Family Therapy Group of Weston Therapists
Monica Arroyo, LCSW
Owner & Clinical Director
Sarah Rohan
Therapist
Esmeralda Faroh
Therapist
Samantha Brazen
Therapist
Magaly Gauntlett
Therapist
Lezlie Brezin
Therapist
William Barney
Therapist
Madison Wolfe
Therapist
Jesus Moreno
Therapist
Julie Sherman
Therapist
Orianna Torres
Therapist
Marianne Jimenez
Therapist
Dr. Dagmar Nuñez, Psy.D.
Daniela Bigott
Therapist
Gloria Valdivieso
Therapist
Roxana Ackerman
Therapist
Rosemary Eljaua
Therapist
Monica Arroyo, LCSW
I established the Family Therapy Group of Weston on the belief that families are the most important factor in our beautiful community. All families are not created the same but all families have the same longing for connection, closeness and understanding.
In my 20-year career as a relationship and family therapist, I was given the opportunity to work with families from all over the world, what became clear to me was that if any of the members of a family unit was struggling then everyone else at home would struggle too. I realized that not only couples needed help to keep their relationships healthy but also if their teens or children were struggling that it would impact the whole family as a whole.
This is where the journey began to create a group practice that could help every member of a family. From the moment you walk into our office you are assured that you are in good hands. In my role, as the Clinical Director, my main responsibility is to make sure that our team of therapists is providing you with the best care that fits your mental health needs.
Every single therapist in our team has been selected for their specific training and experience as well as for their non-judgmental and compassionate approach. This is an important key component to our practice. We believe that a therapist that is emotionally attuned to the needs of their clients is much more effective at helping create behavior changes that will help families heal and grow. We work together as a team to make sure that our families are treated with the most effective and successful approaches.
Sarah Rohan, LMHC
Sarah is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who specializes in working with young adults with anxiety disorders, mood disorders, adjustment to life transitions, low self-esteem, and identity development.
Sarah integrates various therapeutic approaches to treat each client's unique needs. Some of these approaches include Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and solution focused therapy. Sarah has a passion for working with teens, young adults and adults facing difficult transitions in their lives.
Her approach is strenghts-based, collaborative and geared to meet her client's specific needs and goals. She believes in creating a safe and supportive space grounded in empathy and respect. After working in the field for nine years, her experience has helped many to break through barriers and live more fulfilling lives.
Her specializations include:
- Teen Counseling and college students
- Anxiety & Depression, Self Esteem, Grief, Identity Development
- Women’s Issues- divorce, separation & loss
- Career guidance & development
- Life transitions- loss of relationships, employment & financial uncertainty.
Offering weekday and evening appointments. In network with Cigna Insurance.
Esmeralda Faroh, LMFT
Esmeralda Faroh is a Licensed Marriage and Family Counselor who has worked with a wide variety of clients, teens, adults, and elders. She utilizes a systemic approach to assist individuals and families going through different life transitions or crises.
With over 10 years of field experience and multicultural background, Esmeralda has helped various clients understand the acculturation process and taught them to reap the benefits of both cultures. Utilizing Narrative Therapy, Esmeralda helps her clients achieve a sense of freedom by understanding that "the problem is the problem, you are not the problem." Finally, she is particularly interested in anxiety issues and how to help individuals with a more mindful approach to their symptoms, so that they are not repeating old habits and getting stuck in familiar negative situations.
She specializes in:
- Effective communication among family members
- Parenting & Co-parenting
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Acculturation process
- Divorce
- Blended families
- LGBTQ+ youth and family acceptance
Offering weekday and evening appointments. In network with Cigna & Aetna Insurance.
Esmeralda Faroh, LMFT
Esmeralda Faroh es una terapeuta bilingüe (inglés / español). Ha trabajado con una amplia variedad de clientes, adolescentes, adultos y ancianos. Ella utiliza un enfoque sistémico para ayudar a las personas y familias que atraviesan diferentes transiciones o crisis en la vida.
Con más de 10 años de experiencia en el campo de la psicología y una visión multicultural, Esmeralda ha ayudado a varios clientes a comprender el proceso de aculturación y les ha enseñado a cosechar los beneficios de ambas culturas.
Utilizando la Terapia Narrativa, Esmeralda ayuda a sus clientes a lograr una sensación de libertad al comprender que "el problema es el problema, tú no eres el problema". Finalmente, un fuerte enfoque de Esmeralda es trabajar con los problemas de ansiedad y en cómo ayudar a las personas a tener un enfoque más consciente de sus síntomas, para que no repitan viejos hábitos y se atasquen en situaciones negativas familiares.
Ella se especializa en:
- Comunicación efectiva entre miembros de la familia.
- Crianza / Crianza compartida
- Ansiedad
- Depresión
- Proceso de aculturación
- Divorcio
- Familias mixtas
- Aceptación de jóvenes y familias LGBTQ +
Samantha Brazen, LMHC
Samantha Brazen is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida and a National Certified Counselor. She has experience working in various school settings, residential treatment, and private practice. Her primary focus is to empower young individuals through psychotherapy with the intent to build awareness, compassion, empathy, understanding, respect and acceptance. Samantha primarily provides therapy to children, tweens, teens and their parents. She utilizes a range of evidence-based practices, including CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), MI (Motivational Interviewing), and Mindfulness Techniques.
Samantha was born and raised in Clearwater, Florida. Growing up she always knew she wanted to have a career in a helping field and to work closely with individuals, which led her to pursue a career in mental health counseling. She received her bachelor’s degree from Florida State University in Family and Child Science and her master’s degree from Troy University in Counseling and Psychology.
Samantha approaches each individual she works with respect, patience and understanding. Her objective is to meet each individual child/teen where they are, and implement an individualized path of treatment that facilitates emotional and behavioral growth. Her areas of interest include treatment for anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, depressive disorders, and adjustment disorders in children and teens.
In her free time, Samantha enjoys spending time with friends and family, cooking, crafting and taking her dog, Goose, to the park.
Her specializations include:
- Tweens & Teens
- Self Esteem
- Anxiety Disorders
- Depressive Disorders
- Adjustment Disorders and Life Transitions
- Improving Stress Management and Executive Functioning Skills
Magaly Gauntlett
Magaly Gauntlett is a Registered Mental Health Counselor whose passion is to help clients who are struggling with past traumas, low self-esteem, depression and anxiety to find a sense of security and to regain their self-confidence. She specializes in helping clients to learn to refocus their attention to the present by utilizing Mindfulness techniques so they can reconnect with a feeling of safety and calmness. Her approach to counseling is one of connection with others and with families struggling with difficult issues.
Magaly believes that having worked as a Montessori teacher prior to becoming a therapist has helped her to develop active listening skills, empathy and compassion towards others. She is also passionate about helping couples who struggle in their relationship. She believes that each individual has the right to feel comfortable enough with their partner to communicate any needs, desires, struggles without hesitation or being afraid of being judged.
Magaly is originally from Lima, Peru. She obtained her Master in Mental health counseling from Nova University. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness. Magalyy presently holds certifications in: Trauma in Young Children, Cognitive, social and Emotional Development & Recognizing and Responding to early Childhood Grief
When she is not at the office, Magaly enjoys spending time with her loved ones, running with friends especially during training season. She also enjoys reading, cooking and her newest hobby, painting. “I don’t consider myself a good one but I love the feeling after I am done and I see my painting with pride.”
Her specializations include:
- Parenting skills, Childhood trauma issues & personal conflicts
- Anxiety, depression & low self-esteem
- Individual, Family & Couples Counseling
- Fully bilingual (English/Spanish)
Magaly Gauntlett
Magaly Gauntlet es una terapeuta consejera de salud mental registrada cuya pasión es ayudar a los clientes que luchan con traumas pasados, baja autoestima, depresión y ansiedad a encontrar una sensación de seguridad y recuperar la confianza en sí mismos. Ella se especializa en ayudar a sus clientes a aprender a re-enfocar su atención en el presente mediante la utilización de técnicas de Mindfulness para que puedan reconectarse con una sensación de seguridad y tranquilidad. Su enfoque de la consejería es una de conexión con otros y con familias que luchan con problemas difíciles.
Magaly cree que haber trabajado como maestra Montessori antes de convertirse en terapeuta la ha ayudado a desarrollar habilidades de escucha activa, empatía y compasión hacia los demás. También le apasiona ayudar a las parejas que luchan en su relación. Ella cree que cada individuo tiene derecho a sentirse lo suficientemente cómodo con su pareja para comunicar cualquier necesidad, deseo, lucha sin dudarlo o tener miedo de ser juzgado.
Magaly es originaria de Lima, Perú. Obtuvo su Maestría en Consejería en Salud Mental de la Universidad Nova. Está capacitada en Terapia Cognitiva Conductual (TCC) y Mindfulness. Magaly actualmente tiene certificaciones en: Trauma Infantil, Desarrollo cognitivo, social y emocional y Reconocimiento y respuesta al duelo de la primera infancia.
Cuando no está en la oficina, a Magaly le gusta pasar tiempo con sus seres queridos, correr con amigos, especialmente durante la temporada de entrenamiento. También le gusta leer, cocinar y su nuevo pasatiempo, pintar "No me considero una buena pintora, pero me encanta la sensación después de haber terminado y veo mi pintura con orgullo"
Sus especializaciones incluyen:
- Habilidades de crianza, problemas de trauma infantil y conflictos personales
- Ansiedad, depresión y baja autoestima
- Asesoramiento individual, familiar y de pareja
- Totalmente bilingüe (inglés / español)
Lezlie Brezin, LCSW
Lezlie Brezin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker whose passion is in treating individuals and couples. Her goal is to provide a safe and nurturing environment in order to build a strong therapeutic bond with her clients. She feels that connecting with her clients and building a solid sense of trust allows her to gain insight into their struggles and painful situations.
She believes that in this ever changing world we live in, individuals may be overwhelmed with stress, anxiety and depression due to a number of issues and circumstances. Her approach is to help her clients navigate through their challenges while providing a solution focused approach to help them gain the knowledge and skills to make positive changes in their lives. She helps her clients to become more self aware, to establish goals and empower themselves both as individuals as well as within their relationships.
Lezlie has over 15 + years of experience working with Individuals, Couples and Families in various settings including social service agencies, employee assistance programs and private practice. She earned her Masters degree from Loyola University of Chicago and a BA from the University of Illinois Champaign- Urbana.
In her free time, Lezlie enjoys spending time with her family, her husband, two teenage children and dog at home.She also enjoys exercising, playing tennis, music, reading, traveling and going to dinner and social gatherings with her family and friends.
Lezlie has always believed that “it is not what you achieve but what you overcome.”
Offering weekday morning appointments.
Her specializations include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress
- Self -esteem
- Relationship issues
- Life transitions
- Family issues
Treatment modalities:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Family Systems
- Interpersonal
- Solution-focused brief therapy
- Client-centered therapy
William Barney, LMHC
William Barney is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. He specializes in Trauma, Grief and Loss. He is certified as an EMDR Therapist. William is presently pursuing his Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Industrial Organizational Psychology at Capella University.
His passion is to work with Teens, Families and Individuals. His prior work in Teen treatment centers has helped him to identify with the needs of evolving young adults. William feels that he can help his clients by supporting them through their life transitions and by assisting them to become more independent thus giving them a greater chance to overcome their struggles. William believes that his most important role is to help individuals who are experiencing trauma, grief and loss. He is able to understand others and to create a safe environment for them. He uses CBT, client centered and mindfulness techniques in his work with clients.
William’s strength is in Transformational Leadership. He feels that he is an agent for change and he can help his clients to get in touch with their unique leadership style by helping them to evolve while facing new challenges. He credits his ability to create change due to being an individual who has overcome adversity and who has broken stereotypes in his own life journey which he feels has helped him to become a better therapist. William brings his positive energy and open mindedness to his clinical work. He has been working in the Mental Health field for the past two years. Prior to counseling, William was a Substitute teacher with the Broward County Public School System.
When he is not at the office, William enjoys spending time at the gym or with family and loved ones.
His specializations include:
- Individual, Teen & Family Counseling
- Family Therapy to manage Family Conflict
- Life Transitions & Addictions
- Anger Management
- Trauma, Grief and Loss
- Depression and Anxiety
Madison Wolfe
Madison Wolfe is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern in the state of Florida. She specializes in working with Individuals & Teens struggling with Anxiety & Depression.
Her passion is to work with Tweens, Teens, Families, and Individuals. Her prior work in Teen treatment centers has helped Madison to better understand the many needs of teens throughout school transitions, family problems, decreased self-esteem, stress management, anxiety, grief, and relationship issues.
Madison feels that her strength is in advocating for her clients. She states “I am a co-pilot while the client is the pilot. I am here to help guide them in their unique journey”. She uses CBT, Play Therapy, Person-centered, and RBT in her work with clients.
Madison credits her warm, relatable, caring, and welcoming but straightforward approach as one of her best attributes. She is able to provide a safe space for her clients to effectively communicate their struggles while learning new tools to manage them. Madison's past experiences provide her with the capability to see circumstances from a different point of view.
When she is not at the office, Madison enjoys taking long walks to the beach, cooking a nice meal, spending time with her dog at the dog park, and spending time with friends and family.
Her specializations include:
- Individual, Teen & Family Counseling
- Communication Issues within the family
- Stress Management
- Anger Management
- Trauma, Grief, and Loss
- Depression and Anxiety
Jesus Moreno, LMHC
Jesus is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor whose passion is helping clients to get to know themselves and build on their strengths. Jesus believes in the ability that we all have of healing ourselves.
Jesus specializes in helping adolescents and adults in gaining skills to regulate their emotions and improving their communication and decision-making skills, and learning the skills to set boundaries and relate with people in a healthy way. He understands that life can be quite complex and as such he helps clients who are faced with the end of relationships, grief, divorce, personal or financial losses, and existential crisis.
Jesus was passionate about psychology and helping people since he was in college and even though he went to grad school to pursue a Master of Business Administration, he did not fill fulfilled since his call was to understand why we do what we do and how to help others to help themselves. Jesus stated, “ I realized that there was never late to follow my passion. I am just fascinated to know that we will never stop learning about ourselves if we are curious enough to search inside ourselves”.
Jesus believes in people’s ability to improve their lives and help themselves in cooperation with a therapist. Jesus’s core skill is to create the emotional space during sessions so that clients can truly express themselves and find creative, realistic, and effective ways to navigate adversity and improve their lives.
His approach to counseling is strengths-based and he uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Restructuring, Motivational Interviewing, and narrative therapy, However, he believes that the most important aspect of his work is to create a safe emotional space for his clients where they can express themselves freely.
One of Jesus’s favorite quotes is “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”
He is originally from Caracas, Venezuela. He obtained his Master of Mental Health Counseling at Nova Southeastern Univerisity in Mental Health Counseling. Additionally, he holds an MBA from George Washington University. When he is not at the office, Jesus enjoys taking some time to read and spending time with his kids.
His specializations include:
- Individual, Family, and Couples Counseling
- Teens, young adults
- Fully bilingual (English/Spanish)
- Anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem
- Acculturation process
- Divorce
Offering weekday and evening appointments.
Julie Sherman, LMHC
Julie Sherman is a Licensed Mental Health therapist with 20 years of experience helping clients to make positive changes in their lives. She has successfully worked with Families, Individuals, Children, Teens and Young adults over the course of her career.
As a Family Therapist for the Broward County School district, Julie specialized in working with students struggling with anxiety, learning challenges, peer issues/bullying, sexual orientation and low self-esteem.
In addition, her experience working with children with exceptional educational needs has provided her with the ability to assist parents in navigating the public-school system and understanding their rights and the obligations of public schools. She is familiar with services offered within the schools such as 504s, Individual Education Plans, Functional Behavioral Assessments and Positive Behavior Intervention Plans and can support parents to make sure that their children are receiving the services to help them reach their full potential; academically, emotionally and behaviorally.
Julie has helped others navigate a number of difficult life's challenges including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties and other major life transitions. Over the course of her practice, she counseled victims of abuse and successfully helped clients heal through the use of trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy. Her success has been shown as she’s witnessed clients overcome their difficult ordeals and transition from victims to survivors.
She understands that each person is unique and takes an individualized, goal-oriented approach in her work, using a multidisciplinary approach such as cognitive behavioral therapy, or solution focused therapy techniques to tailor interventions to best meet the needs of her clients. Julie works TOGETHER with her clients to develop new coping strategies and skills to implement the changes to make a positive impact in their lives.
Julie can be described as having a “warm, communicative, insightful, and down-to-earth approach, allowing her to make a difference in her client’s lives”.
She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan, and received her Masters of Education and Education Specialist Degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from the University of Florida.
Her specializations include:
- Individual and Family counseling
- Children, teens, and adults
- Parenting support regarding IEP plans and positive behavior training
- Anxiety, learning challenges, bullying
- Sexual orientation concerns
- Trauma resolution
Orianna Torres
Orianna Torres is a bilingual (English/ Spanish) Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern. She specializes in working with children, teens, individuals and group therapy. Her specialty is in treating Anxiety and Depression as well as ADHD, Oppossitional Defiant Disorder (ODD), and Conduct Disorder (CD). In addition, she brings a great deal of experience in working with Selective Mutism in children.
Her passion is in working with children and teens who are struggling to calm their racing minds and to help them find balance during difficult times. Orianna utilizes Play Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approaches to help her clients understand what might be causing their symptoms (e.g., unhelpful thinking patterns, maladaptive behaviors). Then, teaching them how to challenge their distorted thinking, and reevaluate their thoughts. She utilizes role-playing techniques and teaches coping and problem solving skills so they learn how to cope with difficult situations.
Orianna feels that her strenght is in teaching children and teens to utilize mindfulness, such as deep breathing, imagery, and grounding techniques to reduce the psychological and physical symptoms they might be experiencing. In addition, she utilizes Exposure-based techniques- when a child/teen cannot face their fears, or certain situations appropriately. She likes to introduce fear hierarchies in a collaborative process with her clients so that there is a mutual agreement of what steps, weekly goals, and rewards are being done and obtained.
Orianna credits her own personal struggles with anxiety while growing up which helped her to understand how debilitating it can be. She feels that it guided her to be a better therapist and she is now more effective in helping her client’s find their footing again by standing alongside them until they can stand on their own. Her main goal is to provide a safe and comfortable environment filled with unconditional support, attentive listening and always making sure to remember important details of her client’s journey no matter how big or small they may be.
Her favorite quote is “It is an act of bravery to feel your feelings.”
When she is not at the office, Orianna can be found dancing as a professional flamenco dancer. She enjoys spending time rehearsing and taking classes. Also, she loves going to the beach with her family, and playing with her dogs!
Her specializations include:
- Child, Teen & Individual Counseling
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) & Play Therapy
- Parent-Child Interaction Therapy
- Mindfulness Techniques & Exposure based Techniques
- Anxiety, depression, self-esteem, bullying, behavioral issues
- ADHD, ODD, CD, Selective Mutism
- School Readiness Parenting Program (SRPP)
Marianne Jimenez
Marianne Jimenez is a bilingual (English/Spanish) Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern and certified in Psychological First Aid. She specializes in working with kids, teens, individuals and couples.
Her passion is in helping families and couples build a communication bridge, supporting parents and families with at-risk teens, assisting individuals in processing and coping with trauma, and helping clients find resources and tools to manage anxiety and depression.
Marianne describes herself as a strength-based therapist with experience with Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Mental Research Institute Systemic Therapy, Strategic Therapy, Bowen Family Systems Therapy, Collaborative Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. She feels that each client is unique, and she uses the approach that best meets the individual's needs.
Marianne feels that her life experience as a first-generation born Latina, raised in New York has facilitated her cultural understanding and passion to work with diverse populations. She works hard to create a safe, healing space where her clients feel heard, understood, and supported. Marianne accepts her clients without assumptions or judgments and demonstrates genuine empathy.
Her favorite quote is "Use your voice for kindness, your ears for compassion, your hands for charity, your mind for truth, and your heart for love." – Henry Ward Beecher. This quote is meaningful to her because it encompasses who she is in all areas of life.
When she is not at the office, Marianne loves spending quality time with her family, salsa dancing, or practicing yoga and mindfulness.
Her specializations include:
- Child, Teen, Individual & Couples Counseling
- Divorce, transitions, blended families
- Addictions, Grief, Anxiety, Depression
- Trauma Recovery
- Older teens struggling with employment, vocational/technical programs
- Bilingual (Spanish and English)
Dr. Dagmar Nuñez, Psy.D.
Dr. Dagmar E. Nunez is a bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 10 years of experience in therapy, psychological, and neuropsychological assessments.
She specializes in psychological evaluations for teenagers (10+ up) struggling with learning disabilities, attention deficits and behavioral issues. She also offers neuropsychological assessments for Adults and Older Adults, with attention, memory, and language disorders.
Some of these problems may stem from ADHD related symptoms, long covid symptoms, stroke, sports concussions, MS, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, etc. Psychological evaluations are not pass or fail exams; rather it is the first step to help develop a treatment plan to increase quality of life.
Her favorite quote is: “Answers appear when the problem is clear”. Keith Henline
Dr. Nunez feels that the most rewarding part of her work is helping individuals (25+) and couples who are ready to turn their lives around; understanding that there are things that they can change, some other things they willl be able to forget and other things, they will have to learn to live with through acceptance.
In her work, she prefers an eclectic therapy approach, which draws from several evidence-based techniques and therapy modalities accommodating each client’s unique needs. Some clients may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to decrease negative thought patterns, while others will improve their symptoms by learning to be more present through Mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT). Other modalities include acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), solution focused therapy (SFBT), interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), goal-oriented therapy and sensorimotor psychotherapy, among others.
“My life purpose is helping others understand themselves to live a better quality of life." - Dr. Dagmar E. Nunez, Psy D
Dr. Nuñez feels that her personal experience with depression and anxiety, helps her to understand how difficult it can be to seek therapy to overcome emotional roadblocks. She knows from first hand experience, the hassle of trying to balance life with all that it throws at you, the happy moments, and the difficult moments.
She states- “Being a mother with all its joys and tears, a stepmother of two who lost their mother, a spouse with all that it entails, growing her career, financial issues, and the grief of losing my mother to suicide. I just want you to know that I understand where you are now. Which allows me, not only guide you with my expertise, but help you walk your unique journey. I look forward to working with you”.
Dr. Dagmar E. Nunez graduated from Ponce Health Sciences University, Puerto Rico in 2014. In 2019, she completed her post-doctoral residency in neuropsychology in Plantation, Florida. She is fluent in both, Spanish and English.
In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, hot yoga, helping others build their lives by sharing content online in Spanish.
Currently offering Saturdays appointments for testing and Monday evening appointments for therapy. Telehealth available.
Her specializations include:
Psychological Testing:
- Learning Disabilities
- Personality
- Autism
- Vocational
Neuropsychological Testing
- ADHD
- Long COVID
- Memory & Stroke Issues
Individual Therapy with Adults & Couples
Daniela Bigott
Daniela Bigott is a bilingual (English/Spanish) Registered Marriage & Family Therapist Intern. She specializes in working with individuals, teens, young adults,couples & families.
Her passion is in working with general anxiety, struggles with self-esteem and body image issues, expecting/ new parents and post-partum depression. She uses a combination of CBT, psychoeducation, mindfulness, art therapy, and systemic techniques. Daniela helps individuals who are struggling with not feeling in control of their own lives due to internal and external factors.
When she is working with someone individually, she is assessing the system that they are a part of and the role they play in it. This provides her and her clients with great insight into what they are experiencing. She believes that there is great value in understanding the role we play in the world around us and how that has impacted how we think and function.
Daniela feels that being raised in a Hispanic background where mental health was not given as much importance as one's physical health shaped her desire to become a therapist. She wanted to change that conversation and advocate for the importance of mental wellness. She credits her family for emphasizing the importance of using your voice and standing up for what you believe. She feels that as counselors and helpers, part of our job is constant advocacy for ourselves and for our clients.
Her favorite quote is “Every cloud has a silver lining”. This quote is meaningful to her because in times in life when she felt like she was in the middle of a storm with no way out, she would remind herself that eventually, some sunshine will appear. Daniela believes that every situation holds the possibility of something good happening.
When she is not at the office, Daniela can be found spending quality time with her loved ones, going on runs, watching scary movies, and spending time outside in the sun!
Her specializations include:
- Teen, Young Adult & Individual Counseling
- Family & Couples Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Anxiety, self-esteem, body image issues
- Expecting/ New Parents
- Post-partum depression
Gloria Valdivieso, LCSW
Gloria Valdivieso is a Bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Gloria works with adults, adolescents, families, and couples to re-establish balance and guide them through what feels like overwhelming obstacles and challenges. Gloria specializes in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Therapy) which helps a person see unsettling events in less distressing ways, and has been proven effective in treating stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, homosexuality issues, panic attacks, abuse, phobias, addictions, grief, and others.
By blending conventional and alternative approaches, she draws on a variety of styles and techniques to incorporate what will be most helpful for each client. She is also a native Spanish speaker and has extensive experience in Latin-American and cross-cultural issues.
Gloria works independently from Family Therapy Group of Weston. Please contact her directly at 786-246-4848 to schedule an appointment.
Roxana Ackerman, LCSW
Roxana Ackerman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Florida, Chemical Dependence Counselor and has completed a Doctorate Program in Psychology. In her twenty five years of experience she has dedicated time and effort to work with different age groups including children, adolescents, adults and elderly from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
In addition, her interest has focused on families and couples since she believes in the power of team work, healthy change. Roxana’s approach in therapy is Psychodynamic. She understands symptoms of depression, anxiety, various addictions and relationship issues as a non-verbal expression of the self. During therapy she helps the clients to verbalize their experience, identify the underlying sources of their problems, and encourages them to challenge old patterns of behavior. As a result, they develop new avenues to make healthy decisions and free themselves from emotional suffering.
Roxana is fluent in both Spanish and English.
She acknowledges and provides special attention to the process of acculturation and assimilation by enhancing necessary skills to adapt while maintaining pride of cultural values.
Offering weekday and evening appointments.
Rosemary Eljaua, Ed.S.
Rosemary Eljaua, Ed.S. is a Licensed and Certified School Psychologist providing comprehensive psychological assessments to the children of Broward, Dade, and Palm Beach County. Mrs. Eljaua has over 28 years of professional experience as a dual practitioner in both the public and private school sectors.
She specializes in:
- Psychological assessment of gifted, learning disabilities (i.e., dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia)
- Intellectual disabilities
- ADHD
- Autism spectrum disorder, as well as emotional and behavioral disorders in preschoolers, school-age children & adolescents, and young adults.
As a bilingual psychologist, Mrs. Eljaua speaks fluent Spanish and also specializes in the assessment of culturally and linguistically diverse students with extensive training and experience in multicultural assessment.
Given her extensive experience within the school setting, Mrs. Eljaua's evaluations seek to assist parents with understanding how academic, behavioral, or social-emotional strengths and weaknesses can impact their child's learning and overall adaptability. As such, all evaluations include a results session with parents during which time questions are addressed and relevant recommendations to guide educational as well as therapeutic treatment planning are discussed.
To schedule an evaluation, please contact Rosemary Eljaua directly at (954) 830-1172.