I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and have been licensed since 1996. I work with clients experiencing a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, attachment related issues, and a wide variety of trauma related situations, particularly with military personnel and first responders. I also have extensive post graduate training in areas related to neuropsychology, adoption, custody, child abuse, and forensics. I am qualified as an expert in these areas in several court jurisdictions in Florida and have worked internationally as well (Japan and Europe) in context with the military and internationals from Japan, Italy, and England. My doctoral research areas were Case Conceptualization and Attachment/Adult Psychopathology and I have served as an adjunct professor in clinical mental health My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. I consider our therapeutic relationship as one as "an exchange of ideas". My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, solution focused, psychodynamic and developmental based counseling. I am well trained in other modalities as well. I understand that it takes courage to seek help, and it's not easy to face fear. I do not believe that "you are your diagnosis". Rather, I will view you "as a a unique individual facing some challenges". My background and training is unique, and I think you will find that I see things very differently than most clinicians. I look forward to working with you!

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In our first session I will work to help you feel safe and comfortable and provide a case conceptualization: that means, I'll listen to your perspective of your presenting problem, provide mine, and how we would approach treatment. I will give you an idea of how long I think it takes to address your treatment, what skills we would learn, what modalities I use, and come up with a "path". I prefer to look at our time together as an exchange of ideas for you to consider. I always strive to "see your problem the way you see it" in a non judgmental way. Our sessions are active. I do not give advice, per se, but help you do the work yourself for when I am not around. My motto is "you do the work, I show up". I am also a direct communicator. I do push people. But only with compassion and care. I would never get you to a place in therapy where you felt like you were going to "lose it" etc.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

My biggest strengths as a clinician are: 1) Well experienced 2) I studied directly under several well published and well recognized theorists who are internationally known 3) I can conceptualize your problems quickly and accurately (but will ask you for feedback). I have over 300 or more post graduate hours in the field of infant/toddler mental health, extensive training with the military/first responders and have been trained uniquely from birth-through the geriatric population (neuropsychology). I speak Spanish though I am not a native speaker. 4) I am often told by my clients that they are amazed at how quickly they can move through treatment and feel better as compared to other therapists they see) 5) I have a beautiful, quiet office that overlooks the water that I am confident you will feel "safe" in.

About Susan J Boklaga

Appointments