| Hello! Sarasota Addiction Specialists hopes that everyone had a fantastic Independence Day! We have some very exciting news and updates we would like to share with you all! On April 1st, 2021 SAS opened its doors to its sister company, MindSol Wellness Center. This side of our business is open to treat various forms of psychological issues such as grief & loss, trauma, eating disorders, body image, disorders of the self, addiction, depression, anxiety and severe & persistent mental illness.  MindSol Wellness Center not only offers premier psychological services to the clients we treat but we also provide the resources necessary for our staff to stay healthy and evolve in their theoretical approaches. MindSol Wellness Center requires all staff to participate in weekly individual supervision, bi-weekly group supervision as well as bi-weekly seminars. The bi-weekly seminars are an ongoing learning/educational process where clinicians are exposed and submerged into multitudes of theoretical perspectives to help understand the mind. In addition to this Seminar provides an opportunity for case presentations which enable clinicians to apply theoretical concepts to client process. MindSol Wellness Center also requires all clinicians to be actively involved in their own personal therapy. Our belief is that a therapist can only take someone as far as they have been willing to go with their own mind exploration. Our therapists health are our top priority! We encourage you to visit our website at mindsolsarasota.com to learn more. We would like to take an opportunity to introduce you to all of MindSol Wellness Centers Clinicians/Therapists. Mrs. Smith Tilka RMHC, NBCC Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern  I am excited to be on this path of self-development and self-awareness with all my clients. Being a part of a client’s process and witnessing their growth is one of the most fulfilling aspects of what I do.Actually, this is why I got into the counseling field in the first place: to help others believe in themselves and process through their life’s challenging situations. I have been in the helping profession for over 8 years supporting clients as they process through their traumas, addictions, phases of life, and family of origin issues. I look forward to being a part of your journey as well.As an existential therapist, I believe that life is a journey of focusing and balancing one’s purpose, meaning, freedom and responsibility. Sometimes we all need some help processing through the potential conditions of the human condition, such as being comfortable as our authentic selves or becoming aware of the many possibilities for oneself. For me, focusing on one’s developmental patterns throughout their lifetime is just as important as what happened to them during our childhood. However, I do incorporate attachment theory’s principles into my conceptualization process. Our attachment styles as children, indeed, play a pivotal role in the relational patterns in one’s current relationships. Incorporating these concepts into the therapeutic process helps to reveal patterns in one’s life as well as helps clients discover what is meaningful and purposeful to them. Mr. John Lopez, LMHC, CAP Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Certified Addictions Professional, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional John has been working in the recovery field for over 10 years assisting adult men/women with substance use disorders. John is the Program Manager of a 90 bed long-term treatment center in Sarasota. John specializes in Anger management, addictions and trauma. John has taught life skills in prisons and jails across Florida and has worked with troubled youth as a youth pastor. John is a member of (AMCHA) American Mental Health Counselors Association and a (NCC) National Certified Counselor. John understands the cycle of addiction and how to break free from its grip on individuals both in a professional and personal way. John works with Spanish speaking clients and understands Latino culture and the barriers that these individuals face due to lack of proficiency in the English language. Ms. Christina Ercoli RMHCI, NBCC Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, National Certified Counselor As we journey through life, it’s common to experience obstacles that challenge us. As one faces various difficulties, intense emotions and thoughts can intrude and consume our lives. It can be a powerful step to allow someone into your space to help you carry that burden. Therapy can help you explore thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while learning necessary skills to support your personal goals. I believe in an individualized approach where the relationship between the client and therapist is most important. My therapeutic style includes creating a compassionate and nurturing environment to help my clients gain comfortability. In turn, this helps to create long-lasting personal change.My clinical training includes five years of counseling individuals struggling with mental health and addiction. I am trained in group and individual therapy, in both residential and outpatient settings. My educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in mental health and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Jennifer Burke BA, MS, RMCHI Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, Master Life Coach Engaging and genuinely interested in people. This is what I thrive on. Learning what is meaningful to my clients, andencouraging individuals to live genuine, authentic and fulfilling lives are my driving principles. It is my goal to discover what is most important to my client; their goals, their values, and what will fuel their resilience to tolerate and navigate change, uncomfortable feelings, and difficult conversations with healthy boundaries, clarity, confidence and kindness. Person-centered therapy and Motivational Interviewing are cornerstones to integrating a process that brings individuals to the gift of their lives. Discovery, enlightenment, growth and balance can be achieved. Chuck Kanner, Certified International Life Coach Chuck Kanner is a Sociotherapist and Certified International Life Coach. He has been at the forefront of adolescent and young adult treatment and support for over two decades. As the Co-Founder and Director of The Farm School, Kanner Academy, and Sarasota Community School, Chuck has spent the bulk of his life engaged in counseling and educating struggling kids and families. His passion and unique style come from a childhood wrought with abandonment and life struggles all of which inform and create the revolutionary process he shares with his clients today. If other therapies and medical treatments have not helped, his approach to relationship and dialogue might be the support you have been searching for. Mr. David Forestier, CAC, NCIP, NCRC-I Certified Addictions Counselor David was raised in the Bronx, New York by a family who wouldn’t put up with his addiction and all the chaos and heartbreak that came with it. Their healthy boundaries were a big part of catapulting David into recovery. David brings an outstanding 30 plus years of personal recovery from drug and alcohol addiction, 10 years of professional experience in recovery support services, and eight years experience as director of a residential school for troubled teenagers. Today, David is a Nationally Certified Intervention Practitioner (NCIP) a Nationally Certified Recovery Coach (NCRC-I), & a Florida Board Certified Addiction Counselor a trained professional who truly cares. Mr. Cole Young, CAC Certified Addictions Counselor Cole Young is a empathetic counselor who specializes in empowering individuals to overcome their personal struggles with addictions in all forms. He has been active in the therapeutic community since 2005 when he worked as a adolescent counselor at a boarding school for troubled teenagers. In years since, he has worked as a sober companion and recovery coach for teenagers and adults struggling with substance abuse. His years of experience in recovery, personally and professionally, inform an effective approach to treatment. His professional credentials include a Certification in Addictions Counseling by the Florida Certification Board. Dr. Kimberly S. Benson LMHC, CCTP, CAP, NBCC, QS Licensed Mental Health Counselor Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Certified Addiction Professional Nationally Board Certified Counselor Qualified Supervisor My clinical practice is based on the belief that my clients needs are of the utmost importance. I am committed to meeting those needs. As a result, a high percentage of this business is from repeat customers and referrals. I would welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and deliver you the quality, trust, you need to attain awareness, growth and healing. It is my belief that life throws us many different situations and circumstances, some of which we can deal with ourselves and some of which we need an outside source to help guide us along the way. Asking for help by society is sometimes viewed as a crutch/weakness, but in essence asking for help is the strongest characteristic we could have within ourselves. Not asking for help symbolizes the ultimate form of weakness and fear. By admitting our imperfections and need for help it is my belief that we enable ourselves to live fuller and happier lives. I specialize in psychodynamic psychotherapy and depth psychology with an emphasis on contemporary theories including but not limited to Interpersonal and Relational Models. I employ an individual approach to all diagnostic and treatment presentations. I have been involved in human services since 2002, and I have extensive training in crisis management, trauma, eating disorders and addiction. I treat individuals, groups, families, couples, adults, children and adolescents. I offer motivational training and psycho-education. My specialty areas include disorders of the self, grief, depression, post traumatic stress, addictions, mood disorders, family of origin issues, severe and persistent mental illness, eating disorders, mind body disorders, sexual identity issues and anxiety. I work with people in person, by phone or as a group trainer or speaker and welcome consultation for any of the above. Clinical Experience: 10 years experience with In-Patient and Out-Patient Crisis Management. Treatment included severe and persistent mental illness, addiction, trauma, eating and body image disorders, self mutilation, anxiety disorders, bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia, and major depressive disorders. 10 Plus years in private practice and Clinical Director of Sarasota Addiction Specialists. WE ARE HIRING! MindSol Wellness Center is actively looking for Registered Interns, Licensed Therapists and Psychiatrists to join our team! Thank you to everyone for your continued support. Your support allows us to provide necessary help to Thank you, Dr. Kimberly S. Benson |
715 N Washington Blvd Suite E, Sarasota, FL 34236
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