About Hillary Straus, LMHC

About Hillary Straus, LMHC 2024-04-05T21:12:52+00:00

Nothing is more fascinating than real life. I’m awed by our soul’s ability to cope, build defenses in order to protect itself, and be exceptionally resilient in the face of suffering. In effect, becoming a therapist was not a defined choice for me, but rather my life purpose and passion.

As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida (MH13684) my practice is conveniently located in Maitland, as part of the integrative wellness team at Maitland Wellness Center. I have a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Depth Psychology, from Pacifica Graduate Institute; located in Santa Barbara, California.

I specialize in helping clients find relief from anxiety, depression, and painful relationships.

As the Founder, Owner, and Executive Director of the Maitland Wellness Center, I am committed to a holistic approach to treatment that incorporates the mind, physical body, energy, and spirit in mental health counseling and the various other healing practices that are offered at the Maitland Wellness Center.  My treatment philosophy is based on a whole-person perspective that focuses on resolving the underlying root issues that manifest unwanted symptoms.

I have more than 15 years of clinical experience treating individuals from diverse backgrounds with specialties in trauma, developmental trauma, anxiety, depression, money/financial issues, healing from pathological relationships.

My specialized training includes extensive study in the area of Integrative and Holistic Mental Health.  With more than 10 years of direct experience utilizing Mind/Body healing techniques as a Level II EFT practitioner and Healing From the Body Level Up practitioner and trainer, studying directly with the creator and visionary, Dr. Judith Swack.  I have completed all six modules of training in Healing From The Body Level Up ™ (HBLU™), an innovative mind/body healing methodology, and am a Certified Healing From The Body Level Up Trainer.   I utilize a wide variety of Energy Psychology methods to effectively clear blocks and traumas that create pain, anxiety, and that keep you from achieving your goals.

Additionally, I have completed Gottman Level I Relationship Training in addition to a Developmental Model of Relationship counseling and am a state approved provider of the Co-parenting course approved by the Department of Child and Family Services.

My previous work includes in-depth experience providing mental health counseling at psychiatric in-patient and out-patient settings. I have worked with a variety of issues and currently specialize in life sufferings dealt with as an individual.

Why Should You Trust Me to Be Your Therapist?

Finding the right therapist is a unique process, everyone is different, each therapist has a different type of training, emphasis, and personality.  The “best” therapist in the world might remind you of your 3rd grade gym teacher who made you run around the gym 16 million times and you hated her grating voice and the way she yelled at you to run faster.  The right therapist is a combination of someone that is properly trained and licensed in the areas that you are seeking help for and someone that you like talking to.  You will have to spend a lot of time with them, if you feel annoyed after a 15 minute phone conversation, then take that as a sign that their personality or style is not the right fit for you.  No blame, no judgement, just keep calling people until you find someone that you vibe with.

To give you some more of my background to help you decide if I could be the right person to help you, here is some more information.

I have completed extensive study in Integrative and Holistic Mental Health, Mind-Body Healing, and Energy Psychology. My therapy work focuses on the healing the whole person at all levels; the mind, body, emotions, and soul.

I combine effective traditional therapy methods with powerful energy psychology techniques to help you tap deeply into your own inner wisdom that will guide you towards healing. Counseling with me addresses the root cause of your problems, healing the “hurt parts” of your self, so that you feel more whole.

Treating the underlying source of your troubles provides meaningful and lasting change.

I know how scary it can be to feel like the only options available are to continue to live in misery or admit that it’s time to get help and make the changes required to have a better life.

I’ve been in that place and have come through the other side. My experience has made me wiser and more compassionate and has also led to a life that is more fulfilling that I could have ever imagined it to be.

I work diligently to help you achieve the profound changes that I, and many of my clients, have been blessed to experience.

Some Fun Facts About Me

My Practice is Located in the Maitland Wellness Center

My life philosophy:

I believe we are here to fully em’body’ and embrace all the good things in life while at the same time fulfilling our soul’s mission for being here. Throughout these experiences, life provides us a variety of “opportunities” (such as fear, anger, frustration, etc.) and it’s how we cope, strategize, and face these “opportunities” that contribute to our learning and growth as a human being. Sometimes, we just need a little help along the way.

Something I’m passionate about:

Love. Whether it’s loving oneself or the love given to another person, this one idea can lead to bountiful happiness. I find interesting the different ways that we love one another and ourselves and the impact it can make on everything in our lives.

What I love to do outside of my career:

I have a fondness for nature, particularly sports such as hiking, scuba diving, and skiing. And, I am very deeply committed to the study of world healing systems and esoteric knowledge, such as astrology, mythology, native traditions, ritual, and energy.

Things I can’t live without:

The people in my life – my friends and family. Definitely a good book and don’t forget Chocolate!

“When receiving intuitive information through your body, the more you listen, the more you hear.”

~ Karen Whitaker

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