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    • Home
    • Get in Touch
    • Meet the Team
    • Specialist or Generalists
    • Pricing & Insurance
    • Blog
    • FAQs
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  • Home
  • Get in Touch
  • Meet the Team
  • Specialist or Generalists
  • Pricing & Insurance
  • Blog
  • FAQs
  • Client Portal

Our Counselors & Supporters

Jessica Alea, EdD, MS, LMHC

  

Hello, I’m Jessica, a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) in Florida. I specialize in trauma and anxiety treatment for adults ages 14 and older.  I am EMDR and PE (Prolonged Exposure) Certified and CPT trained, an IOCDF BTTI Completer, and SPACE trained by Eli Leibowitz.


If you have gotten this far, then you understand how much trauma and/or anxiety can impact a person’s ability to find joy. Our minds can be our own worst bully. I work with clients overwhelmed with OCD, Phobias, Agoraphobias, Panic, BII (Blood, injury, & injection) Phobias, BFRBs, Social Anxiety, Insomnia, OCPD, and trauma. I use evidenced-based practices such as ERP, iCBT, ACT, SPACE, ComB, EMDR, PE, CPT, and CBT therapies. 


Experiencing anxiety and trauma, can leave one feeling tired and frustrated. Having anxiety and trauma is difficult. You may feel  like when you have a handle on one, the other starts to rear its ugly head!  Because of this you may feel too irritable or too exhausted to deal with social situations or friends. You may spend a lot of time thinking through how to handle everyday situations because it feels unsafe. Each situation presents another battle with how much you can handle. It just feels like your mind is always "on."  If sounds familiar, I can help you find relief.  Trauma and anxiety is my driving focus.

  

I understand how important it is for you to find relief and healing from the distress of anxiety and trauma. I hope that Invictus Counseling is the start of a journey for you. Please reach out.


Therapeutic Profile: BIPOC (Hispanic), LGBTQIA-affirming, Nerd/Geek, Military Dependent, Neurodiverse-affirming


3 Hobbies: Reading Fantasy/Sci-fi, Plants, Hiking


Areas of Specialization: 

OCD Sub-type profile: POCD, ROCD, Just-Right, Pure O, Scrupulosity/Morality OCD, Contamination, Harm OCD

 

Anxiety Profile: Phobias (Medical fears), Agoraphobia, Panic, Social Anxiety, Anxious Attachment, Rejection Sensitivity, Family Accomodations 


Other: PTSD, Betrayal Trauma, Insomnia, Guilt/Shame, OCPD, Perfectionist, Religious Moral Injury


Jessica's CV & Training

Beth Laing MA, LMHC

 

Hi! My name is Beth,

I’m a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) in the state of Florida. I work with teens (13 +), young adults, and adults navigating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, traumatic stress, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, relationship concerns, identity development, and life transitions. I am committed to providing an affirming, inclusive space for individuals of all identities. 


If you’re someone who appears okay and functional on the outside but internally feels like your mind rarely turns off, like you’re constantly bracing for the next thing to go wrong, you’re not alone. You overthink conversations, replay decisions, and carry responsibilities that don’t always feel visible to others. Past experiences, expectations, relationships, and other people’s needs add up. You’ve learned how to function the best you can while carrying that weight, but that doesn't mean it isn’t heavy. And it doesn’t have to stay heavy. 


Reaching out for therapy is not a small decision. If you’ve learned to rely on yourself, trust may not come easily and that makes sense. Often, your mind and body adapt in order to stay safe. Therapy should respect that. My goal is to create a space where your nervous system can settle, because when you’re regulated there is room for joy, love, and genuine connection - both within yourself and in the world around you. 


My approach is trauma informed, conversational, grounded in evidence-based practice and cultural humility. But more than that, therapy with me is intentional. I am EMDR Trained and a Certified Clinical Trama Professional. We will identify patterns that keep you stuck, introduce habits that gently shift those patterns, build practical tools to regulate your nervous system, and create meaningful change - while also fostering compassion, curiosity, and care for the parts of you that learned to survive. You don’t have to carry everything alone.


Therapeutic Profile: LGBTQIA-affirming, Neurodiverse-affirming, Nerd/Geek Culture, BIPOC-ally


 3 Hobbies: Yoga, Snowboarding, Going to the Beach 


Areas of Specialization: 

OCD-Subtypes: ROCD, POCD, Moral Scrupulosity, Somatic, Contamination, Harm, Pure O


Anxiety: Ruminations, Worry, Anxiety, Chronic Illness, Medical Phobias, Phobias, Panic, Agoraphobia, Social Anxiety, Anxious Attachment, Rejection Sensitivty, Perfectionism/People-pleasing, School avoiance, Childhood OCD/Panic, Neurodiverse-affirming & Trained 


Trauma: Childhood Trauma, PTSD, CPTSD, Suicidality/Self-harm, Shame



Beth's CV & Trainings

ART or EMDR

  

ART or EMDR? 

Which one is right for you?


ART OR EMDR?

Crystal Gutierrez M.A., Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern

Hello I am Crystal,


I help individuals calm the constant mental noise and step out of patterns that no longer serve them. When anxiety, OCD, trauma, or overthinking feel overwhelming, it’s not because you’re broken and real change is possible. You don’t have to face this alone.

As both an Army brat and Army veteran, I understand transition, resilience, sacrifice, and the emotional toll of constant adaptation. Later becoming a stay-at-home mom deepened my understanding of identity shifts and the quiet strength it takes to hold everything together. These lived experiences shape how I show up for my clients steady, compassionate, and grounded.


I work with children, teens, and adults, with a particular focus on military service members and veterans. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling stuck, frustrated, or ashamed that they “should be able to handle it.” Together, we move beyond short-term coping and work toward meaningful, lasting change.


My approach is person-centered and collaborative, creating a supportive space where you feel heard and understood. I use evidence-based treatments such as Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients process trauma, reduce anxiety, and challenge unhelpful thought patterns. Therapy is tailored to your unique needs and goals, and we move at a pace that feels safe and manageable.


For those who desire it, I offer faith integration, thoughtfully blending a biblical perspective with clinically sound, research-based approaches while always respecting each client’s individual spiritual journey.


If you’re ready to move beyond survival and begin healing in a space where you feel supported and understood, I would be honored to walk alongside you.


 

Therapist Profile:  Military, Faith-based, BIPOC (Korean)


3 Hobbies: Baking, Crocheting, Gardening


Areas of Specialization: 


Child Anxiety Therapists: iCBT, ACT, and ERP for Children, Family Accommodation (SPACE-Informed), School Refusal


Anxiety Profile: Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety, Phobias 


Child Therapy: Sandtray therapists, ART trained




Brandon McClelland M.A., Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern

Hello, I am Brandon,

 

I am a mental health counselor who works with children, adolescents, and young adults navigating anxiety, emotional distress, and life transitions. I am passionate about creating a safe, supportive space where clients feel understood, respected, and empowered to grow.


Before entering the counseling field, I spent seven years working in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). This experience shaped my interest in understanding not only what individuals do, but why they do it—how behavior is influenced by environment, learning history, emotional development, and cognitive processes. My background enables me to take a thoughtful, whole-person approach that considers both behavior and the internal experiences that drive it.


I understand that starting therapy can feel intimidating—whether a child is struggling to express big emotions, a teen feels overwhelmed by stress or uncertainty, or a young adult feels stuck and unsure of their next steps. I believe therapy should feel collaborative rather than overwhelming and meets each client where they are.


My counseling style is calm, relational, and practical. I draw from evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and play-informed techniques to help clients build emotional awareness, coping skills, and confidence. I place strong emphasis on helping clients understand their thoughts and feelings while learning tools they can apply outside of the session.


I value authenticity, consistency, and compassion in the therapeutic relationship. He believes meaningful change happens when clients feel safe enough to be honest and supported enough to try something new. My goal is to help clients feel more grounded, capable, and hopeful as they move forward.


Therapist Profile: Neurodiverse-affirming, LGBTQIA-affirming, BIPOC-Ally   


3 Hobbies: Reading, Art (drawing & clay art), Camping


Areas of Specialization: 

OCD-Subtype Profile: Contamination, Family Accommodations, Somatic, Pure-O


Anxiety Profile: Panic Disorder, OCD/Anxiety and Neurodiversity, 


Specializations: Former ABA therapists, teens and young adults, Men's issues




Kelly Barnhill M.S.W., Registered Social Worker Intern


Hi, I’m Kelly, 

 I’m really glad you’re here. Reaching out for support can feel overwhelming, whether you’re struggling yourself or worried about your child. Maybe anxiety feels constant, panic shows up unexpectedly, or you’re noticing patterns that just don’t seem to change. You don’t have to navigate this alone — I’m here to help.


I work with individuals ages 13 years old and older, including teens, adults, as well as families. I am trained in working with OCD, SPACE-informed (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions)/Family Accommodation care, phobias, panic, social anxiety, and body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs), and Eating Disorders. Whether you are an individual looking for support for yourself, or a parent seeking guidance for your child, I tailor therapy to meet your specific needs and goals.


I understand that mental health challenges don’t exist in isolation. Anxiety can affect relationships, daily routines, and family dynamics, which is why I support both individuals and caregivers in building skills that encourage confidence, resilience, and connection.


I have extensive experience as a Mobile Response Team (MRT) counselor, where I supported children, teens, and adults during some of their most stressful moments. Working in crisis settings has shaped my approach to be calm, compassionate, and grounded, helping clients feel safe and supported even during difficult times.


I bring a cheerful, collaborative approach to therapy and believe that meaningful change happens when we work together. We will explore what’s going on, talk through treatment options, and create a plan that feels realistic and supportive for you. My goal is for you to feel heard, understood, and empowered as you move forward.


Therapist Profile: BIPOC (First Generation Poarch Creek Indian), Nerd/Geek Culture, Gaming, LGBTQIA--Affirming 


3 Hobbies: Tennis, Shelling, Thrifting


Areas of Specialization: 

OCD-Subtype Profile: Contamination-OCD, Illness OCD, Family Accomodations, Somatic, Pure-O


Anxiety Profile: Ruminations, Illness Anxiety, Panic Disorder


Body/Eating Issues: BDD, ARFID, Emetophobia, Orthorexia, Eating Disorders


Kelly's CV & Training

Tia Vera B.A., Intake Coordinator & Student Counselor Intern

  

Tia is a Student Intern completing her graduate training in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She provides counseling services under the supervision of a licensed mental health professional, in accordance with ethical and professional guidelines.


She offers a supportive, non-judgmental space where clients can feel heard, understood, and supported at their own pace. What sets Tia apart is her ability to remain calm, grounded, and deeply present- especially during difficult conversations and high-stress situations.

Tia brings over 8 years of experience from family advocacy and support services, working closely with individuals and families during moments of crisis, transition, and emotional distress. She is skilled in listening beyond the surface, helping clients make sense of overwhelming emotions, and turning chaos into clarity. Clients often appreciate her warm, non-judgmental style and her ability to explain things in a way that feels relatable and empowering.


Tia uses a person-centered, trauma-informed approach grounded in empathy, collaboration, and respect for each client’s lived experience. She integrates evidence-based modalities including Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) perspectives. Tia meets clients where they are and works alongside them to identify strengths, build effective coping skills, and create meaningful, sustainable change. Her style is warm, collaborative, and practical, with a focus on helping clients build insight, coping skills, and confidence. Tia works with adolescents and adults seeking support with:


  • Anxiety and stress
  • Trauma and difficult life experiences
  • Family conflict and relationship challenges
  • Life transitions and adjustment concerns
  • Crisis and emotional overwhelm
  • Self-esteem and emotional regulation

 

Baylee Mares--Billing and Insurance

  

T 

BayLee is your go to billing guru! If you have questions regarding billing or insurance, She is your place to go! She manages every task with warmth, humor, and a level of care that keeps the practice running smoothly and makes clients feel supported even before they step into a session.

BayLee thrives on making things work. She enjoys creating systems that take the stress out of administrative tasks and loves being the person clients and clinicians can rely on. Whether she is wrangling insurance claims, managing pay, or client billing questions her work ensures that therapy stays focused on what matters most—the people receiving care.

She is approachable, friendly, and ready to be your “Girl Friday,” helping clients navigate the behind-the-scenes side of therapy with ease and confidence. Learn more about working with her here: www.maresadmin.com

 

Invictus Counseling: Trauma and Anxiety Counseling Services


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