Hi, I'm Jaime.
I know that starting therapy can feel overwhelming, and finding the right therapist can be hard. To make this process easier for you, I’d like to share information about me and my approach. I also offer a complimentary 15-minute consultation where you can ask any questions to see if I’m the right 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.
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, and grounded in evidence-based models. I also work from a neurodivergent- and LGBTQIA+-affirming perspective.
​
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 (thoughts) and bottom-up (the body’s responses) methods to support the whole person. When we work together, I consider all aspects of your life, including biological, psychological, and social 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.
​
My approach includes emotion-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT and its newer forms like ACT and DBT), and somatic therapy. To address trauma, I also utilize Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT). I focus on understanding your specific concerns and how they impact your daily life, recognizing that everyone’s experience is unique. Together, we’ll explore contributing factors to uncover the root causes of your challenges, creating a personalized plan that’s in line with your concerns, needs, values, and goals.
​
My goal is to help you understand that whatever you’re struggling with makes sense based on your unique life 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 I wanted a career focused on helping others. Struggling with my own mental health challenges from an early age deepened my passion for the field. I’ve always been fascinated by the connection between the mind and body, which has greatly shaped my career journey.
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 programs supporting students with emotional and behavioral challenges 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.
​
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 I have a special interest in working with neurodivergent clients. Alongside professional training, I also bring lived experience that helps me connect with and support clients navigating the strengths and challenges of neurodivergence. I recognize the close connection between neurodivergence and struggles with anxiety, depression, and trauma, which inspired me to focus my practice in these areas.
​
I care deeply about providing informed, effective support and stay current with the latest research and methods through ongoing training. I’ve completed advanced education in trauma, including PTSD and C-PTSD, as well as ADHD and autism. Outside of my work, I’m married, have two dogs, and enjoy reading and creating art.