Cheryl Breining
I am a Florida Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Life Coach, and retired teacher and guidance counselor with master's degrees in Counseling, School Psychology, and Social Work. I have also completed specialized ADHD training through ADDCA, allowing me to combine evidence-based therapeutic approaches with practical strategies that clients can apply in their everyday lives. I specialize in working with individuals of all ages who have ADHD, as well as parents seeking guidance and support. I understand the unique challenges that can accompany ADHD, including difficulties with executive functioning, time management, organization, procrastination, self-esteem, and anxiety. Together, we will identify your strengths, develop practical skills, and create personalized strategies that help you feel more confident, organized, and in control of your life. In addition to ADHD, I work with adults experiencing anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, and life transitions. My approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), strengths-based therapy, positive psychology, and solution-focused techniques to help clients challenge unhelpful thought patterns, build resilience, and make meaningful, lasting changes.
By utilizing positive psychology and strength based methods I help clients deal with self esteem, time management, organizational skills, executive function, and anxiety issues.
I believe that every person has the capacity for growth. My role is to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where you feel heard, understood, and empowered. Together, we will discover your strengths, overcome obstacles, and develop practical strategies that move you toward the life you want to create.
First session
During our first session, we'll begin by getting to know each other and discussing what you hope to accomplish through therapy. We'll explore what brought you to therapy at this point in your life and identify the concerns that are most important to you. Next, you'll complete a brief exercise designed to help you assess your level of satisfaction in several key areas of your life. This exercise helps identify your strengths, priorities, and opportunities for growth. Based on your responses, you'll decide which area you'd like to focus on first. From there, we'll work collaboratively to develop practical, personalized strategies that build on your strengths and help you make meaningful progress toward your goals. My approach is supportive, collaborative, and tailored to your unique needs, so you'll leave each session with greater clarity and concrete steps to move forward.
Strengths
Throughout my career, I have been passionate about helping clients recognize their inherent strengths and potential. I strive to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where you feel understood, valued, and empowered. I believe that you are enough—you are resourceful, resilient, and capable of creating meaningful change in your life. My goal is to help you recognize that you have the power to take control of your thoughts, behaviors, and choices. Together, we will identify your unique strengths, challenge the beliefs and patterns that may be holding you back, and develop practical strategies to help you move closer to the life you want. Throughout our work together, you'll gain the confidence, skills, and tools needed to overcome obstacles and achieve your personal goals.
Ideal clients
"I help adults with ADHD move beyond frustration and self-criticism by developing practical strategies that work with their unique brains—not against them. Using a strengths-based, solution-focused approach, I help clients improve organization, time management, emotional regulation, and self-confidence while building on the talents and resilience they already possess." "I enjoy helping individuals who struggle with anxiety develop practical tools to regain a sense of calm and control in their lives. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, positive psychology, and strengths-based approaches, I work collaboratively with clients to identify unhelpful thought patterns, develop effective coping strategies, and build confidence in their ability to manage life's challenges. Together, we create a personalized plan that helps clients reduce stress, overcome obstacles, and move toward a more balanced and fulfilling life."
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a proven, practical approach to managing anxiety and unhelpful thought patterns. Over the past several years, I’ve helped clients recognize the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors—and use that awareness to make meaningful changes. Together, we’ll work to identify recurring thoughts that contribute to stress and anxiety. Using CBT techniques, we’ll shift those patterns to support healthier, more balanced thinking. The goal is a calmer, more grounded version of you—equipped with tools that support long-term emotional wellbeing.
Positive Psychology
I use a personalized, evidence-based approach that blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Positive Psychology, and Strength-Based Therapies. This combination allows us to not only manage anxiety and challenge unhelpful thought patterns—but also tap into your strengths to support lasting change. Through CBT, we’ll explore how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors influence each other. You’ll learn how to reframe recurring thoughts that contribute to stress and anxiety. At the same time, by drawing on the principles of Positive Psychology, you’ll identify the inner strengths you already possess—sometimes without even realizing it.
Strength-Based
My goal is to empower and motivate you to recognize your strengths and create a path toward the life you want to live. I take a client-centered approach that blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Strength-Based practices, and principles from Positive Psychology. Together, we’ll work to understand how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact—and how shifting your thinking patterns can help reduce anxiety, increase confidence, and support lasting change. You’ll identify the strengths you already have, explore how you've used them in the past, and develop strategies to grow and use them in new, meaningful ways. This process is about helping you realize how strong and capable you truly are. My goal is for you to reconnect with your inner power, build emotional resilience, and take back control of your life—with clarity, confidence, and self-compassion.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
This type of therapy, often used for individuals with ADHD, helps clients manage emotions, reduce self sabotaging behaviors and helps them improve their relationships by teaching them practical life skills. It combines the principles of mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and helps clients see that acceptance and change can be seen as complementary rather than opposing forces. I have found it to be very helpful for those diagnosed with ADHD.
Location
Virtual sessions