Hi! My name is April Adler and I am a Mental Health Counselor licensed in the State of Florida. I graduated from the University of South Florida with a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, a program dedicated to self-discovery, mindfulness, and learning to focus on what we CAN change vs. what we can’t. I have over 30 years of counseling experience working with a variety of modalities including: Grief Counseling, Eating Disorders, Depression/Feelings of Hopelessness, Addictions/Substance Abuse, Spiritual Growth, 12-Step Recovery, Daily Coaching, Self-Esteem/Self-Worth Issues, Dealing with Change and Life Transitions, and Job Search skills. I have worked at a living and learning facility for the developmentally disabled; have provided illness and grief counseling through Hospice, and was employed in an Eating Disorders/Substance Abuse Treatment Center where I provided individual, group and family therapy. I also facilitated daily meditation/guided imagery exercises, inner-child work, spirituality and 1st Step groups, and educational recovery lectures. I have always believed that counseling should be an empowering experience. We often lack self-esteem, experience feelings of low self-worth, and sometimes lose faith in ourselves. This is the point where counseling can help us learn to believe in ourselves again. Counseling is a vehicle for change. The counseling theories that I lean toward are cognitive behavioral, humanistic and integrative. I believe that it is important to focus on your strengths and abilities; to see your own magnificence. How we think directly impacts how we feel and behave. Our work together will help you to identify old ways of thinking and acting that no longer serve you. We get to view life through a new pair of glasses! I believe that any good relationship is based on trust, and I promise to create a safe space for you to be heard and validated. I am described as compassionate, gentle and kind but can also be firm when a situation calls for it. It’s important to note that I practice unconditional regard and will never judge or shame you. Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. I look forward to working with you!