therapists
Your team of
Our team is expansive and diverse with a wide array of lived experience, clinical experience, and specialities that they are passionate about.
Find Your Support Person
let's work together
Supervisor
In-Person: Jacksonville
Virtually in FL + NJ
Sessions Available
Florida
New Jersey
Licensed in:
Certified Eating Disorders Specialist Consultant
CEDS-C
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
LMHC
I am the founder of Restored Purpose Counseling. I am a licensed therapist in Jacksonville, Florida. I work alongside those recovering from an eating disorder, wanting to break free from diet culture, and/or wanting to reconnect with their purpose without anxiety present.
You can find me drinking coffee every morning (Americano, please!), taking a quick trip to the beach every chance I get, spending time outdoors, soaking up the sun, and having quality time with my husband and son. I’m always up for new challenges that life throws my way, but most nights I can’t stay up past 11pm.
LMHC, LPC, CEDS-C
jessie huebner
Qualified
EMDR
Trained in
(Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing)
(She/her)
DBT & CBT
In-Person: Jacksonville
Virtually in FL
Sessions Available
Certified Eating Disorders Specialist
CEDS
Licensed Psychologist
PsyD
I’m a licensed psychologist and Certified Eating Disorders Specialist in Jacksonville, FL, and I am the clinical director at Restored Purpose Counseling. My passion is in helping individuals improve their relationships with food and their bodies. Promoting awareness of eating disorders in the community, advocating for body positivity, and kicking diet culture to the curb are some of my personal favorites. In addition to treating eating disorders and body image concerns, I treat anxiety disorders, depression and other mood disorders, and adjustment disorders.
Family and friends mean everything to me. That includes my four-legged best friend, Buffy. I am grateful for the wonderful relationships I have and to be close to my hometown of St. Augustine, FL. In my free time, you will find me at the beach, walking my pup, baking, or watching scary movies. All with dog hair on my clothes, probably.
PsyD, CEDS, QS
dr. marisa byles
Trained in:
Clinicial Director
(She/her)
Supervisor
Qualified
let's work together
let's work together
HAES (R)
Health at Every Size Aligned
Trained in
DBT, CBT, and TF-CBT
Hi, I’m so glad you’re here! My name is Kristina and I am a licensed therapist and Clinical Supervisor at Restored Purpose Counseling. While I call sunny South Florida my home, I see clients virtually throughout Florida and South Carolina. I work alongside adolescents and adults in their journey to healing from their eating disorders/trauma, finding peace with their mind/body and growing into the person they want to be.
Therapeutically, I aim to create an environment of safety, acceptance and compassion for my clients to promote healing from eating disorders, trauma, anxiety, perfectionism, family conflict and other emotional/mental health concerns. We all deserve to feel seen, heard, and validated regardless of size, weight, race, age, etc.. I hope to help you reach your emotional/wellness goals all while feeling seen and heard through my use of evidence-based treatment modalities. I utilize a strengths-based, cognitive behavioral approach to therapy interwoven with person-centered, ACT, CPT, TF-CBT and DBT techniques.
I’m a homebody by nature but if you find me in the wild, I’ll most likely be lounging by the pool or sipping a latte at a local coffee shop. I love a good true crime podcast and spend too many hours watching reality tv dating shows. I’m a proud momma and enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends every chance I get.
LMHC, LPC, QS
kristina dawson
Virtually Only in FL + SC
Sessions Available
Certified Eating Disorders Specialist
CEDS
Working towards
(She/her)
Supervisor
Qualified
In-Person: Jacksonville
Virtually in FL
Sessions Available
I am a licensed therapist at Restored Purpose Counseling in Jacksonville, Florida. My passion is helping those with eating disorders, body image difficulties, gender dysphoria (gender affirming care), depression, anxiety, trauma, codependency, cluster b personality disorders, and more. I believe that we all can and have a right to heal from unhealthy ways of living or relationship patterns that leave us depleted instead of restored. Additionally, I believe that by increasing coping skills, self-esteem, and levels of hope our quality of life can, in response, also increase. My primary modalities used are CBT, TF-CBT, and DBT therapies.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending quality time with my life partner (I am a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community), daughter, and feline fur babies. Since I am more on the introverted and artistic side, my hobbies include watching shows or movies at home, listening to music, reading, and expressive arts such as fashion, makeup, hair, and home decorating. Oh, and coffee, throw a cup of coffee into the equation and I am a happy girl.
MA, LMHC
sarah cozza
let's work together
Certified Eating Disorders Specialist
CEDS
Working towards
LGBTQIA+
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
LMHC
(She/her)
Trained in
DBT and CBT
HAES (R)
Health at Every Size Aligned
let's work together
In-Person: Lakeland
Virtually in FL
Sessions Available
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
LMHC
I am a licensed therapist at Restored Purposed Counseling in Lakeland, Florida. My focus is on using a whole-person approach to manage anxiety, tackle depression, eating disorders, body image, and move through life stressors better. I understand how hard it can be to want to find a reliable support system but don't know where to turn. That's why I chose to dedicate my life to create a safe space for people to do just that.
I have found that the best way to get my own self-care in is through movement – usually through a walk around the lake with my pup or doing a group movement class alongside my friends. My favorite meal is brunch any day, and I live for finding the best little coffee shop in every city I visit.
MA, LMHC, NCC
julianne shabetai
(She/her)
Hi there, I'm Bailey! I am a licensed therapist at Restored Purpose Counseling in Tampa, Florida. I am passionate about supporting others to find their value and self-worth. My experience is with people who struggle from eating disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, body image, gender dysphoria (using gender affirming care), trauma, and co-occurring diagnoses. I am naturally empathetic and warm in therapy. I come from an anti diet-culture and pro-inclusivity framework. Let’s work together to discover what makes you, well, you.
In my free time, I love spending time with my partner (my spouse is non-binary), my mom and my fluffy cat, Nala. I love bold fashion and maximalist interior design. You will catch me playing the Sims 4 to utilize these styles. I love going to restaurants and trying new foods.
let's work together
MA, LMHC
bailey sheetz
Virtually in FL
Sessions Available
ERP
Trained in
(Exposure & Response Prevention)
HAES (R)
Health at Every Size Aligned
Certified Eating Disorders Specialist
CEDS
Working towards
LGBTQIA+
(She/her)
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
LMHC
let's work together
Certified Eating Disorders Specialist
CEDS
Working towards
Accelerated Resolution Therapy
Trained in ART
Hi, I'm Shelby! I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor at Restored Purpose Counseling seeing clients virtually. I’m passionate about supporting adults through eating disorders/disordered eating, perfectionism, people pleasing, anxiety, trauma, and other stressful life events. I’m there to help unpack any patterns you may have picked up that aren’t working for you anymore and to do so with curiosity, neutrality, and compassion. I am strengths-based and compassion-focused, and I enjoy pulling from DBT, ACT, and CBT modalities to support my clients. I am also trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), which is an evidence-based treatment for trauma and other mental health concerns.
My rest, play, and self-care time is super important to me! During those times, you can find me going to the movies or the theater, supporting Lightning hockey, playing cozy video games, reading, or otherwise relaxing with my spouse and two Scottie dogs. I am someone who loves routine and re-watches comfort shows and movies, but I am also a foodie, a lifelong learner, and a lover of travel.
MA, LMHC
shelby prendes
HAES (R)
Health at Every Size Aligned
Trained in
DBT and CBT
LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
(She/her)
let's work together
HAES (R)
Health at Every Size Aligned
I’m a licensed therapist at Restored Purpose Counseling seeing clients virtually in TX, FL, IA, and WI, and in person in Jacksonville, Fl. My passion is helping others heal from their relationships with food and their bodies. I am dedicated to exploring the role of diet culture and weight stigma in our lives and working to dismantle the “body shame system,” as Sonya Renee Taylor calls it.
In addition to treating eating disorders, my specialization is trauma resolution. I love integrating neuroscience into my sessions with clients, especially if they also like to nerd out on brain science and how we can utilize that knowledge to enhance the power of healing.
I am a very friendly, kind and social person who loves anything art or music
related. I’m also a fashion lover who is excited to learn and share about brands that are size/weight inclusive. I’ve been known to fly out to a random state for a must-see concert! I thrive with a routine, however, I am creative and spontaneous as well.
I have three dogs, so I always joke that my house is a “zoo.” My youngest dog is a corgi named Tucker who was my little co-worker and would accompany me to the last program I worked at, bringing laughs and smiles to teens and adults dealing with eating disorders. I am a cancer survivor and dealt with cancer & treatment during the pandemic, which was a life changing experience! I firmly believe in the power of community, connection, purpose and spirituality. I have a very close relationship with my family. I value those relationships, especially with my 4-year-old nephew! Being an aunt is the best.
LCSW
julia thompson
TX, FL, IA, & WI
Licensed in
(She/her)
In-Person: Jacksonville
Virtually in FL, TX, IA, & WI
Sessions Available
let's work together
LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Hello! I am a licensed therapist at Restored Purpose Counseling seeing clients virtually in FL & MI and in person in Winter Park, FL. I am passionate about helping individuals who are healing from trauma, anxiety, eating disorders, and perfectionism. I am a trained EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) therapist, certified clinical trauma specialist, and I incorporate evidence based techniques from CBT, DBT, TF-CBT (trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy), IFS (Internal Family Systems), and somatic therapies to help individuals identify, explore, and break free from patterns that are no longer serving them.
I also work from a systems lens, meaning, I believe our mental health is very much impacted by our culture (diet-culture included), family of origin, the society we live in, the time and place we grew up in, our financial status, and more. I acknowledge the many external factors that impact mental health. My passion is to walk alongside others as they find freedom through discovering their inherent self-worth.
You can generally find me with my friends and family, including my partner and our daughter. We also have two fur babies (dogs). Self care to me includes going to new restaurants, a local coffee shop, reading mysteries, or watching reality TV. I also find spending time outside, being near water, or caring for my many house plants to be grounding.
LCSW
Jaclyn Pfingsten
FL & MI
Licensed in
(She/her)
In-Person: Winter Park
Virtually in FL & MI
Sessions Available
EMDR
Trained in
(Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing)
CBT, DBT, TF-CBT, IFS
Trained in
Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist
let's work together
LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Hey! I'm Bri. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Winter Park, FL. As a free-spirited soul and a hippie at heart, I've always felt a deep connection to helping others navigate life's twists and turns. I'd like to say that I bring a unique blend of warmth and professionalism to my practice. With a background in psychology and social work, and an eclectic experience in counseling, I am dedicated to providing evidence-based interventions tailored to each individual's needs.
My approach integrates cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices, fostering a holistic journey towards healing and self-discovery. My mission is to empower my clients to see beyond their current struggles and discover the hope and possibilities waiting on the other side. Together, we will explore your inner landscape, identify patterns, and cultivate resilience to overcome life's challenges while lighting the path to personal growth and healing.
Outside of my therapeutic work, you'll catch me diving into the latest true crime documentary or engaging in intense negotiations for snuggles with my beloved fur baby (who happens to be a dog, but let's be real, he's practically human). I love to laugh and take pleasure in enjoying the simple things in life, so this usually lands me favorably in spending time with the amazing people in my life.
LCSW
Brianna Fedynich
Florida
Licensed in
(She/her)
In-Person: Winter Park
Virtually in FL
Sessions Available
Trained in
DBT, CBT, and Psychoanalytic
Virtually in FL only
Sessions Available
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
I am a licensed therapist at Restored Purpose Counseling in Jacksonville FL. I believe that each person innately holds the answers to their own healing, yet it can often be blocked by deeply embedded societal systems, stigmatization, oppression, and past trauma. I believe that with support, each person can discover, trust, and give voice to their most authentic self. Therapeutically, I endeavor to co-create solutions with those who are experiencing unwanted effects of trauma which can show up in our lives in many ways (anxiety, depression, addiction, grief & loss, and relationship discord). My therapeutic approach is founded on safety, transparency, collaboration, intersectionality, mutual respect, and curiosity.
I am an introvert who can channel extrovert qualities; however, I will likely need a nap or an audible session with a quality sci-fi/fantasy book afterward. I love all animals and consider myself an avid adventurer, which often manifests itself in travel and type two fun. – I look forward to working with you!
MA, LMHC
chelsea shea
EMDR
Trained in
(Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing)
LGBTQIA+
let's work together
(She/her)
let's work together
Trained in
Narrative and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Certified Eating Disorders Specialist
CEDS
Working towards
In-Person: Winter Park
Virtually in FL
Sessions Available
Hi There! I’m a trauma informed provisionally licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at Restored Purpose Counseling in Winter Park, Florida. I am dedicated to helping individuals improve their relationship with eating and their physical well-being.
Advocating for body positivity and eating disorder awareness are hallmarks of my therapeutic work. I also work with those suffering from other mental health concerns including but not limited to depression, anxiety, and mood disorders as well as PTSD. I see individuals, couples, families, and groups.
I am a homebody who enjoys spending time with close friends, family, and my dog. I also enjoy reading, spending time outdoors and finding new adventures.
MA, RMFTI
caroline hughes
(She/her)
Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern
let's work together
Trained in
DBT
TF-CBT
CBT
Certified Eating Disorders Specialist
CEDS
Working towards
Hello! I am a dedicated provisionally licensed mental health therapist at Restored Purpose Counseling in Winter Park, FL. My mission is to support individuals, especially teens and young adults, with mood disorders, eating disorders, anxiety, and trauma-related challenges. I utilize a tailored blend of CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, trauma-informed and a strength-based approach to create a safe, steady, and supportive space for healing and exploration. I believe in embracing strengths and potential where growth and resilience are not just aspirations but integral parts of your unique therapeutic journey.
Beyond our counseling sessions, you might catch me enjoying British TV shows with my partner or diving into the imaginative realms of tabletop role-playing games. And if you're a fellow tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) enthusiast, we might just uncover new realms of imagination together.
M. Ed., RMHCI
Pattranit Somasri
LGBTQIA+
(She/her)
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Supervised by
Dr. Marisa Byles, Psy.D, CEDS
Sessions Available
In-Person: Winter Park
Virtually in FL
let's work together
Trained in
DBT
CBT
Psychodynamic
Hello! I am a License Eligible Therapist in Winter Park, FL. I excel in helping clients challenge diet culture, banish negative thoughts of themselves and their bodies, and change behaviors so that they are more in line with personal values. I have experience in working with individuals who have experienced loss, individuals experiencing life transitions and those who struggle with depression and/or anxiety.
I am a long-time thrill-seeker and can often be found enjoying the theme parks that are in the Central Florida area. I also enjoy traveling and frequently go on amazing adventures with my husband. I have two dogs that take up a lot of my spare time at home and provide me with some much-needed end-of-day snuggles. I enjoy playing video games, reading good books, and spending time with my family and friends.
MA, RMHCI
Brie Clennon
(She/her)
Certified Eating Disorders Specialist
CEDS
Working towards
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Supervised by
Kristina Dawson LMHC, LPC, QS
Sessions Available
In-Person: Winter Park
Virtually in FL
let's work together
Trained in
Attachment Based Family Therapy
Hi there! I'm Paige. I am a license eligible therapist at Restored Purpose Counseling, located in Jacksonville, FL. I work alongside those wanting to work through attachment wounds, heal their inner-child, break free from diet-culture, unpack shame, and more. I am passionate about walking alongside individuals as they work to heal their relationships with both food and their bodies. I aim to create a safe, non-judgmental space for my clients using a multicultural lens in order to help facilitate creating the change you want to see in your life.
I use a person-centered approach and believe in individually tailoring my approach to fit each client, however I gravitate towards modalities such as emotion-focused therapy (EFT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and family systems therapy. I also frequently utilize attachment theory and mindfulness principles in my therapeutic work. I have previous experience working with adults, adolescents, couples, and families.
In my free time, I love spending time at the beach, being with friends and family, browsing the latest fashion trends, and traveling to any new place I can go! I am a Jacksonville native and am excited to be living back in my hometown with my favorite four-legged friend, Roger.
MS, RMHCI
Paige Shadden
(She/her)
Certified Eating Disorders Specialist
CEDS
Working towards
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
LGBTQIA+
Supervised by
Dr. Marisa Byles, Psy.D, CEDS
Sessions Available
In-Person: Jacksonville
Virtually in FL
Hi there! I'm Ana, License Eligible Therapist. I am committed to assisting adolescents and adults in enhancing their self-relationships. Through a client-centric approach, my goal is to facilitate self-love, acceptance, and self-forgiveness throughout the therapeutic process. I specialize in supporting individuals dealing with eating disorders, relational issues, depression, trauma, anxiety disorders and other life struggles.
My therapeutic modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing,Solution-Based Therapy, and Christian Therapy. Upon your request, I can integrate a Christian perspective into our counseling sessions while ensuring a neutral and inclusive approach for those seeking guidance beyond religious bounds. These approaches allow me to tailor interventions to individual needs, promoting holistic well-being.
Additionally, prioritizing self-care, I find enjoyment in outdoor adventures with my spouse and doggies Millie & Caper. As an extrovert, my leisure time involves participating in volleyball and soccer adult leagues. I love joyful movement! On less sunny days, you can often find me indulging in a show or enjoying a coffee date with close friends.
Certified Eating Disorders Specialist
CEDS
Working towards
let's work together
MA, RMHCI
ana player
Supervised by
Dr. Marisa Byles, Psy.D, CEDS
(She/her)
Trained in
DBT & CBT
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Sessions Available
In-Person: Jacksonville
Virtually in FL
Hi There! My name is Fay and I’m a License Eligible Therapist at Restored Purpose Counseling in Winter Park, FL. I have a passion for helping others discover who they are, what they want out of life, and how they can get there while staying true to themselves and their values. I am dedicated to helping adolescents and adults gain a greater awareness of their relationship with food and how it has affected their lives, while also acknowledging how influential and damaging diet culture has been for us as individuals and as a society. In addition to eating disorders, I am also passionate about working with those struggling with LGBTQIA+ identity, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, ADHD, life transitions, and relationship issues.
My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and transparent. I utilize evidence-based treatment modalities including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) from a multicultural/feminist perspective. I aim to support you in working towards your goals while also acknowledging the societal barriers that may have been contributing to your challenges, fears, doubts, etc. In therapy, I prioritize creating a space where you can feel safe to express yourself authentically, without the fear of any judgment or retaliation.
Upon your request, I can integrate a Jewish perspective into our counseling sessions while ensuring a neutral and inclusive approach for those seeking guidance beyond religious bounds. These approaches allow me to tailor interventions to individual needs, promoting holistic well-being.
In my spare time, you might find me snuggling with my 5 cats, listening to Taylor Swift on repeat, relaxing with my partner, or doing yoga. I love to travel when I can- whether it’s going on a hiking trip on the West Coast, visiting my hometown of NYC, or exploring new places abroad. I also have a passion for cooking, trying new foods, and exploring quaint coffee shops wherever I go!
let's work together
MA, RMHCI
Fay Gershman
Supervised by
Kristina Dawson, LMHC, LPC
(She/her)
Trained in
CBT & ACT
In-Person: Winter Park
Virtually in FL
Sessions Available
Certified Eating Disorders Specialist
CEDS
Working towards
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Hi! I'm Abhilasha, a graduate-level intern pursuing my master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in Jacksonville, FL. I am dedicated to supporting adults and adolescents in healing their relationships with food and their bodies.
I'm passionate about creating a safe space in which clients can learn to embrace their true selves and unlock their fullest potential. In my therapeutic practice, I utilize Schema Therapy, Existential Theory, Choice Theory, CBT, and DBT, ensuring a comprehensive and tailored approach for each client.
Practicing self-care is very important to me so when I'm not helping others, you can find me curled up on the couch with a book or working on a puzzle. I also enjoy spending time with my dog, Toast, and going on adventures with him and my partner.
let's work together
Graduate Intern
Abhilasha Kumar
Supervised by
Dr. Marisa Byles, Psy.D, CEDS
(She/her)
Hello! My name is Ansley and I am a graduate-level counseling intern pursuing my degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, FL. I enjoy working alongside adolescents and adults on their journeys toward holistic well-being. Creating an unconditionally safe and validating space where people can improve their self-compassion, emotional regulation, and self-esteem is my top priority.
I utilize an eclectic approach to therapy which draws from techniques of CBT, DBT, ACT, Person-Centered Therapy, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. These approaches help me tailor interventions for each individual that promote healing from eating disorders, anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and other mental health concerns .`
Outside of counseling, I fill my time engaging with adventure. I am an avid outdoorswoman and spend most of my free time skateboarding or hiking through Florida's unique ecosystems. I love all animals, especially my cat, Mango, so I am also working toward my Animal Assisted Therapy Certificate! On the weekends you can find me learning new creative hobbies or exploring live music around Jacksonville.
let's work together
Graduate Intern
Ansley Hitson
Supervised by
Dr. Marisa Byles, Psy.D, CEDS
(She/her)
