Lakeland, FL Local Support & Community Resources

David Hernandez, MSW, LCSW, is a compassionate and skilled Clinical Social Worker dedicated to guiding adults and elders through the emotional turmoil of divorce, grief, and anxiety. He understands that whether the decision to divorce is mutual or not, it brings forth a whirlwind of confusion, anger, and resentment. Clients often experience deep grief over the impending loss of their marriage and may question the validity of their past. David recognizes that what once felt like love can now seem adversarial, especially amidst legal proceedings filled with complexities such as lawyers, court dates, and child visitation disputes. After a divorce, life can feel drastically altered, shrouded in a heavy fog of uncertainty. At Stoa Life, David provides unwavering support, validating the experiences of grief and disappointment that clients face. Employing an integrative approach that combines Rational Emotive Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, and elements of Stoicism, he empowers clients to navigate this challenging phase with clarity. Through structured processes and skill-building, individuals are equipped to confront their challenges from a position of personal strength. It's time to lift that fog and make informed decisions during this pivotal life transition, setting the stage for a brighter future.

Shelva Alderman is a dedicated Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) who genuinely aims to assist her clients in achieving a state of well-being. Her down-to-earth approach fosters a productive therapist-client rapport, allowing for tailored treatment that recognizes the individuality of each person from intake through treatment planning and follow-up resources. With experience in a broad spectrum of psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder, Shelva has developed a specialization in substance abuse and childhood trauma. Utilizing evidence-based treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), she effectively challenges and transforms clients' distorted thoughts and unhealthy behaviors, enhancing their emotional regulation and equipping them with vital coping skills to navigate life's challenges seamlessly.

Donald Allen Cleveland is a dedicated counselor and mental health professional known for his compassionate approach to therapy. He has a unique perspective illustrated by an old picture hanging in his office—a woman in a white and blue cover-up, seemingly unwilling to engage in conversation. This imagery reflects the feelings of many clients who enter therapy feeling skeptical or disconnected. With many years of experience in shelters and private practice, Donald has successfully worked with countless individuals, particularly focusing on those often deemed 'Impossible Cases' who have not yet found success with traditional talk therapy. His mission is to foster a therapeutic partnership tailored to each client's needs and goals, ensuring that therapy is centered around them. Donald strives to create an environment of trust, safety, and respect, where clients can discover and heal themselves. His dedication to providing unconditional understanding, support, and a transformative experience is at the heart of his practice, making a significant difference in the lives of those he empowers through therapy.