Because sometimes we need a map through this thing called life...
A BIT ABOUT THERAPY
Let's face it, adulting is hard these days! Being a kid isn't at all what it used to be either! Our expectations do not always meet our reality because there is only so much we can control. That can leave us feeling overwhelmed and hopeless at times.
Perhaps you are feeling down or anxious right now? Perhaps you aren't sure about the status of your relationship or feel like you aren't living the life you are supposed to be leading? Maybe you have racing thoughts you can't seem to still or you have a child who is acting out behaviorally, yet you aren't clear why? Let me assure you, you aren't alone in how you feel!
Whatever your needs may be, I am here to support you and your journey toward a better tomorrow. Therapy is a process of growth and self-discovery. It's a healing, candid conversation in which you're free to be your true authentic self. If you want to cuss, go for it. If you want to throw your shoes off and kick your feet up, do it. If you need to just sit in silence, have at it. This is your time to be unapologetically you.
Your therapy sessions will be tailored to fit you and your needs. Just as you are unique, your sessions will be too! Sessions won't look the same for every person but I can promise that I will work with you toward your goals of therapy. We will make a personal, individualized plan just for you. Best part is, you don't have to do it on your own!
It is essential to keep in mind that therapy is not a magic pill or a quick fix: therapy is a healing process that necessitates participation and investment from the client and counselor alike. But in the end, making small changes to self-defeating behavior and coping with feelings of sadness, fear, and pain can bring life-altering results.
"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Out of your vulnerabilities will come your strength."
~ Sigmund Freud
COUPLES COUNSELING
If you're part of a couple in distress, you may feel that there's no way out of your troubled relationship pattern or that you will just never see eye to eye. Maybe you are wishing for a more intimate connection with your partner but just don't know how to get there? Perhaps you are tired of the arguing and hope you could communicate without World War III breaking out? Or you wonder if you and your partner will ever really get one another?
Even though it isn't easy to admit your relationship needs help, it takes great courage to step into action and facilitate change. You and your partner will meet with me in a safe, non-biased atmosphere which promotes authenticity and space for open communication. I help you identify why and how you engage in undesirable cycles, how your individual triggers and self-defeating thoughts contribute to misunderstanding and disconnection, and I guide you to increase legitimacy, intimacy, empathy, and a deeper connection. A strong component of implementing change in communication and learning to "fight fairly" is part of my couples counseling approach. You will learn how to move beyond anger and frustration and into a supportive, collaborative style of being and relating with each other.
INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING
Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues, or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one's life such as a divorce or work transition. Many people simply seek counseling as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth. Working with a therapist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, body-image issues, and general life transitions.
I provide individual therapy to children, adolescents, and adults. I utilize an integrative approach, tailoring your sessions to your individual needs, wants, and goals. I utilize evidence-based techniques, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which focuses on identifying negative thought patterns. I will help you “re-frame” your reactions and provide you with valuable tools to cope with life’s obstacles.
SERVICES
MEET YOUR THERAPIST
TIFFANY
Tiffany Peterson, LMHC, NCC, OWNER
Ever since I was young, I knew I wanted to get into a career path that would make a difference in people’s lives. People are my passion! I'm fascinated by how our brains work, the way we think and how we interact with one another. I'm so passionate about human beings and relationships that I have made it my life's work.
I have experience providing a variety of therapeutic services to the Tampa Bay area. I am board licensed with the state of Florida and am also a National Certified Counselor. My career has ranged from contract counselor within a private practice, in-home court mandated therapy and TBOS, pediatric and adult inpatient hospital settings, and social services advocacy within crisis stabilization units. What does all that mean? Well, in short, I have worked with many backgrounds, populations, and mental health related issues.
I work with individuals and couples. My treatment specialization includes depression, anxiety, infertility, grief and loss, relationship concerns, life transitions, stress-management, and trauma.
I truly care for all of my clients, and work diligently to help find them the answers they seek. I get it... If you're going to do therapy, you want somebody you feel completely comfortable with. I offer a truly relaxed environment where you're free to be your true authentic self. There's no shame in wanting to be a better version of yourself. It's brave and awesome! I'm already proud of you for taking the first step in seeking a therapist to work with!
Therapy is an investment of your time, finances, and energy, so you want to make sure you find the therapist who is right for you. Don't be afraid to call around and ask questions to see who you feel most connected with before starting the process.
CHRISTINE
Christine Yerrakadu, LMHC
I entered the counseling profession as a result of my time volunteering at the Moffitt Cancer Center Arts in Medicine Studio. I had taught art and music for many years, and set out to explore the different ways they could be used to help people. While volunteering as an artist and musician in the Arts in Medicine Studio, I was encouraged by the staff to pursue mental health counseling via expressive arts therapy.
Although, the staff around me brought up pursing this career, as soon as I heard it, everything made sense about what I wanted to do, what I needed to do. I had been (still am) a teacher but I took my time to really get to know my students, to form a relationship with each of them. I believed at the time this was to help me tailor their lesson plans but it was so much more than that! By sharing, their art came more alive and by expressing themselves through art, their stories were truer and no longer caged.
I hold master’s degrees in both Art History and Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Expressive Arts Therapy. Expressive Arts Therapy is the use of the creative arts, such as visual arts, music, dance movement, creative writing, and other creative modalities, as a form of therapy. They can enhance talk therapy, and help facilitate growth, development, and healing, without the client having any prior creative experience.
I am currently a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Registered Expressive Art Therapist (REAT). I have experience working with individuals and groups both in inpatient and outpatient hospital settings with ages ranging from children to adults.
I am currently accepting clients through telehealth appointments only. These sessions will take place over a HIPPA compliant platform. Look forward to “seeing” you soon!
You Ask - I Answer
HELP CENTER
HOW LONG IS EACH SESSION?
Each therapy session is a duration of 50 minutes. During this time, I place all of my attunement and energy into you while we work together towards your healing process.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The standard fee per session is $125 for an individual appointment and $150 for a couple's appointment unless a sliding scale agreement has been approved.
DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE?
I do not currently accept insurance outside of being an authorized non network Tricare provider. Let me tell you something though! There's something a lot of people don't know about insurance. Many insurance companies will reimburse you if you see an out-of-network mental health provider! Here's what you can do to find out: Call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card. When "Ted" from the insurance company answers, ask him this question: "Ted, I want to see an out-of-network mental health provider. How much will you reimburse me?” When "Ted" lets you know how much you’ll be reimbursed, ask him how you will need to submit receipts to him. I will provide you with a monthly receipt that you'll use for reimbursement.
Here's something I want to be upfront about as it pertains to using insurance for therapy. I (and any other therapist) am legally required to provide a diagnosis to insurance companies when they pay for mental health sessions, whether I feel a diagnosis is needed or not. In my opinion, every person does not truly NEED a diagnosis. Sometimes you just need a space to talk freely to get things off your chest, right? Private pay maintains your privacy from insurance carriers and can reduce the amount of reimbursement paperwork. So if you don't want to use insurance for that reason, we will work together to figure out what the best option is for you.
DO I REALLY NEED THERAPY? I'M NOT CRAZY, I CAN USUALLY HANDLE MY PROBLEMS.
EVERYONE goes through challenges and transitions in their lives, and although you may have navigated through past difficulties with success, seeking out additional support in a safe, non-judgmental environment is nothing to be ashamed of. We are living in different times with SO many stressors that didn't use to exist.
Therapy is for everyone because it is - say it with me - therapeutic! Therapy is right for anyone who wants to make the most out of their life, gain greater self-awareness, and obtain life-long tools that provide benefits in facing life's challenges.
WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF THERAPY?
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Feeling less anxious or depressed
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Feeling more connected with your partner
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Gaining control over self-defeating thoughts
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Improving your communication and listening skills
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Regulation of emotions
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Healing from past traumas
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Changing damaging behavior patterns
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Orienting yourself to your true wants and needs
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Gaining a deeper understanding of those around you
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Discovering areas of negativity or distress in your life
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Improved functioning at work, school, and social lives
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Performing more confidently in the bedroom
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Improved mood, attitude, and behavior
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Feeling less angry or irritable
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Learning to love yourself
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Self-accepting once and for all
CONTACT ME
Starting or returning to therapy can be one of the most difficult, yet positive and rewarding decisions you make in your life. Please contact me today to start your journey to a better tomorrow!
Address:
400 Frandorson Circle
Apollo Beach, FL 33572
Email:
Phone:
813-607-4062
