About Me:
I’m Joanna Carey, LMFT, a therapist meeting with clients in Brevard County (in-person) and throughout Florida (over video sessions). I was raised to be a lifelong learner and to live by values of curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Becoming a therapist was the perfect fit for me. My approach is strengths-based, trauma-informed, and experiential, and I continually adjust to whatever best supports my client’s needs.
Before starting my private practice, I worked for an agency, providing outpatient therapy services in school, home, and office settings. In graduate school, I gained clinical experience in community counseling center, high school, and domestic violence center settings. I also interned as a group facilitator for a children’s grief center in college.
Growing in my profession is important to me. Throughout my career, I’ve completed advanced trainings and certifications to bring my clients the most recent research and evidence-based practice.
My commitment to you is to collaborate with you throughout your therapeutic process and encourage you every step of the way.
Finding the right therapist can make all the difference, whether you are coping with trauma or loss, or you need support during a major life transition. I’m happy to talk with you to see if we’d be a good fit for working together.
My credentials:
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (#3790) in Florida
National Certified Counselor
EMDR-Certified Therapist
My professional affiliations:
Member of the Space Coast Mental Health Counselors Association (Former Board Member from 2020-2023)
Member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
My education:
University of Central Florida
Master of Arts: Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy
Bachelor of Arts: Interpersonal & Organizational Communication, Minor in Psychology
My research and professional interests:
I have presented at multiple local, state, and international conferences; schools; and agencies on topics including:
“Building Resilience during Coronavirus Crisis”
“Domestic Violence during Coronavirus Crisis”
"Resilience and ADHD in the Classroom"
"Play Therapy Strategies for School Therapists"
"Multimedia as a Therapeutic Tool: Increasing Resilience in Children & Adolescents"
"Wellness & Support: For the Clinician and the Patient"
"Trauma-Informed Care for Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors"
"Emoji-Based Genograms in Multigenerational Households"
"The Intersection of Religion, Family, and Emotion in the Prevention of Child Abuse"
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My approach:
Strengths-Based:
Everyone is born with inner strengths that they develop over time. I practice a strengths-based approach to help you discover your unique gifts and how to use them. Strengths-based therapy focuses on harnessing what’s right rather than fixing what’s “wrong.” This type of therapy helps you build resilience and resourcefulness, so you can cope with challenges from a place of inner strength.
Trauma-Informed:
My practice is trauma-informed, which means I have the training and experience to support you if you’ve experienced trauma. Trauma is a response to an intensely upsetting experience and living with trauma can shape the way you think, feel, and act for years to come. Trauma can be isolating and overwhelming, but having support while navigating it can help you feel less alone. It’s important to approach trauma with skill and sensitivity. I am here to help you feel safe and supported, always keeping your needs and goals at the center of our sessions.
On a personal note:
When I’m away from the office, I love to read, swim, paint, travel, arrange flowers, and be with my family and friends. At social gatherings, I’m normally at the snack table, talking with someone about emotional wellness or the importance of continuity of care. It’s a part of who I am, at my core. I really care about what I do.