About Us

About Fit Counseling

Alicia Mercedes, M.Ed, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Florida, holding a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Florida Atlantic University. With a diverse background and extensive experience, Alicia has provided guidance to individuals, and groups from various backgrounds, ethnicities, and religious preferences.


Throughout her career, Alicia has successfully supported individuals dealing with challenges such as depression, anxiety, anger, trauma, and family conflicts. She specializes in adult counseling for those struggles with anxiety, self esteem, body image issues and trauma. As well as women struggling with parenting, prenatal and postpartum mental health issues. She is passionate about creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where everyone can live authentically and without fear of race, gender, identity or sexuality.


Alicia's professional journey includes impactful training experiences at esteemed institutions like Henderson Behavioral Health, Legacy Healing Center, The Beachcomber Rehabilitation, The Faulk Center for Counseling, and private practice. Her motivation stems from a deep passion for aiding others, a compassionate approach to understanding, and a skillful ability to tackle complex problems comprehensively. She creates a nurturing atmosphere where clients can comfortably address negativity and work towards happiness, mental and emotional well-being, and overall health.

Education:

  • Masters of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Florida Atlantic University
  • Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Florida State University
  • Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice/ Criminology from Florida State University

Certifications and Trainings:

  • Trained in EMDR Trauma intervention
  • Gottman Level 1 Couples Counseling Certification
  • Motivational Interviewing Certification 
  • Severe and Persistent Mental Illness Certification
  • Dual Diagnosis Certification from the Florida Department of Health 
  • Co-Occurring Disorders Certification from the Academy of Addiction Professionals
  • Cultural Sensitivity Training from Broward Health
  • Trauma-Informed Care Certification from the Florida Department of Health 
  • Florida State Qualified Supervisor
  • Florida State Family Mediator

Traci Schreibman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for the State of Florida. She earned her master’s in clinical social work from Florida Atlantic University. Traci’s experience includes working with clients from diverse backgrounds by implementing individual, family, couples, and group therapy interventions. 


She has assisted in improving the lives of clients that have experienced anxiety, depression, anger, grief, family and relationship conflict, trauma, and various addiction and other behavioral issues. Traci has experience working with adolescents, adults, and geriatric populations. 


She has worked in several mental health and behavioral health settings including, substance abuse, corrections, adult therapy, telebehavioral health, and group private practice. 

Her training sites include 1st Step Behavioral Health, Legacy Healing Center, Florida House Experience, Southeastern Correctional Complex, Judge Nancy R. McDonnell Community Based Correctional Facility, Health Recovery Services, Inc. Bassett House, BetterHelp, and group private practice. 


Traci is passionate about supporting individuals in accomplishing their goals and finding solutions to the challenges they may be facing. She views the therapeutic relationship as the most important aspect of therapy and understands that you are the expert of your own unique, life experiences. She creates an empathetic environment that allows her clients to feel understood and treats each individual with respect, compassion, patience, and acceptance. Traci is looking forward to joining your journey of change, growth, and empowerment to re-balance your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual state of well-being.

Education:

  • Masters of Clinical Social Work from Florida Atlantic University
  • Bachelors of Social Work from Ohio University

Certifications and Trainings:

  • Bobcats Who Care (Suicide Prevention & Crisis Management) Certification from Hudson Psychological and Counseling Services


  • Integrating Interpersonal Neurobiology into Couples Therapy Certification from National Association of Social Workers


  • Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT-AUDIT) Certification from South Florida Coalition Alliance


  • Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Training from KidSafe Foundation

Lina Valery is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. She received her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Trauma from Palm Beach Atlantic University. As part of her commitment to ongoing growth, Lina is in the process of completing her PhD in Clinical Sexology.


She has worked with many clients of different cultures, ages, spiritual beliefs, religions, backgrounds, and is LGBTQIA+ affirming. As a sex positive, ENM, traditional and non-traditional Kink informed therapist, she believes in establishing and maintaining a strong therapeutic relationship by fostering a non-judgmental space. In this way clients are met where they are and viewed as the experts on their lives.

Lina is committed to working from a strengths-based, collaborative perspective. Her experience includes working with clients coping with depression, grief, anxiety, trauma, marital, familial and interpersonal conflict, life transitions, and difficulties pertaining to self-esteem. Her therapeutic approach draws from the natural world and evidence-based treatment models.

 

Lina’s training includes The Children’s Home Society, Oasis Compassion Agency, and The Faulk Center for Counseling. She has led grief support, school counseling, and DBT skills groups. Lina has experience working wth individuals, families, and couples to generate healing, create change, and work towards achieving set goals of counseling.

Education:

  • Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Palm Beach Atlantic University
  • Masters in Education Media Design & Technology Full Sail University
  • Bachelors in Psychology from Florida International University

Certifications and Trainings:

  • Trained in EMDR Trauma intervention
  • Certified in Prolonged Exposure Therapy
  • Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
  • Clinically trained in Gottman Method Couples Therapy levels 1, 2, 3, treating affairs and trauma, and couples addiction recovery.
  • Certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy
  • Consejería Disponible en Español

Devon Staropoli

Devon Staropoli, M.S., is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. Devon completed her master’s degree program in Mental Health Counseling at Nova Southeastern University. She is skilled in working with individuals and families of diverse backgrounds and experiences. 


Although she has worked with individuals of all ages, she specializes in working with teens and young adults. Devon has worked with those struggling with anxiety, depression, anger, impulse control, emotion regulation, conflict resolution/problem solving, and self-esteem. She is very passionate regarding her work with the LGBTQIA+ community.



Devon has worked in a variety of settings such as community mental health, a lock down facility for juveniles, a psychiatric hospital, and now primarily provides services in the school setting during the day and telehealth in the evenings. 

She brings an eclectic perspective to the counseling experience and truly believes in meeting the client where they are. She utilizes practices from evidence-based models and believes in focusing on an individual’s strengths to overcome their challenges. She provides a safe and welcoming space for clients to come as they are and to feel free to work through their challenges without judgment.

Education:

  • Master's in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. 
  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Florida Gulf Coast University w/ a minor in Interdisciplinary Studies.

Certifications and Trainings:

  • Board Certified Cognitive Specialist trained by The International Board of Credentialing and
  • Continuing Education Standards
  • Certified Clinical Trauma Professional trained by Pesi Inc. 
  • MBF Prevention Education Programs Certified Facilitator Training (Monique Burr Foundation for Children)
  • Incorporating Positive Psychology in School Psychology Practice: Promoting
  • Students' Complete Mental Health in Multi-Tiered Frame trained by School Social Services
  • Solution Focused Brief Therapy for Mental Health Team & PASS
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy trained by Pesi Inc. 
  • Trauma Focused and Informed Care

Moriah E. McCarthy

Moriah E. McCarthy, M.S is a dedicated Licensed Mental Health Counselor for the State of Florida receiving her Masters from Nova Southeastern University.


Moriah embraces a comprehensive and integrated perspective, recognizing the intricate connection between mind, body, and spirit. In her practice, she considers mental health as a cornerstone of overall wellness, and her approach reflects a harmonious blend of delving into the past, fostering insight, and implementing practical interventions to propel clients toward a future-focused momentum.


Her therapeutic style encompasses psycho-education and sills-builing, empowering clients to autonomously support themselves beyond counseling sessions. She believes in bringing forth both strengths and weaknesses, facilitating the integration of thoughts, feelings, and actions into a cohesive whole self. Collaboration is key throughout the therapeutic journey, ensuring clients feel both supported and motivated to take ownership of their success.


Working with Moriah entails a partnership in the treatment process, where feedback is valued, and openness to possibilities is appreciated. She encourages action for greater stability, and her client-centered and creative approach fosters an environment of growth and transformation.

Moriah's interventions are versatile, often weaving together tools rooted in mindfulness, self-compassion, and Existentialism. With a diverse background working with various populations, she is adept at employing modalities ranging from Depth Psychology to Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), tailoring her approach to meet the unique needs of each client.


One of Moriah's notable strengths lies in her ability to align interventions with the client's subjective framework, incorporating elements of culture, spirituality, and values into the clinical process. This personalized approach ensures that interventions resonate with clients, fostering a deeper connection and enhancing the effectiveness of the therapeutic experience.

Education:

  • Master's in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University

 Rachel Walker

Rachel Walker is currently interning at Fit Counseling while pursuing a master's in counseling psychology at NYU. Under the supervision of Alicia Mercedes, Rachel is gaining valuable experience in the field.


In addition to a passion for counseling, Rachel is also a certified yoga teacher with a specialization in aerial yoga. This unique background has allowed her to integrate mindfulness and meditation into her life, enhancing a holistic approach to therapy.


Rachel's journey towards becoming a therapist began early in life, driven by a deep desire to assist others. Having navigated her own share of life's challenges and traumas, Rachel has come to appreciate the profound benefits that therapy can offer. She firmly believes in the power of human connection, the importance of feeling heard and validated, and how these elements are integral to the healing process. It's an incredible honor for Rachel to be part of the therapeutic experience for others.


Rachel's therapeutic philosophy centers on a person-centered approach, recognizing that each client is the expert of their own life. Her role is to support and facilitate the client's journey, with a strong emphasis on cultural humility and sensitivity, fostering an environment of empathy, open-mindedness, and non-judgment. Active listening is a cornerstone of Rachel's practice.


Prior to her current role, Rachel gained experience working alongside counselors as a psychological research assistant at the University of Florida. This experience deepened her understanding of the field and fueled her excitement to directly engage with clients on their unique paths of healing and growth.


Rachel is thrilled to be here, ready to walk with clients on their journeys toward healing and personal development. She looks forward to connecting with individuals and being a part of their transformative process.

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