Meet Dr. Donna... "The Mental Alchemist"

---

I am a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern in the State of Florida. I am an alumna of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences of Nova Southeastern University (NSU), where I earned a Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution with a concentration in Conflict and Crisis Management. I have a Master’s in Counseling from Barry University and Bachelor’s in Psychology, also from NSU.  I have over twenty-five years of advocacy experience.  I have several years of experience as a Department of Law Enforcement Victim Witness Professional/Crisis Responder. I advocate for survivors of crimes and individuals with disabilities.  I believe in empowering persons who are traditionally underrepresented. I cater to survivors of crimes and individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and First Responders.   Furthermore, I understand the uniqueness of African American culture and I welcome those of you who feel therapy may be scary, taboo, or even, not for you.   Let’s talk about it!!  Let’s work together to enhance your self-care routine and boost your awareness of your own mental health.  “The real alchemy in the world is the ability to manifest personal change - an ability that everyone possesses.” ~ Paulo Coelho 

I have experience working with individuals, couples, and families in the following areas (but not limited to): complex trauma, family conflict, grief and loss, life transitions, compassion fatigue, women's issues,  life-stage issues, and relationship challenges.  While I subscribe to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Theory, Systems Theory, Solution Focused Therapy Models, and Trauma-Focused Therapy, I believe that holistic approaches are the best approach to finding one’s mental balance. 

I am an emotional wellness practitioner.  

I believe in mental and emotional alchemy. 

Healing our minds is ultimately a pathway to healing. As William Shakespeare said, “You are an alchemist; make gold of that.”  

Fundamentally, our minds are instruments of healing the heart. And, the core of alchemy is based on how we can use our minds to restructure our emotions and change our lives, fundamentally through reframing.  

My goal is to empower you to make positive and informed decisions that will lead to places that honor your growth, healing, and serenity. My role isn’t to tell you how to live, but to usher you through a process that helps you explore ways to meet your needs and create a fulfilling life. 

Balanced approaches to therapy allow you to navigate negative thought processes, which lead to the transformations of the foundations of mindsets that contribute to conflictual behaviors. Likewise, this approach is used to transform into positive thought processes. Through therapy, we can work towards achieving your goals in a safe, compassionate, and authentic space.