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Rocky Beach

About Me.

I'm Raquel, a Florida bilingual (Spanish/English) EMDR and trauma therapist with over a decade of experience helping adults like you find healing and lasting recovery from symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship challenges. 

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My specialties

I specialize in working with individuals who are seeking positive change, personal growth, and a deeper understanding of themselves, but don't yet have the tools to succeed.

My Approach

 My approach to therapy is focused on building trust, promoting self-awareness, and empowering my clients. I integrate trauma-informed care, strength base, and harm reduction to help my clients with quicker healing and lasting recovery. I use a variety of methods and techniques, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and EMDR.

What I offer

I recognize that therapy is not easy, I offer a safe judgment free space. I aim to create a nurturing and supportive environment where you feel understood and validated in your experiences. I believe in working in partnership with my clients, utilizing their hidden strengths to help sort out difficulties and achieve peace of mind.

About my practice

Experience

For the past ten years, I have worked in different setting such as psychiatric inpatient and outpatient services, rehab center, and online.  I had the honor of helping individuals with severe and persistent mental illness suffering from a broad spectrum of diagnosis manage their symptom of depression and anxiety.

Efficiency

Your time is precious, so I want to use your sessions in a way that will most effectively meet your needs and address the concerns you have.  I am ready to listen and support you.

My mission

Is to empower individuals to thrive by leveraging their unique strengths.

As a therapist, I strive to meet my clients where they are, providing a safe and nonjudgmental space for healing and growth.

First Session

In our first session we will get to know each other, I take time to develop a deep understanding of your needs and your struggles and provide a safe, supportive environment where you can feel safe sharing your story.

My Vision

Is to equip clients with coping strategies and empower them to lead fulfilling lives. When working with you, I want to help you identify and use your strengths to accomplish your goals in life. I am here to support you; facilitate your self-exploration and help you grow into the life you desire.  

Goals

I will ask you how you have been feeling, and how is it affecting your life, and explore efforts made to try to address them.  Each individual is different, and I like to listen first before assuming I know what will work best for you moving forward

Accepted Insurance

Techniques I use

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What should you expect from Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)

Fort the past 10 years I have been helping my clients 

  • Identify negative thoughts and recognize unhelpful thoughts and beliefs

  • Challenge negative thoughts and consider different viewpoints and question assumptions

  • Replace negative thoughts and try to replace negative thoughts with more positive ones

  • Change behaviors and work to change maladaptive behaviors

  • Maintain progress by practicing new behaviors to sustain progress

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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

I am a certified DBT practitioner with extensive experience in helping individuals manage cravings, impulsivity, and stress tolerance

  • I have  helped my clients learn skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, & interpersonal effectiveness 

  • My clients learn to accept their feelings and practice self compassion

  • They learn to make positive changes and leave behind unhelpful behaviors

  • Improve interpersonal relationship and feel more connected with the people they love

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Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)

For the past 8 years, I have incorporated EMDR into my practice

  • EMDR therapy helps individuals overcome trauma and emotional distress.

  • It uses eye movements, sounds, or taps to process traumatic memories and reduce their negative impact.

  • I have successfully used this therapy online and in person.

  • It is very effective for those struggling with PTSD, anxiety, and trauma.

  • This has enabled me to assist individuals in processing traumatic experiences, leading to a gradual alleviation of their symptoms

  • A majority of my clients have reported an enhancement in their mood and an increased capacity to find joy in life

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My Approach

Harm Reduction

I integrate a harm reduction approach for addiction treatment that focuses on reducing negative consequences rather than the standard focus on abstinence, and empowers clients to make positive changes at their own pace.

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What is Holistic Approach? 

I believe that true wellness is achieved by addressing all aspects of your life. My approach focuses on your physical, emotional, and mental well-being, that they are all interconnected. By promoting healing and balance, I aim to help you achieve optimal health and wellness.

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What is Solution Focused Therapy?

I understand that your time is valuable, so I strive to achieve quicker healing by making you an active participant in your treatment. I expect you to be proactive, committed, and accountable on this journey. 

Treatment Specialties

 

 

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Anxiety

Can be overwhelming and debilitating. It can interfere with your daily life and prevent you from reaching your full potential.  I use evidence-based therapies such as CBT and mindfulness to help you manage your anxiety symptoms and regain control of your life.

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Depression

Can make it difficult to enjoy the things you once loved and can leave you feeling hopeless and alone.  I am trained and have years of experience to help you navigate through the challenges of depression using evidence-based therapies, such as CBT and DBT.

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Relationship Issues

Can be a source of great joy and fulfillment, but they can also be a source of stress and conflict. I am trained to help you navigate through the challenges related to poor communication. Let me help you develop healthy boundaries, mutual respect, trust , fight fairly, and learn to compromise.

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 Addiction

Overcoming addiction is a journey that no one should have to do alone.  I offer the support you need to navigate this difficult journey. Together, we’ll work on developing tools to help manage cravings and develop a healthy lifestyle that minimized negative consequences to enhance quality of life. 

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Trauma

Trauma can have a lasting impact on your mental health and well-being.  I am trained in  (EMDR) and Trauma-Focused CBT Therapy.  Let me help you heal from the effects of trauma and move forward with your life.

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Social Anxiety

 I provide personalized self-esteem therapy to help you overcome insecurities and boost your confidence. With my guidance, you can learn valuable skills, get rid of social anxiety, and gain greater self-worth. Take the first step towards a happier, more fulfilling life today.

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