How Can I Help?
Anxiety, Depression & Feeling Down, Trauma, Loss/Grief Counseling, Career Counseling, Low Self-Esteem, and more...
About Stacy, MA, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
My name is Stacy and I’m a cat and plant mom. I was born in Katy, TX, but was raised in the outskirts of Tampa. I attended the University of Florida where I had a successful soccer career, but more importantly, was exposed to my passions outside of the game. I lived in several different places during my soccer career, but eventually settled down in Tampa to pursue my Master’s degree. I have been here since. I enjoy being in nature and am very passionate about environmental sustainability. I love to travel and learn about other cultures. I have always been passionate about people and helping individuals, so pursuing mental health counseling is a dream come true.
Why I became a counselor.
I knew that I wanted to be a mental health professional from an early age due to personal and family experiences. I realized early in life that I had a gift that I wanted to share. Through engaging in various social outreach efforts as an athlete, I rediscovered my passion for working with people, especially kids. I knew that I wanted to do more for those in need, so I decided to transition to a career that would allow me to and landed on school counseling. After a decade in the school system, I have grown to realize my passion lies more with one-on-one mental health counseling. I am excited to apply my unique skillsets and experiences to the mental health counseling world through working with adults and teens to empower them to become their best selves.
Education, Experience, and Approach.
I am a post graduate Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern with a Master’s degree in Counselor Education from the University of South Florida. I am exiting the school system after 10 years to be able to focus more on mental health counseling. I have worked with students and families of diverse backgrounds and have helped them achieve their emotional, behavioral, academic, and career goals. I have experience in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, motivation, stress, loss/grief, anger, body image issues, life transitions, relationship issues, gender identity and expression, amongst others. I’ve also had to navigate my own anxiety and I would like to help others do the same.
Being a retired professional athlete, I have a passion to work with current and former athletes in the unique mental health and transitional challenges presented to that population. I’m also passionate about working with the LGBTQIA+ population. I utilize person-centered therapy, listening without judgment, while creating a warm, safe space. I also integrate aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) by identifying and reframing unhealthy thinking patterns, as well as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you align with your values and goals.