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We are not meant to live our lives in isolation.

Friends Party
All Hands In

Welcome

The foundation of my practice is built on the belief that all individuals possess innate worth, purpose, and talent. I am passionate about helping people create a life worth living through discovering their strengths and living in accordance with their values. It is possible to experience true contentment and joy in life, and find meaning in everyday living.

 

However, we will all inevitably face difficult times in our lives and occasionally need support and assistance to manage stressful, often unexpected, circumstances like unemployment, divorce, a move to a new city, or the death of a friend or family member.  Some need help managing issues like low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts and other situations.  A therapist can help provide encouragement and clarity, and teach you skills to manage feelings of being emotionally overwhelmed.

 

I don't believe in a "one size fits all" approach when it comes to therapy and counseling. We will work collaboratively to create a personalized treatment plan and apply interventions that work for you.  I find that a holistic approach serves clients well and frequently incorporate elements of Family Systems, Existential, Psychodynamic, and Cognitive and Dialectical Behavioral therapies into treatment, as well as Biblical counseling, Positive Psychology and a Trauma-Informed perspective. 

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How I Can Help

Relationship Therapy
Improve interpersonal skills.

Strengthen relationships at Agape Familyworks. You will be led through the process of building stronger, healthier connections with others. Whether you're experiencing communication issues or simply want to improve your relationships, our therapy sessions are designed to help you achieve the long-lasting results you desire.


Family Therapy
Create peace in the home.
 

Work through your family’s challenges and improve communication through family counseling services at Agape Familyworks. Learn to navigate through difficult times, resolve conflicts, and strengthen family relationships. Whether you’re dealing with parenting issues, marital problems, or communication breakdowns, Agape Familyworks is here to support you every step of the way.

Lunch and Learn
Psychoeducation Seminar

Utilize the lunch hour to book a 60-minute informative mental health psychoeducation workshop. These seminars are designed to educate staff and leadership of companies, schools, churches, or other organizations, that desire to promote understanding and reduce stigma surrounding mental health issues.  Gain insight into common mental health diagnoses, symptoms, and coping strategies to be used for relationship management and self-care practices. Learn in a supportive group environment how to enhance your understanding of psychological well-being that will result in a supportive inclusive culture.


 

Existential Therapy-Purposeful Living​

Discover who you were meant to be.

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​Learn to overcome your challenges and be empowered to live your life filled with hope, joy, and direction. With individualized counseling and support, you will be able to identify and set goals that align with your values and passions, and create a plan to achieve them.  Whether you're seeking personal growth, navigating life transitions, or looking to find fulfillment, Agape Familyworks is here to show you how to be empowered, so you can live your life with purpose and meaning. 

Group Therapy

​                                                               Parents of Teens

Psychoeducation and Support Group for parents of adolescents ages 12-17.  

Monitor this page for more information on the next start date.

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Through relationship-building skills based on love, trust, respect and understanding, we can find common ground and develop an appreciation for others' values and perspectives.

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Experiencing personal growth both enlarges our vision and narrows our focus, helping us prioritize what really matters.

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With psychoeducation, we gain insight into common mental health issues and diagnoses, coping strategies, and self-care practices.

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About

Me

"You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending."

 

This quote from C.S. Lewis represents my belief that it is never too late for self discovery, purposeful living, and becoming our best self, and is reflective of my own life journey.  When my oldest son was diagnosed with Bipolar 1 Disorder, I began to educate myself about this mental illness and became an advocate for him. After completing the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) signature course, Family 2 Family, I became certified to teach the class in order to educate, support, and advocate for others living with mental health issues and their families.

 

 After seven years of serving my community through collaboration with local business organizations, teaching NAMI mental health education classes, and leading NAMI family support groups, I realized my next step was to return to school.  I obtained my Master's degree in Social Work from Florida State University and began my clinical focus at the Children's Advocacy Center and Emerald Coast Behavioral Hospital, where I focused on crisis intervention and trauma-informed practice.

 

I now have my own private therapy practice and am proud to be collaborating with Mirror Counseling in Panama City Beach and Clarity Mental Health in Panama City, providing high-quality, individualized mental health therapy for individuals of all ages, couples, and families, as well as educating members of the community about the truths of mental illness and how they can do their part to show compassion and eliminate the stigma that so many face on a daily basis.   

 

I have been married to my highschool sweetheart for 36 years and we have two adult sons.  In my spare time I enjoy being with family, surfing Pinterest, reading, watching the History Channel, walking on the beach, watching sunrises and sunsets, and making my house a home.

Can
Therapy
Help
Me?

 

Areas of treatment

include the following:​​​​

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  • Depression 

  • Anxiety 

  • Interpersonal Relationships

  • Bipolar disorder

  • Couples Counseling 

  • Family Counseling 

  • Parenting Support 

  • Work and Career issues 

  • Stress and Anger Management 

  • Conflict Resolution 

  • Premarital Counseling 

  • Trauma 

  • Self Discovery

 

Agape Familyworks provides

a safe and supportive environment for healing.

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A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks.

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Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset in managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn.

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Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

  • Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values

  • Developing skills for improving your relationships

  • Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy

  • Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety

  • Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures

  • Improving communications and listening skills

  • Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones

  • Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage

  • Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

Childhood Psychology

Counseling

Counseling sessions at Agape Familyworks focus on helping you understand and manage mental health conditions, develop coping mechanisms, improve relationships, gain self awareness, change negative patterns and enhance resilience.  

Couples Therapy

Support Groups

Support groups at Agape Familyworks help you connect with others facing similar struggles. These groups provide a sense of community and understanding as you work towards healing and growth. They are offered on an as needed basis.

Group Therapy Session

Holistic Care

Experience holistic care at Agape Familyworks, where we integrate traditional therapy with alternative approaches like art therapy and mindfulness practices. We believe in treating the whole person for lasting wellness that provides a sense of empowerment and enables individuals to live more fulfilling and meaningful lives. 

What about Insurance?

Have you ever signed in at your doctor’s office and noticed

there are two other people who have the same scheduled appointment time??  With the same doctor??

 

I have chosen not to accept insurance at this time.  

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Working with insurance companies is time-consuming and often complex,

involving paperwork, claims processing, and navigating different insurance company policies. 

The administrative burden, along with the restrictions imposed on treatment length, frequency, and modality,

limit my ability to focus on providing the quality care my clients deserve. 

 

Being a “private pay office” allows me the freedom to offer my clients a private and confidential relationship

with personalized treatment plans and flexible service

without the potential for insurance companies to access and share confidential client information.
 

BOOK IT!

 

To book a session at 1220 Jenks Ave, Panama City, FL, 32401, call me directly at 888-77-AGAPE, OR call CLARITY MENTAL HEALTH at 850-640-1874.

For a limited time, I am offering a reduced rate for Concierge Style packages that must be paid for in advance (see below).  Individuals who find themselves needing a "Life Coach" or "Situational Counseling" can benefit significantly from this type of flexible interaction and session scheduling.

 

Individuals $120/60-minute session.

Couples and Families $140/60-minute session. 

6-session package includes six 60-minute therapy sessions AND six 10-minute "check in calls" and is redeemable for up to six consecutive months after payment is received. $600 package price for one person. 

12-session package includes twelve 60-minute therapy sessions AND twelve 10-minute "check in calls" and is redeemable for up to twelve consecutive months after payment is received. $1200 package price for one person. 

Payments accepted at this location: Cash, Check, Venmo, Credit Card

 

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To book a session at 415 N Richard Jackson Blvd Ste. 402, Panama City Beach, FL 32407,

call or text MIRROR COUNSELING at 850-279-9936.  I accept Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Sunshine insurances at this location. Payment will be determined by and paid directly to Mirror Counseling.

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BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS:  60-minute LUNCH AND LEARN interactive psychoeducation seminar. This forum is held in a supportive group setting at a location of your choosing (Bay and surrounding counties). The presentation is designed for staff and leadership of companies, churches, schools, clinics, and other organizations that desire to promote understanding of mental health issues and eliminate stigma. Attendees gain insight into common mental health issues and diagnoses, coping strategies, and self-care practices. Time is allowed for Q&A.

$300 for up to 10 attendees.  Price increases based on travel costs and number of people in attendance. Take home information is included. Bookings must be at least 30 days in advance. Call me directly for more information.

What's New?

Local Resources​

Salvation Army- 1824 15th Street, Panama City, FL 32401, 850-769-5259

Main Services:  Disaster response, Emergency payments, Food Pantry, Spiritual support, Youth Development, Clothing, Home goods, Help paying for Housing and Utilities, Navigating the System, one on one Support.

              *Domestic Violence support:   850-763-0706

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Catholic Charities​- 3128 E 11th St, Panama City, FL 32401, 850-763-0475

Main Services:  Help paying for Housing, Utilities, â€‹Food, Prescription Assistance.

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Bayway- 920 Wilson Ave, Panama City, FL 32401, 850-769-0557
Main services: Bay County public transportation system

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Healthy Start (Bay, Franklin, Gulf Counties)- 

2101 Northside Drive, Panama City, FL 32405, 850-215-1320

Main services:  Nutrition Education, Baby suppplies, Health Education, Case Management, Support Network, Nutrition Education

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Social Security Disability Benefits Assistance- Call 866-993-8533.  

Web:  https://mindset.care/prequalify?eid=292

Main services:  SSI/SSDI Evaluation, Application Support, Appeals/Denial Representation, Advocacy

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Honest Jobs (Background-Friendly Jobs/Resource Center for Justice- Involved People)-  

Email: Contactus@honestjobs.com, Web: https://www.honestjobs.com/about-honest-jobs Main services: Job Placement, Supported Employment, Education, Interview Training, Resume writing

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SOAR (SSI/SSDI, Outreach, Access, Recovery)- Call 850-296-6923

Web:  https://soarworks.samhsa.gov/states/florida

Main services:   Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers the SOAR program to increase access to Social Security disability benefits for eligible adults who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and have a serious mental illness, medical impairment, and/or co-occurring substance use disorder.

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More Local Resources at Findhelp.org

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Nationwide:​

  •  988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:

    • Call or Text: 988 

    • Chat: 988lifeline.org 

    • Availability: 24/7 

    • What it offers: Support for people in mental health, substance use, or suicide crises. 

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    • NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness:                                                                   

    •      HelpLine:

      • Phone: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) 

      • Text: Text "HELPLINE" to 62640 

      • Chat: Go to NAMI.org/help 

      • Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m., ET 

      • What it offers: Information, resource referrals, and support to people living with a mental health condition, their family members and caregivers, mental health providers, and the public.

      •                                                    

      • Teen & Young Adult HelpLine: 

      • Text: Text Friend to 62640 

      • Chat: Click the chat bubble on the NAMI website 

      • Call: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

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