Key Counseling Concepts ™

Dena Ford, Licensed Mental Health Counselor Counseling Unlocks Your Power

Expertise

Therapeutic Services

Dena Ford (she/her/hers) is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) in the State of Florida (since 2010) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). Dena's counseling services are currently only available virtually, which offers flexibility if you have a hectic schedule. She earned a MA degree in Counseling Studies at Rollins College, and a PhD in Sociology from the University of Central Florida with a focus on health, families, and community. Dena has provided counseling and therapeutic support for anxiety, panic, chronic stress, and identity exploration for those who are going through significant life changes. Dena's counseling approach to treating trauma, anxiety, and panic, whether triggered by lifestyle changes or trying to balance work with family life, fosters personal development by incorporating your personal narrative that explores both strengths and limitations. Fear can feel debilitating, though Dena Ford can help you discover your personal power. Her counseling expertise will guide you through this courageous journey. Dena is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), which can offer great relief from debilitating traumatic memories.

Treatment Focus

Dena Ford's counseling treatment philosophy is trauma-informed and her training in EMDR along with the use of somatic techniques allows clients to reprocess traumatic memories in a safe space with a focus on relief from the physical pain. Dena's treatment philosophy also centers on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which aims to enhance inner strength while reducing anxiety. The traditional counselor-patient counseling interaction occurs virtually and may include techniques such as mindfulness and progressive relaxation to help guide clients through a personal path toward well-being and peace.

Grief and Life Transions

Grief can occur at all stages of life, and doesn't necessarily mean loss through death. Grief is an individual process, and Dena helps her clients navigate through this journey at an individualized pace. Life transitions might include moving, divorce, having a child, or job loss, and sometimes may be accompanied by conflicting emotions. Dena helps clients identify sensations and physical responses to heavy emotions. This approach can help some clients avoid ailments such as tension headaches, restlessness, and nausea due to panic.

Chronic Pain and Trauma

Science and evidence-based research offers modern insight to understanding how adverse childhood experiences as well as trauma in adulthood can impact our neurological and biological development. Dena works with clients to understand their neuro-biography and to help them create an empowering narrative that aligns with resiliency rather than self-doubt. Through neuroplasticity patterns can change and healing can occur.

College Students Navigation Services

Dena Ford is also an educator at Rollins College and has an extensive background in higher education. Navigating through institutional policies along with experiencing lifestyle changes can be overwhelming and can sometimes lead to culture shock. Dena's years of experience in higher education have given her insight on how to connect with available campus resources while helping her clients navigate through personal growth.