Leonides Perez LMHC

My passion for helping others extends from my own experience with mental health issues. I witnessed my father suffer from PTSD due to combat service and how debilitating a mental health condition can be to someone’s life. This passion increased when I witness so many fellow soldiers suffering from PTSD during my time in the U.S. Army and it was heartbreaking to witness their helplessness. It was then that I decided I wanted to dedicate my life to helping others with mental health issues. After I made the decision, I went on to graduate from Broward College with an A.A. in psychology, followed by a B.S. in psychology from the University of Florida and lastly, I received my master’s in mental health counseling from Nova Southeastern University.

A first session to me is very important in terms of setting the tone for therapy. I believe that one of the most important aspects of therapy is the therapeutic relationship. There has to be a certain level of trust established otherwise therapy fails. Therefore, during the first session my focus is always on establishing general goals and expectations for tx, making the client feel comfortable and building rapport to establish an excellent working relationship.

I believe that there are two major barriers for people seeking tx today. First, since it is easy to find a lot of information on the internet a lot of clients will come into to tx with a self-diagnosis and some find it difficult to accept a different diagnosis. While it is important to be educated regarding one’s own mental health issues, it is best to read up on a particular diagnosis after discussing it with a mental health professional. Secondly, one of the biggest barriers I come across in tx is unrealistic expectations. We all want immediate results, especially when discussing health care. However, it is important to understand that therapy takes time and dedication, not something that can happen overnight. Lastly, it is important to remember that we should all try to be the best versions of ourselves that we can be rather than comparing ourselves to others and thus creating unrealistic expectations for self.

• Florida, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MH16076

I have worked with a number of different populations including substance abuse, severe mental health, mood disorders and compulsive disorder. I have also worked with client of all ages ranging from 5 to 70+ years old. Lastly, I have worked in a number of different settings, such as in-home therapy, outpatient clinic, residential substance abuse and outpatient substance abuse.