Laurie Dawn Lerner MS. LMHC

Welcome! I am so happy you are here. My name is Laurie Lerner. Considering counseling means at a deep level, you know you deserve better and are capable of getting more out of your life. Through psychotherapy, you will be able to explore one of the most important subjects in your life-YOURSELF! 

I have dedicated myself to healing lives through my passion for counseling for over 34 years and have the unique training, experience and credentials to help you cope through the rough spots in your life. I am trained in the practice of psychotherapy, holding a Master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University in Mental Health Counseling, one of the most respected counseling programs in the nation. NBCC represents my certification with the National Board for Certified Counselors, the nation’s premier professional certification board devoted to credentialing counselors who meet the highest standards for professional counseling. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor that is recognized throughout the entire State of Florida. Through advanced training and years of experience, I have developed particular expertise in helping people work through a variety of life challenges, including self-esteem issues, life transitions, anxiety, stress, parenting, grief, relational issues, and addiction. I practice a conversational, collaborative therapy approach aimed at helping people understand themselves better. You may be troubled by persistent negative thoughts and feelings, dissatisfied with certain important relationships, or frustrated that the choices you’ve made are no longer working for you. Either way, I applaud you for taking this step. I work with each of my client’s to ensure they are comfortable and ready to explore their issues in a space that is free from all judgments, stigmas or shame. I am well versed in brief therapy, psychodynamic theories, cognitive behavior therapy, systems theory and solution focused therapy. My style is to look to promote fundamental changes to take place in your life that will last. I start from the positive psychology framework and look for strengths that you already have. By blending both cognitive behavioral and client centered therapy I make sure that you feel empowered. I will start your first sessions with Cognitive Behavior Therapy, often times combining an eclectic blend of techniques as I get to know you, depending on your very own specific needs. I am proud and humbled to be able to do the work of a psychotherapist and am committed to offering you my best.

                    "Never give up, never surrender, rise up against your odds" 

Individual Counseling

For clients who are seeking a personal, individual counseling experience, I offer a professional, confidential setting.  Sessions are focused on the needs of the individual.  Individual counseling is very effective in finding healing in a wide variety of areas including anxiety, depression, job, relationships, abuse, addiction, grief, loss, stress, and life adjustments.  I meet you at the center of life's crossroads and work to bring growth, hope and understanding.  

Couples Counseling

Some of the greatest struggles in life can come within the context within a relationship.  We experience the greatest highs and lows of life in a relationship because nowhere else do we hold our hearts out so openly.  Often, this results in great hurts and misunderstanding.  Rest assured, it is never too late to find healing in your relationship. I specialize in working with dating, engaged and married couples. 

Family Counseling

The family relationship consists of countless dynamics and interactions.  Many families find themselves in a place where they feel disconnected, in constant conflict, or unable to work together day-to-day.  Seeking family counseling can be one of the most powerful and effective ways to experience profound change within your family relationship.  I am experienced in working with families, and enjoy witnessing the healing that takes place within the family context.  That healing transforms the lives of every member of the family. 

Adolescents

The teenage years are a time of great change and identity development. Often, it can feel turbulent, out-of-control, and confusing for both parents and adolescents.  These years create many opportunities for tension within the family relationship as well. I have a strong passion for working with this age group and their parents.  Adolescents need to feel and be understood as they journey through new and different struggles.  It may feel hard at times to compete with the influence of friends, media and society in your adolescent’s life.  Adolescent therapy provides opportunity for your teenager to find change in a healthy and growth-focused environment.  Both parents and teenagers are able find health and growth in a wide variety of areas that may be of concern.

Addiction (Substance, Sexual, Love, Gambling)

Addiction can bring us to some of the most broken and dark places in our lives. The burden of addiction does not have to control your life anymore.  You can be set free! It begins with a desire to change and grows into a life of recovery. You can find healing and recovery. It is never too late to seek growth and change. Addiction therapy can be very effective and can completely transform your life and close relationships.

Grief/Loss

The losses of life often can take us completely by surprise and take the wind out of our sails.  The journey of grief is different for everyone.  Often what you need most is someone to come alongside and be willing to sit in the middle of the despair.  You need someone to listen.  It feels like no one could understand or know what you are going through.  You knew that this happened to others, but never to you.  Grief/loss counseling can provide profound healing in the midst of the greatest pain you may have ever felt in your life.  I will help you journey through this pain and confusion, in order to get you to a place of healing and restoration.

Depression

Depression plagues millions of Americans every day.  Signs of depression include: feelings of worthlessness, constantly being tired, withdrawing socially, difficulty with motivation to start tasks, too much sleep or sleeplessness, constant sadness, loss of appetite, feeling empty, apathetic, or simply more "down" than you used to be.  Depression can be treated effectively for the majority of people with several key behavioral changes that can be worked on in the therapeutic environment.  I will assess your depression and provide you with a treatment plan that will best help you to overcome the depression in your life.

Anxiety

Anxiety can steal the joy and energy out of your day-to-day life.  Anxiety can manifest itself physically through heart/chest pain, chronic fatigue, numbness, blurred vision, loss of appetite, and headaches.  Anxiety can also manifest itself in social phobias, situational phobias, panic attacks, general stress, difficulty concentrating, fear of failure/rejection, distancing in relationships, and distorted thinking. Your thoughts and beliefs greatly influence the anxiety that you experience in life.  Through the use of cognitive behavioral therapy, you can find great healing for even the most extreme anxiety.

Divorce Recovery

There are many unique stressors and difficulties that can occur during and after a divorce or separation.  Whether it is trying to redefine yourself or your family, trying to process where to go from here, or trying to heal in the midst of transition; I can navigate the rough waters for and with you.  Don't go through separation or divorce alone. Most people will tell you that separation and divorce are the most painful and stressful experiences they have ever faced. The feelings of isolation and confusion can overwhelm you, but there is hope and healing.

As a nationally certified and a state licensed mental health counselor, I adhere to a code of ethics that insures your privacy and confidentiality. Nothing you disclose is shared with anybody, either verbally or in written form. Your contact information is not shared with anyone. Should there be a need to share such information, it can only occur based on your written consent. There are some important exceptions to this rule. I am legally and ethically bound to breach confidentiality and report to proper authorities if I suspect that you are a clear and present danger to yourself or anyone else. I am obligated to warn any person who may be in danger from your actions. I am bound by law to report any suspected child abuse or elder abuse. In the case of court proceedings involving a client, I may be subpoenaed to release confidential information or if I am the defendant in a client initiated lawsuit or malpractice claim I may be required to breach confidentiality. Outside of these very rare exceptions, all counseling session communications are strictly confidential.