit when therapy connects the science of how the brain and body work with tools they can use in everyday life. This means you’ll not only gain insight into why you think, feel, or react the way you do, but also learn strategies to change those patterns. I have extensive experience in addiction treatment, working with clients at every stage of recovery. I understand how relapse prevention, cravings, family dynamics, and mental health challenges all intersect. This allows me to support clients in developing long-term strategies for stability and growth. I am trained in EMDR, CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing, which gives me a wide range of tools to meet clients where they are. Some clients need help regulating overwhelming emotions, while others need to process trauma or rebuild self-esteem. I adapt my methods to what will serve you best. Clients often describe my style as compassionate yet straightforward. I listen deeply and provide a safe space, but I also challenge you to stretch beyond what’s comfortable when it’s necessary for growth. My goal is not only to help you manage symptoms, but to help you create lasting change that leads to a more fulfilling life.
My ideal clients are adults who feel trapped in cycles that no longer serve them. This could mean struggling with substance use, battling anxiety or depression, or living with the weight of unresolved trauma. Many of the people I work with feel like they’ve tried to manage things on their own for years, but end up back in the same patterns, wondering if change is really possible. I connect best with clients who are ready to explore both their challenges and their strengths. You don’t need to have everything figured out before starting therapy, you just need a willingness to be honest about where you are and a desire for something different. Whether you’re working toward sobriety, healing from past trauma, improving relationships, or simply wanting to feel more stable and at peace, I’ll walk alongside you. I also work well with clients who may be skeptical about therapy. If you’ve had past experiences that didn’t feel helpful, I understand the hesitation. My style is practical and transparent, I’ll explain why we’re doing something, and I’ll invite you to share what’s working and what’s not. Together we’ll create a plan that feels authentic and realistic for you.
I’ve used DBT throughout my 14 years as a therapist to help clients develop skills to manage intense emotions, build healthier relationships, and navigate distress without becoming overwhelmed. In our work together, I focus on the core DBT areas: mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, mood swings, or relationship challenges, DBT offers practical tools that can lead to meaningful, lasting change.
Over the past 3 years, I’ve incorporated EMDR into my work with clients who are healing from trauma, anxiety, and deeply rooted emotional pain. EMDR is a structured, evidence-based method that helps your brain process and release the emotional impact of distressing experiences. I create a safe and supportive environment where we move at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Many clients find EMDR to be a powerful tool for reducing emotional triggers and gaining clarity and peace.
I use solution-focused therapy to help clients quickly identify what’s working and take practical steps toward their goals. With 14 years of experience, I’ve found this method helpful for clients who feel stuck and want a clear, forward-focused path. Together, we’ll explore small, achievable changes that can create meaningful results in your life.
Over the last 14 years, I’ve seen the impact of focusing on what’s strong, not just what’s wrong. In strengths-based therapy, I help clients identify their inner resources, values, and past successes to support healing and personal growth. This empowering approach shifts the focus from problems to possibilities, helping you build confidence and resilience.
I’ve been using person-centered therapy since the start of my career, and I deeply believe in its power. In our work together, you’ll be met with empathy, respect, and unconditional support. This approach places you at the center of the healing process — because you are the expert in your own life. My role is to create a space where you can explore your experiences and grow in a way that feels authentic to you.