Lisa Abdalla, MA
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA),
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern (RMHCI)
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About me:
Throughout my life, I have come to realize that we are all truly on a journey. Sometimes we choose the change we want and sometimes change chooses us. Getting through tough times and learning to grow from them isn't always easy. I'm here to help you find your way. Whether you're going through a life transition, have experienced trauma, struggling with anxiety or depression, or trying to figure out who you are and what you want out of this life, I'm here to help.​
Growing up in the military, I learned early in life that we are all different and each person's experience is unique to them. Living across the United States, from Louisiana to Alaska, and even in Portugal, I came to appreciate and respect cultural differences. I practice mental health counseling from a culturally affirming position.
My Professional Experience:
I've spent the last 22 years working in the field of Psychology. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, a Master's Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis, and a Master's Degree in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling, all from the University of South Florida. I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern (RMHCI) with the state of Florida. In addition, I am also Certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (C-DBT).
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I have experience providing individual therapy, family therapy, and group therapy. I've specifically worked with teenagers and adults with Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, Suicidal Ideation, Self-harm, Adjustment Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Trauma, Autism, and ADHD, using multiple therapeutic approaches. I've always used neurodiverse-affirming practices. I've worked with clients in residential settings, and in intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization. In the past, I was a Research Associate at the University of South Florida, working on Autism Support and Research. I have provided behavioral therapy using a Positive Behavior Support approach as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, for over 20 years. I am also a contracted therapist with a national Employment Assistance Program (EAP) provider.
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My Therapeutic Approach
I am dedicated to providing compassionate and effective mental health counseling services, to meet your individual needs. I offer a safe space for your healing and growth. I use a humanistic, person-centered approach as the foundation of my practice, then integrate different modalities of therapy that best suits you. I believe that we've all walked our own path in life and I respect that. By finding the best therapeutic approach for you, I am committed to supporting you on your journey towards improved mental well-being and a more fulfilling life. Depending on your needs, I specifically use Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Positive Psychology.
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I'm here to help you find your happiness, strength, and the change you want to see. During the initial sessions, we'll look at the issues at hand and how they may or may not be rooted in your past. We'll make a plan together. My goal is to see a lifting of your symptoms within the first month.