Raquel de Oliveira, LCSW

I am licensed in the State of Florida with over 10 years of experience helping individuals with severe and persistent mental illness suffering from a broad spectrum of diagnosis either in psychiatric inpatient, outpatient, and 28-day substance use treatment settings. I provide online therapy to individuals suffering from anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and stress of everyday life. Inspiration to Help Others: My path toward becoming a therapist was realized while working as an employment counselor helping dislocated workers. I noticed that some of the challenges people faced when dealing with unemployment were indirectly related to low self-esteem, debilitating anxiety, depression, and their unemployment status only added to their ongoing relationship challenges. I observed how many people made desperate attempts to cope with their issues using unhelpful behaviors such as the use of alcohol or illicit substances. I realized that I wanted to contribute and help individuals at a deeper level than just finding them a job. My desire to help people inspired me to pursue my graduate education and training. I developed a true passion for helping people overcome psychological, emotional, and behavioral barriers to achieving a fulfilling life. My mission is to empower individuals to thrive by leveraging their unique strengths. As a therapist, I strive to meet my clients where they are, providing a safe and nonjudgmental space for healing and growth. My vision is to equip clients with coping strategies and empower them to lead fulfilling lives. When working with you, I want to help you identify and use your strengths to accomplish your goals in life. I am here to support you; facilitate your self-exploration and help you grow into the life you desire. Treatment Approach: My therapeutic approach is tailored to each individual using a holistic and harm- reduction integration, drawing from evidence-based interventions. I am trained and specialize in the very effective technique of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Your time is precious, so I want to use your sessions in a way that will most effectively meet your needs and address the concerns you have. As your counselor and confidant, I am ready to listen and support you. Treatment Methods: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) I employ a diverse approach to identify the most beneficial therapy. I have successfully aided hundreds of individuals in breaking the cycle of anxiety, depression, trauma, and improved relationship issues. Through the use of CBT, my clients acquire effective stress management skills, gain insights into their triggers, and learn to positively modify their thoughts. Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) For the past 7 years, I have incorporated EMDR into my practice. This has enabled me to assist individuals in processing traumatic experiences, leading to a gradual alleviation of their symptoms. A majority of my clients have reported an enhancement in their mood and an increased capacity to find joy in life. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) I received formal training and certification in DBT treatment in 2022. My methods have been extensively applied in rehabilitation centers and community mental health clinics. Strength-Based Approach The primary focus of this therapy technique is to help clients acquire skills to manage various issues and to get them to recognize their own strengths as a crucial element in their treatment process. What should you expect for the first session? During our initial session, we will take the time to become acquainted with each other. I will pose several questions to you to gain a better understanding of the challenges you’re facing, and the steps you’ve already taken, if any, to try to address them. Together, we will work on developing treatment goals. Please call or text me (904-563-5872) to request an appointment for expedited response, or email me at therapy@lcswraquel.com