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 college students and their parents, as well as adults in a variety of settings outside of education over the past 15 years. Most recently Dena worked with non-traditional adult college students experiencing transfer shock. Her counseling approach to treating anxiety and panic, whether triggered by college life or work and 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 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 guided meditation and progressive relaxation to help guide you through a personal path toward well-being and energized aspirations.

Support for Readmitting College Students

During her years of working in higher education Dena Ford supported students who were previously dismissed from college due to academic grades transition successfully back into college. This process involves taking a deep look at your personal narrative that includes adversities, interests, skills, personality, and values. Your career and college counseling sessions with Dena will focus on creating a positive path moving forward while helping you navigate the college policies and processes that are involved with readmitting.

Support for Parents of College Students

Dena Ford's extensive background in higher education as an educator qualifies her to offer transitional guidance to parents that will help them support their child in college. College life is a new journey that offers young adults the freedom to be independent. During this transition, both the student and the parents have expectations though these expectations may not align in many situations. Dena understands how to navigate the currents of college life. If you are a parent of a college student and have feelings of overwhelming worry or concern about college life for your child, then Dena's counseling services can help offer support and guidance in uncertain times.

College Students Navigation Services

Dena Ford has an extensive background spanning over 25 years in higher education as an educator and professional advisor. Navigating through institutional policies can be overwhelming and can sometimes lead to transfer shock, Dena's years of experience with career and college counseling in higher education have given her insight on how to connect with available campus resources while navigating through academic achievement and requirements. With Dena Ford's professional career and college counseling, you can concentrate on the ultimate goal of graduation.