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Open Heart and Mind Counseling Services
Jaime McKenzie, Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Hi, I'm Jaime.

Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, and finding the right therapist who meets your needs can be hard, especially if you're unsure about the type of therapy you want. To make this process easier for you, I’d like to share information about me and my services, helping you determine if you’d like to schedule a consultation. I offer a complimentary 15-minute consultation where you can ask any questions to see if I’m the fit for you. If it turns out that I’m not the best match, I’m also more than happy to provide referrals to other therapists or services that may better meet your needs.

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My Approach

I offer a warm, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where we can work together to explore the challenges that brought you to therapy. My approach is trauma- and polyvagal-informed, utilizing interventions from evidence-based models. I also adopt a neurodivergent- and LGBTQIA+-affirming perspective.

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Therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. Many approaches focus on just one aspect—like thoughts or behaviors—but people are complex. I believe in looking at the whole picture, using an integrative approach that incorporates both top-down (like your thoughts) and bottom-up (like your body’s responses) methods to address the whole person. When we work together, I consider all aspects of your life—biological, psychological, and social (including systemic) influences—because everything is connected. Based on your unique concerns, I apply interventions from modalities that will be most effective in addressing the root causes we’ve identified. Additionally, I emphasize neuroscience and typically begin with some basic education about the mind and body, as a better understanding of the mind-body connection helps build self-compassion.

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My therapeutic approach incorporates emotion-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT and its newer forms like ACT and DBT), and somatic therapy. While a diagnosis is necessary for insurance, I focus more on understanding your specific symptoms and how they impact your day-to-day life. Many people may share the same diagnosis yet have entirely different experiences. Together, we will explore contributing factors to uncover the root causes of your challenges and create a plan tailored to your specific concerns, needs, values, and goals.

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My goal is to help you understand that whatever you’re struggling with makes sense based on your unique experiences. Every unhelpful habit or coping mechanism has developed for a reason. I’m here to help you connect the dots, build self-compassion, and provide you with practical tools you can use long after therapy is over. It is an honor to be a part of your healing journey.


Click here to contact me to set up a free 15-minute consultation.

About Jaime McKenzie, LMHC

My path to becoming a counselor began in high school, when I decided that I wanted to build a career focused on helping others. By the time I started college, I knew I wanted to pursue counseling. My struggles with my own mental health, beginning in childhood, fueled my passion for this field. I’ve always been fascinated by the connection between the mind and body, which further guided my career path.

 

I earned my master’s degree in Counseling Services from the State University of New York at Oswego in 2006 and have been practicing as a counselor ever since. My early career included working as a counselor with homeless teens and young adults in a group home and later as a Functional Family Therapist with families referred through the juvenile justice system. After relocating to Florida, I worked within Emotional/Behavioral Disability (EBD) programs in the Florida school system and earned my license as a Mental Health Counselor while there. Later, I joined an agency where I worked with children, teens, and adults, eventually becoming a qualified supervisor and lead therapist.

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I transitioned into private practice to focus on my areas of expertise and provide a more personalized approach to care. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with a diverse range of individuals, and have a special interest in working with neurodivergent clients. I recognize the close connection between neurodivergence and struggles with anxiety, depression, and trauma, which inspired me to focus my practice in these areas.

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I am committed to continuous professional development, keeping up with the latest research and therapeutic methods. I hold certifications as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider, and Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist. Outside of my professional life, I am married, have two dogs, and enjoy reading and creating art.

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