Happy Healthy Minds Counseling

Leighann Avery, LMHC - Owner & Counselor Uses Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) in session Leighann started Happy Healthy Minds Counseling in 2018 after having the dream of starting a private practice for many years. She has since grown the practice to include many other clinicians as she saw during the pandemic she was unable to keep up with the requests for counseling. She is so happy she has been able to grow her business and help so many others get the help they need. Leighann specializes in treating clients who struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, and coping skills. She loves working with clients and seeing the process as they improve their symptoms. Her approach includes using evidence-based treatments to assist client in processing through their feelings, improving their coping skills, and increasing their pro-social behavior. In using CBT, she gets excited when clients are able to dispute their negative thoughts to increase their feelings of happiness. In utilizing ART, I love how quick and effective results can be in treating anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, grief and more. The process of ART involves the brain focusing on a problem while concurrently using eye movements to make new connections so a person can realize their strengths and tap into their problem-solving abilities. Leighann graduated with a bachelor's in criminology from The University of South Florida, and a master's degree in counseling psychology from Saint Leo University. Leighann has previously worked as a School Counselor in Hillsborough County Schools as well as a Counselor and Director in several mental health agencies throughout the Tampa Bay area. Leighann loves helping others, and this is a passion that drives her. She provides a warm and inviting environment for clients to share their story. Leighann believes that if every one of her clients can at least leave her office even a teeny bit better than when they entered, she has made a difference. Although she strives to make even greater improvements as well. Specialty: Adults Mandy Hines, LMHC, MCAP Mandy is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Qualified Supervisor, Master's Level Certified Addiction Practitioner, and Certified Victim Service Practitioner. Mandy has over 16 years' experience providing individual, couples, family, and group counseling in a variety of settings with individuals of all ages and backgrounds. While Mandy's expertise is in trauma and complicated grief, she has much experience working in behavioral health crisis, family reunification, severe and persistent mental illness, and addictions. Mandy's approach is holistic, person centered, and strength based. Mandy is trained in an array of evidence-based practices including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and is Certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy; and often utilizes Motivational Interviewing and Solution Focused Therapy. It is Mandy's passion to embark on a journey of wellness with her clients, by hearing their story and finding meaning and purpose of their life circumstances while providing a safe and non-judgmental environment. Mandy believes every person has the capability to live their absolute best and feels privileged at the opportunity to assist her clients with identifying and expanding on strengths while improving coping skills and communication with others. Mandy graduated with a double bachelor's in psychology and criminology from The Florida State University, and a master's degree in vocational Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from the University of South Florida. Mandy serves as a consult and trainer on topics including compassion fatigue, post trauma reactions, relationship violence, and suicide awareness/prevention. She also serves as a first responder to traumatic and emotionally disturbing crimes and natural disasters through the Florida Crisis Response Team. Ryann Farley, LMHC My journey as an aspiring clinician came from my desire to support individuals in learning to help themselves and to live a more fulfilled life. Using the proper tools and skills developed within our sessions, one will learn to better cope with daily life and achieve their specific goals. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, teens, and young adults to manage challenges and navigate through individual concerns together. I graduated from Goldey Beacom College with a B.A. in Psychology in 2017 and a B.A. in Criminal Justice is 2018 and earned an M.S. in Counseling & Psychology from Troy University in July 2021, where I will then pursue licensure. Through interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Play Therapy, I work mostly with clients dealing with anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder, and ADHD. While working with children, I enjoy creating a space where they can freely express themselves through games, art, sand, or puppets. With teens and young adults, it’s especially important to help them feel comfortable and safe talking through their daily struggles with me while also allowing us to set attainable goals and improve everyday life. If you feel you or a loved one may benefit from my approaches, you may call or email to set up your first appointment to determine if we may be a good fit for each other. Specialty: Children, Teenagers, and Young Adults Tina Traver, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern My goal as a counselor is to help clients of all ages realize their past does not define them, and that they can live a fulfilling life. Working with clients brings me joy. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, teens, and adults. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Theory, Play Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Interventions to help toward client specific goals. I work with clients who live with depression, anxiety, anger control problems, ADHD, family separation, Autism, and divorce. I find it important as a counselor, to ensure the clients feel they are in a safe place to express themselves and be their true self without fear or judgement. During their sessions, we will set specific goals to work toward, to help my clients live the fulfilling life they deserve. I completed my Master of Science in Counseling and Psychology at Troy University, Tampa. I accept Aetna, Cigna, and Blue Cross insurance. You can schedule an appointment with me by reaching out to our office manager or emailing me at ttraver@happyhealthymindscounseling.com Specialty: Children, Teenagers, and Adults Erica Carter, LMHC Erica Cook Carter is a bilingual (English/Spanish) licensed therapist working primarily in the Clearwater office on Mondays and Fridays, as well as online. She provides individual, couples and family therapy, and has a passion for working with minorities, young adults, and parents. She applies an easygoing, compassionate, and directive method to four therapeutic approaches: cognitive behavioral, emotion focused, acceptance commitment and creative arts. Erica received her bachelor’s degree in art therapy from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and a Master’s in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from the University of South Florida, with a certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy. Her therapy is also informed by two decades of living and learning in different cultures and countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, Africa and Asia, where she has performed extensive voluntary work with numerous humanitarian charities. Change can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you need help with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, work-related issues, life transitions, relationships, trauma, or something else, Erica is here and happy to help you with humor, candor, and a deeply caring heart. Specialty: Adults Laurie Elbow, LMHC I have been a licensed therapist for 16 years and have worked with kids and families in many different settings. I enjoy helping individuals and families learn and grow through the process of therapy. I feel honored to be able to assist those who have experienced trauma heal. I have worked specifically in the areas of child abuse and sexual assault for many years. I treat a wide range of concerns and am confident in referring to other providers if I am not a good fit. I value and acknowledge the unique background and experience of each person and enjoy helping you find your voice. I take a collaborative approach to all facets of the process of therapy. I use a range of modalities based on client preference and fit: Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Strength-based, Solution-focused, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to name a few. I ask for frequent feedback on the process and its outcomes. There’s no time like the present to begin the journey towards a happier, healthier you. Specialty: Children (ages 8 and up) Adults and Families Sierra Shannon, Art Therapist and Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern I believe in building a solid rapport with my clients, so they feel at ease in the therapy room and feel both heard and understood. My ultimate goal as an art therapist is to provide a creative approach to exploring challenges and strengths and to support you in your journey to healing and personal growth. I enjoy working with children and adolescents individually as well as families. I assist clients with anxiety, depression, stress and coping, interpersonal dilemmas, parenting dilemmas, relationship communication, conflict resolution, and developing greater connection and intimacy with loved ones. Art therapy can supplement traditional talk therapy providing an alternative modality of communication. I use an integrative approach to counseling using different therapeutic tools that best fit my client’s needs. I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Florida in 2019 and my Master’s in Art Therapy and Counseling from Eastern Virginia Medical School in 2022. Specialty: Children, Teens, Families and Adults Kristine Harvey, Registered Marriage and Family Intern and Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern As a Marriage and Family Therapist Registered Intern and Mental Health Counselor Intern in Florida, I specialize in applying systems theory to help individuals, couples, families, and groups navigate the complexities of relationships and personal growth. With a focus on communication, family dynamics, substance abuse recovery, and supporting young adults with autism, my practice is designed to address the unique needs of each client. I take an experimental and adaptive approach, tailoring the therapeutic process to fit the individual, drawing from various modalities to create a personalized path toward healing. Passionate about the arts, photography, animals, and nature, especially the calming beauty of the beach, I often integrate these elements into therapy when appropriate. Whether working with couples to strengthen their bond or guiding individuals through personal challenges, I aim to foster meaningful, transformative experiences for all of my clients. Specialty: Children, Teens, Adults, Family Therapy and Couples Therapy Carol Sterner, Office Manager Carol joined our team in February 2021. She manages our billing, insurance, scheduling, and will usually be the one answering your phone calls. Email: contact@happyhealthymindscounseling.com