Deanna Casper LMHC

I believe the most important part of therapy is the rapport I have with you. I don't expect people to open up about everything right off the bat. I understand that it takes time to trust me and to feel safe to share. I like to think of myself as someone who does create a safe environment to share. I have been told by my clients in the past that I am funny, warm, and non-judgemental.

I think the biggest barrier people face is the fear that a therapist will negatively judge them. I think a lot of people have trust issues with therapists and are afraid to open up and not be met with compassion.

• Florida, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MH22859

I originally got my Bachelors degree in Elementary Education and worked as an elementary school teacher in public school in South Florida. For various reasons, I realized quickly that teaching was not the right job for me. I took a number of years off and was a stay-at-home mother to my children. All along I knew I needed to find a career that would utilize my strengths and bring me joy. I knew I wanted a career which I would still be able to still help people but in a different capacity than teaching. After a lot of soul searching I realized that counseling was the right choice for me. I am blessed in that I was able to go back to school and get my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Florida Atlantic University. I spent my internship for grad school and the years after, working in various inpatient treatment centers for mental health and addiction in South Florida. Although it was challenging at times working in a high-needs environment I truly enjoyed every minute. I have now moved on to the next part of my journey. I have utilized the immense knowledge, patience, and empathy I have gained in my previous work environments and brought it into opening my own private practice.