Mental Health Counselors in Tampa & St. Petersburg
Mental health professionals with specialized training.
Meet our team serving Tampa Bay & St. Petersburg
Dr. Mary Perleoni, Ph.D., LMHC
Dr. Mary Perleoni is the Founder of IBWHC, and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and National Certified Counselor practicing in Florida. View full profile.
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Mary is dedicated to making a difference in people’s lives through her specialized therapeutic work with trauma and marriage counseling. She is trained in Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and in Gottman marriage therapy, among other therapeutic approaches.
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Mary earned a Master in Mental Health Counseling degree from the University of Saint Joseph and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Central Florida.
In pursuing her doctorate, she saw gaps in the research literature surrounding trauma-informed care and sought to fill them. She published articles on trauma and completed her dissertation outlining an experimental study providing trauma-informed therapy to children in poverty. In addition, she supervised master's students in applying this trauma-informed therapy.
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Mary’s experience also includes working in an agency specializing in trauma, a community health center specializing in borderline personality disorder, and a private practice serving diverse populations.
Mary has served as a professor, teaching master’s students that are gaining their degrees in Marriage and Family, Mental Health, and School Counseling in New York City and Florida. She has supervised several counselors-in-training using a developmental approach in both clinical and school settings.
Mary is a lifelong learner who is constantly seeking further education and training so that she can be the best counselor and educator possible.
Kaitlyn Shelp, MA, LMHC-QS, Clinical Supervisor
Kaitlyn is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida and the Clinical Supervisor at It Begins Within. View full profile.
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Kaitlyn has a passion for working with trauma of all varieties, particularly those individuals and couples trying to find healing after disclosure of infidelity. Her unique combination of experience and training allow her to tailor a treatment approach for clients that is systematic while producing relief and lasting change. Her office is a safe space for your pain, fear, vulnerability, celebrations, and success.
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Kaitlyn graduated from the University of Central Florida with a master’s degree in Counselor Education with a focus on Clinical Mental Health.
Kaitlyn has complete formal training for the following treatment modalities: Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Systematic Affair Recovery Therapy (SART), and Gottman Method.
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Kaitlyn has worked with ages 11+ in family, group, and individual settings at the inpatient, residential, and outpatient level of care and with a wide range of diagnoses and populations. She is currently only accepting couples and individuals who are seeking to heal after disclosure of infidelity. Kaitlyn utilizes Accelerated Resolutions Therapy (ART) and is one of two people in the state of Florida trained to use Systematic Affair Recovery Therapy (SART). She also uses Gottman Method and Gottman research to inform her treatment recommendations after crisis stabilization has occurred. You will find Kaitlyn's approach to be trauma-informed, strength-based, and directive.
Melissa Zentner, MS, LMHC
Melissa is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. View full profile.
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Melissa has over ten years of clinical practice working with children, adolescences, and adults. Melissa provides detailed clinical services to better understand and enhance your emotional, behavioral, and cognitive functioning. Melissa focuses on the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, impulse disorders, and depressive disorders. Melissa has an integrative theoretical orientation, utilizing evidence-based models such as person-centered therapy, humanistic, & cognitive behavioral therapy. These treatment approaches are focused on symptom reduction, are goal oriented, and based on techniques that have been scientifically proven to be both effective and time-limited.
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Melissa earned a Master degree in Counselor Education with a focus in Clinical Mental Health from the East Carolina University in Greenville, NC. Melissa is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) through North Carolina Child Treatment Program (NC CTP). Melissa has also completed extensive training in the Neurosequential Model to Therapeutics from The Child Trauma Academy in Houston, TX. In addition, Melissa has extensive training in couple and marriage counseling, has completed Level 1 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and she uses Gottman Method Couples Therapy in her work. Specifically, Melissa specializes in sex therapy and infidelity when working with couples.
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Melissa has previous experience in various levels of care that include In-Home Services, Child Day Treatment, and school-based outpatient therapy. Melissa has extensive training in trauma informed assessments, which have been used in court reports, CPS investigations, adoption or foster care, and custody cases. Melissa has extensive knowledge working with families to overcome generational trauma, including childhood traumatic grief. Melissa has experience conducting group therapy, focused on emotional and self-regulation in children. In addition, Melissa is an accredited pre-marital provider with Hillsborough County, Florida. Melissa provides counseling to support in the challenges elite athletes face in sports, training, and competition. Lastly, Melissa provides clinical supervision to graduate students whom are completing their practicum or internship.
Angela Holmes-Cruz, MS
Angela is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern in the state of Florida. View full profile.
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Angela places an emphasis on meeting clients where they are at any point in their lives. She recognizes that therapy can be difficult work and tailors her approach to each client’s individual experience. She will work alongside you in order to make you feel safe, understood, and heard so that you are able to heal from old wounds and grow to your full potential.
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Angela obtained her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Troy University. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and her Bachelor of Arts in Criminology with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of Florida.
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Angela’s training and experience working in various inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment facilities has allowed her to work with a diverse population of individuals with a wide range of diagnoses. Angela is an EMDR Trained Clinician and has worked with clients who have experienced trauma. She also has experience treating individuals who are struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, and addiction. Additionally, she has experience conducting DBT group therapy focused on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Lauren Pankuch, MA, LMHC
Lauren is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. View full profile.
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Lauren believes that the client, counselor relationship is essential to the therapeutic process and she promotes a non-judgmental counseling space, so you can feel free and safe to show up exactly as you are. Lauren works with children, adolescents, parents, and individuals.
Lauren has a pronounced passion for working with children and that has only grown with her development in the field. She is a client-centered therapist with a strength based, trauma informed, and eclectic approach, meeting individuals where they are at and pulling from which ever modalities would best serve them.
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Lauren obtained her Master of Arts in Counselor Education from the University of Central Florida. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Criminology from Florida State University.
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Lauren’s training and experience working in various mental health treatment facilities has allowed her to work extensively with children and adolescents. Lauren is formally trained in Play Therapy and Child Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT) from the University of Central Florida and is working towards credentialing as a Registered Play Therapist (RPT). She utilizes play therapy and art therapy techniques to tap into the client’s inner world and promote emotional growth and healing.
Lauren has training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) from the Medical University of South Carolina and works with clients who have experienced various types of trauma. She has experience working with Foster Youth and their families, youth experiencing behavioral issues, addictions, suicidal ideation, neurodivergence, LGBTQIA+ and more. Lauren utilizes an approach informed by Polyvagal theory with a focus on stress response awareness and nervous system regulation.
Paris McDonald, LMHC
Paris is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. View full profile.
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Paris, a U.S. Army Veteran, brings a unique blend of military insight and specialized training to counseling. With a background on serving first responders, military personnel, veterans, and their families, she understands the critical importance of resilience, a sense of community, and the necessity of therapeutic intervention for holistic healing.
Her approach is customized and empathetic, ensuring each session is tailored to the client's individual goals, fostering improvement in their overall quality of life. Paris utilizes a collaborative therapy model, nurturing growth and change while recognizing the uniqueness of each therapeutic journey. Her goal is to empower clients, helping them tap into their internal strengths for profound personal development.
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Paris's graduated with a Master’s degree in Applied Clinical Psychology from the University of South Carolina, Aiken.
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In therapy, Paris is experienced in treating complex trauma, anxiety, depression, suicide prevention, anger, grief, and personality disorders. Her client base spans across various demographics, including children, adolescents, adults, and couples. Paris is adept at guiding clients through challenges like interpersonal relationship dynamics, identity exploration, self-esteem issues, and navigating significant life changes. In her work with couples, she focuses on fostering meaningful connections, addressing key issues such as infidelity, trust, intimacy, and communication.
Her therapeutic techniques are comprehensive and evidence-based, incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) for adolescents, among others.
Emma Groskind, MS, LCSW
Emma is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Florida. View full profile.
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Emma is a trauma-informed and strengths-based clinician who is passionate about creating a safe and non-judgmental environment for individuals to heal. She has experience working with individuals who have suffered from a wide variety of traumatic experiences, depression, and anxiety. She utilizes evidence-based therapeutic approaches in helping individuals and families find relief from the impacts of trauma and distress.
Emma believes that a therapeutic relationship based in authenticity and compassion is crucial in promoting a positive experience in therapy. She is dedicated to working with individuals in identifying strengths to overcome difficult life experiences and promote positive mental health.
Emma integrates a variety of treatment modalities when working with clients and tailors her therapeutic approach to meet the needs of the individuals she works with. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).
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Emma graduated from the University of Louisville with a Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) and a specialization in mental health.
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Emma has experience in treating mental health concerns related to trauma, grief, depression, and anxiety in children, adolescents, and adults. She has worked in a wide variety of mental health settings including residential, outpatient, and community settings. Emma developed a passion for helping individuals heal from significant trauma and difficult childhood experiences during her work as a therapist for children in therapeutic foster care. She gained experience working with adults as they navigate issues related to life transitions, self-esteem, identity, and interpersonal relationships during her work as a therapist at a university counseling center.
She also has experience working with adolescents with severe behavioral and emotional concerns in a residential treatment setting.
Emma has experience treating trauma utilizing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and is a certified Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. She has experience implementing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in addressing a wide variety of clinical concerns, including Anxiety Disorders and Depressive Disorders.
Kelly Morrissey, MA, LMFT, LMHC-QS, CAP
Kelly is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist & Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. View full profile.
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Kelly honors the unique differences of each individual and provides a tailored treatment experience developed around their personal goals and needs. Kelly trusts in the healing power of a supportive and non-judgmental therapeutic relationship where you have the opportunity to express yourself freely and gain meaningful insight along the way. As a lifelong learner, she has pursued ongoing training in an evidence-based modern modality called Lifespan Integration Therapy which is rooted in neuroscience, offers gentle and rapid healing, and is widely applicable for a variety of presenting issues.
She is passionate about helping individuals, couples and families develop healthy coping strategies, improve communication patterns, process trauma, and enhance connection with self and others. Her thoughtful, candid, collaborative, client-centered approach focuses on leveraging strengths and supporting the healing journey as new perspectives are explored and new behaviors are practiced.
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Kelly obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and a Master of Arts Degree in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from the University of South Florida. She also completed a Graduate Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy at USF.
Kelly is one of two trained therapists in Florida who is providing Lifespan Integration Therapy.
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Kelly has over 14 years of experience working with a large variety of populations providing counseling services for individuals, couples, groups and families in Residential, PHP, IOP and OP settings. Her work in behavioral health began with directing the family program for a treatment center specializing in impaired professionals and young adults with addiction/mental health challenges. Kelly assisted families with shifting codependent and enabling behaviors allowing them to refocus on their own self care and promote healthier relational dynamics. She supported professionals and their loved ones as an Employee Assistance Program Counselor, helping individuals navigate burnout, communication issues, relationships challenges, self-esteem building, life transitions and perfectionism.
Kelly's training in Lifespan Integration offers individuals a pathway to healing that engages the entire body-mind and tends to be more effective than traditional talk therapies. She is a Qualified Supervisor in Florida, supporting Registered Interns in their pursuit of licensure in Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy.
Nicole Segovia, BS
Nicole is an Intern in the state of Florida. View full profile.
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Nicole is dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey to improved well-being. She is passionate about creating a compassionate and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions. Nicole approaches counseling with empathy and a commitment to understanding each person's unique experiences. She will work collaboratively with clients to navigate life's challenges, foster healing from past experiences, and empower clients to achieve their personal growth goals. Nicole utilizes a humanistic and person centered approach to therapy. Nicole focuses on working with young adults, adults, couples, and parent work. Nicole specializes in anxiety, depression, PTSD or traumatic events, prenatal/postpartum mental health, and the IVF process.
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Nicole obtained her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Crime Scene Investigation from Florida State University. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Adams State University.
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Nicole’s experience spans working with adults and couples in various counseling settings. Nicole’s training has equipped her with a strong foundation in providing empathetic and effective support across different life challenges. She is dedicated to providing a supportive and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their issues and work towards their personal goals. Her approach is rooted in active listening and a commitment to understanding what is unique about client’s past experiences, aiming to foster growth and awareness throughout the therapeutic journey together. Nicole is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma informed interventions to foster resiliency, and perinatal mental health approaches.
Amanda Farris, MS, LCSW-QS
Amanda is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Florida. View full profile.
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Amanda is enthusiastic about helping people navigate through challenging times and break patterns that are no longer serving them. Her approach to therapy is relational and dynamic, focusing on valuing each client's strengths and fostering growth through various life stages. In her work with couples, Amanda fosters a deep understanding of the dynamics that drive each partner. She works to help individuals and couples address concerns around communication, intimacy, boundaries, and trust. She is passionate about working with couples from all types of relationship structures.
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Amanda graduated from the University of South Florida with a Master’s Degree in Social Work with an additional certificate in Adolescent Behavioral Health. She has an undergraduate degree (BA) in Psychology from Saint Leo University, and completed her Registered Yoga Teacher training in 2018.
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Amanda is a dedicated and compassionate mental health therapist with extensive experience in helping individuals, couples, and families navigate a wide range of challenges. Specializing in evidence-based modalities such as attachment-focused EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), she works with adolescents, adults, and families to address trauma, depression, anxiety, self-harm, and other risky behaviors.
Finally, Amanda is also a registered yoga teacher, integrating mindfulness and body-centered approaches into her therapeutic practice, if of interest to the client(s). She is also a qualified supervisor for Registered Clinical Social Worker Interns in the state of Florida.
Tyler MacDonald, MA, LMHC
Tyler is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. View full profile.
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Always passionate about utilizing a systemic approach, Tyler incorporates a combination of motivational interviewing, person-centered, Jungian and existential approaches that balance one's individual strengths and motivations against the deeper, universal challenges each client faces in their own way. Tyler brings a trauma-informed approach to each relationship, always ensuring a compassionate conversation as clients generate insight on their strengths, skill sets, and passions. Tyler believes that counseling is not a process of creating something new, but of removing the barriers to what has always been.
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Tyler earned his Master’s Degree in Counselor Education from the University of Central Florida where he focused in Clinical Mental Health. Prior to this, Tyler attended Florida State University where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Humanities.
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Tyler's clinical experience includes residential-based substance use disorder care, crisis-level eating disorder programs, adolescent in-patient psychiatric hospitals, and work with multiple victim's advocacy centers. His areas of interest include Identity Exploration, Anxiety, Depression, Neurodivergence, Self Esteem, Mens Work, Substance Use, Anger Work, Spirituality, and Grief Work.
Personally, Tyler enjoys spending his time with movies, books, and family. Born and raised in Florida, he enjoys spending time outdoors and can generally be found following his curiosity wherever it may lead. From his family owning and operating a funeral home in his youth where he first worked to his volunteering in men’s bystander education and victim’s advocacy groups, Tyler is not just comfortable in confronting challenging conversations but feels his clients benefit most from developing the skill sets to be able to initiate them in their own lives.
Megan Midura, MA
Megan is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern in the state of Florida. View full profile.
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Megan places emphasis on client individuality, and employs relationship-centered approach to supporting clients and families. Megan enjoys helping individuals and families identify and build on their existing strengths to navigate challenges effectively. Through collaboration and evidence-based strategies, Megan empowers clients to develop resilience, enhance problem-solving skills, and foster personal growth. Megan strives to create a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore their experiences and make positive steps towards change. As a therapist, Megan recognizes that change can be difficult and prides herself on meeting clients where they are at.
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Megan obtained a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, Connecticut. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Tampa, with a minor in education.
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Megan’s clinical experience has a focus on children and families, and has worked with clients from early childhood to young adulthood. Megan’s experience spans various levels of care, from intensive outpatient treatment to community-based services. Megan has expertise in working with crisis stabilization, risky behaviors, school concerns, parenting skills, anxiety, depression, and trauma. She specializes in helping children learn to ways to cope with big feelings, express themselves appropriately, and learn ways to advocate for their needs. Megan places emphasis on caregiver involvement, and supports parents on navigating ways to foster healthy relationships with their little ones.
Megan has completed trainings in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Parent-Child Interactive Therapy (PCIT), Trauma-Focused Play Therapy as well as seminars on crisis stabilization, children’s psychopharmacology, and attachment. She places emphasis on continuing education to learn ways to support clients in reaching their full potential. Megan has experience working with and treating diagnoses such as ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Major Depression. In session, you can find Megan reading books to her clients, using artistic mediums to understand her client’s world, and playing games to support children in learning socio-emotional skills. Outside of session, Megan enjoys the beach, scrapbooking, and finding new coffee shops to try!
Jessica Klein, MA, LMHC
Jessica is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. View full profile.
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Jessica is a compassionate and experienced therapist who has worked with individuals ages 6 and up, couples, and adults in both private practice and community-based mental health settings. She holds Gottman Level 1 training and utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, inner-child work, and attachment-based approaches to support clients through a variety of concerns. Her areas of interest include life transitions, interpersonal challenges, and deepening self-understanding. Grounded in a strength-based philosophy, she strives to create a non-judgmental and safe space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered to grow.
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Jessica graduated from the University of South Florida with a master’s degree in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling.
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Before becoming a therapist, she worked as a 3rd grade teacher—an experience that continues to inform her therapeutic work, especially when supporting clients in reconnecting with their inner child. This background enhances her ability to create a nurturing environment, attune to emotional needs with curiosity and care, and helps clients explore early experiences that may still shape their present-day thoughts, feelings, and relationships.
Ashley Canto, MS, LCSW
Ashley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Florida.
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Ashley is a trauma-informed therapist with a strong focus on child therapy and family healing. She works with children, adolescents, teens, and adults who are navigating the effects of trauma, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and life transitions. Drawing from her experience across a variety of settings, Ashley creates a safe, supportive space where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered.
Her approach is warm, collaborative, and rooted in evidence-based practices. She tailors each session to the unique needs of the individual or family, helping caregivers strengthen their connection with their children and guiding clients of all ages toward emotional resilience and long-term growth.
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Ashley holds a masters degree in Social Work from the University of South Florida and maintains specialized certifications in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Parent Management Technique (PMT), Emotional Freedom Technique Tapping (EFT), Motivational Interviewing, and Play Therapy.
Her comprehensive training enables her to work effectively across a broad spectrum of challenges, with a particular focus on trauma, emotional regulation, family dynamics, and behavioral concerns to support recovery and resilience.
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Prior to her clinical practice, Ashley served as a case manager within the foster care system, gaining valuable insight into the systemic barriers and emotional complexities that affect children and families. She also has extensive experience working with youth in a variety of environments, including schools, summer camps, and community programs—fostering resilience, emotional safety, and developmental growth through supportive and structured engagement. A key focus of her work has remained on encouraging and creating a safe atmosphere for mothers, fathers, and caregivers to expand their parenting skills. Through constructive and therapeutic feedback, she helps caregivers strengthen their relationships with children and build confidence in their parenting approach.
Ashley’s professional philosophy is grounded in a person-centered approach. She believes in honoring the individual strengths and innate gifts that each client brings to the therapeutic process. Ashley is committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and collaborative atmosphere where clients feel heard, validated, and empowered to explore their personal paths toward healing. She is skilled in facilitating meaningful and sometimes difficult conversations in individual, couples, family, and group settings—supporting honest dialogue, emotional connection, and long-term growth.
Patricia “Trish” Cunningham, MS, LMHC
Patricia is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida.
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With over 20 years of clinical experience, Trish Cunningham is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who brings both professional expertise and deep personal insight to her work with individuals, couples, and families. As a parent to four grown children and a proud grandparent, Trish integrates her lived experience with extensive training in human development and family dynamics.
Trish’s therapeutic style is integrative and compassionate. She primarily utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), while weaving in mindfulness, breathwork, somatic experiencing, and expressive modalities like art and music. Her work is grounded in a holistic approach that honors the mind-body-soul connection. Clients seeking spiritually integrated therapy or wellness-based support will find a welcoming space in her care.
Trish is a Certified Trauma Therapist with advanced training in EMDR and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). She specializes in recovery from religious trauma and spiritual abuse—guiding clients toward healing and autonomy after harmful belief systems.
For couples, Trish draws from Gottman Method, Imago Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and evidence-based approaches for affair recovery. Her work with families is rooted in family systems theory and Nonviolent Communication (NVC), with a special focus on parenting across all stages of child development.
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Trish has earned master’s degrees in Counseling Psychology, Religion, Theology and Sociology from Nova Southeastern University, Yale Divinity School, Emory University and the University of London, respectively. In addition to extensive training in the major schools of pre-marital and couples’ counseling, she has trained in Non-Violent Communication, Conflict Meditation, Reconciliation, Trauma Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Lifespan Human Development, Parenting, Gender Studies, Meditation and Mindfulness, Grief and more.
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Trish has practiced counseling in San Francisco, California, West Hartford, Connecticut and the Tampa Bay area. In addition to many years in private practice, she has worked in three in-patient addiction and recovery centers, one in San Francisco, one is Denver and one in Greenwich, CT. A former hospital chaplain, she worked at Yale New Haven Hospital and the University of Colorado Hospital. Here she gained insight into medical trauma, the mental health effects of illness and disability, and end of life/ grief. An ordained Episcopal priest, she specialized in urban ministry and outreach to people on the margins in San Francisco, Denver, Hartford and Minneapolis.
Ciana Nguyen, MS, LCSW
Ciana is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Florida.
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Ciana is passionate about helping individuals and families gain an understanding of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and find healing and resiliency through the therapeutic process.
As a therapist, Ciana has worked with children, adolescents, adults, and families in a variety of settings. Her experience includes supporting individuals coping with depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, adjustment disorders, complex trauma, and relational difficulties. Ciana’s approach is grounded in trauma-informed, developmentally-sensitive care. She specializes in evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), supportive therapy, play therapy and mindfulness-based strategies. Her work with children and families allows her to take a developmentally sensitive, systems-informed approach that considers the unique needs of each family member.
Ciana offers a warm, collaborative space where clients feel heard, supported, and empowered to create meaningful change. She is dedicated to helping individuals build practical tools for managing emotional distress, improving daily functioning, and enhancing overall well-being. She believes in a holistic, client-centered approach that honors the unique strengths of each individual. Taking the first step toward therapy is powerful, and Ciana is here to walk with you on your journey toward healing.
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Ciana obtained her Master of Social Work and Bachelor of Social Work from the University of South Florida. She obtained her Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development from Mohawk Valley Community College.
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Ciana has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, individuals and families in a variety of settings in Upstate New York and South Florida, including school systems, supervised visitation programs, and healthcare environments; including the Department of Veterans Affairs. She is a licensed clinician who specializing in diagnosing, treating, and managing mental health conditions. She has supported children navigating emotional and behavioral difficulties, trauma, and family transitions, and has collaborated closely with caregivers to strengthen family systems. Her early work in school and community-based settings provided the groundwork for her child-focused, developmentally sensitive approach.
In addition to her work with children, Ciana has significant experience serving military families, active duty service members, and Veterans. She has worked in specialized programs providing psychosocial support to active-duty Service Members, Veterans, and their children and families—helping them navigate complex mental health concerns, reintegration stressors, chronic conditions, and trauma. Her familiarity with military culture allows her to offer compassionate, culturally competent care tailored to the unique needs of military-connected individuals.
She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), CBT for Chronic Pain (CBT-CP), Motivational Interviewing, and Pain Neuroscience Education. Her clinical approach is holistic and client-centered, integrating evidence-based practices with an emphasis on emotional resilience, regulation, and relationship-building across all ages.
Ciana has extensive experience supporting individuals and families impacted by anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, adjustment disorders, complex trauma, and relational difficulties. Additionally, she has worked with clients navigating grief, chronic stress, identity-related concerns, and challenges related to attachment and emotional regulation. Her approach integrates evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), supportive therapy, and mindfulness to help clients build resilience, self-awareness, and meaningful connection in their lives and relationships.
Annie Mowbray, BA
Annie is an Intern in the state of Florida.
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Annie is an intern with It Begins Within Healing Center and she brings a unique experience to her counseling sessions. She recognizes the hesitancy and difficulty of reaching out to start counseling therefore she is intentional about creating a safe space for open communication and authenticity. Annie has a person-centered approach where she works to meet each of her clients where they are and support them through each step of the counseling process.
Annie utilizes compassion, empathy, and understanding to ensure her clients are being heard and that their specific goals are being addressed through the process. She focuses on encouraging manageable progress that enhances the quality of life and overall well-being to work toward healing. Annie is passionate about creating a healthy therapeutic relationship with her clients that is non-judgmental and is built upon the unique experiences of each of her clients. She aims to empower her clients by collaboratively working with them to develop coping skills, self-advocacy, and navigate healing.
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Annie is completing her Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling and Disability Sciences from the University of South Florida. She obtained her Bachelor’s from the University of Tampa.
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Annie has experience working in a variety of locations with clients of different ages and backgrounds. Her approach is person-centered so that she can curate her therapeutic approach to the specific needs of the client. She is trained in CBT, and Gestalt, and has a focus on trauma. Annie is informed on working with clients through life transitions, interpersonal relationships, trauma, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, or disordered eating and suicidal ideation.
She has training and knowledge working with individuals with a variety of disabilities. She specializes in clients who are navigating health concerns, chronic illness, invisible disabilities, or have a loved one with disabilities. Annie has been trained in trauma-informed care and works to create a safe environment for people of all backgrounds.
Kate Fens, MBA
Kate is our compassionate Client Care Coordinator.
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Kate is our Client Care Coordinator, it is her goal to provide the best service to clients, assisting them in maintaining their sense of well-being and comfort working with IBWHC. She will respond to any questions you may have about our services.
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Kate holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Pre-Law from Shippensburg University, with a Master’s in Business Administration from George Mason. This combination allows her to assist Dr. Perleoni in managing the initial communication and follow-up with clients of IBWHC.
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Kate has worked in assisting therapists for over 6 years and has been involved with the Mental Health field for over 15 years, working in the background to ensure the practice continues to run smoothly.
Our Locations
Tampa Bay
550 N Reo Street, Suite 150 & 215 Tampa, FL 33609
St. Petersburg
12425 28th St, Suite 100 St. Petersburg, FL 33716