Meet Cristina
Hello! I am Cristina Ally, Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Registered Play Therapist (RPT), and owner of Flourish Counseling Co. in Winter Park, Florida. I am a graduate of Palm Beach Atlantic University and received my Master of Science in Counseling Psychology with a specialization in marriage and family. I am trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), EMDR, and the Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories. I enjoy using these tools to resolve traumatic memories for clients.
As President of the Mental Health Counselors of Central Florida (MHCCF), a non-profit organization with a mission to help clinicians in the Greater Orlando area, I enjoy serving my community through advocacy, education, and service. Additionally, I hold Professional Memberships with the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP) and the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association (FMHCA). These professional networks facilitate learning and continue to challenge me as a clinician to utilize cutting edge treatments in psychotherapy.
I get asked often why I chose the counseling profession. Well, to be quite honest, I am passionate about what I do because optimal mental health makes a difference in our every day lives – including my own. I have found the counseling profession to be tremendously rewarding in that I am able to enter into the most sacred places in the lives of those I serve. It brings me great joy to see those I work with set free from the thoughts, feelings, and fears that have held them captive for so long.
At my core, I am a creative. I enjoy the creative process and the variety of ways creativity can be expressed. I consider creativity and spirituality to be deeply connected – hitting aspects of experience that cannot be reached with words. I believe this is why play therapy, even with adults, is incredibly effective. This is also why I enjoy the counseling room – it is always filled with creativity, exploration, curiosity, and grace which also brings me to life as a clinician.
While I personally adhere to the Christian faith, I welcome all those who are seeking truth and healing. I truly believe healing is complete when the mind, body, and spirit come into a cohesive synthesis. It would be an honor to help you discover the gifts that live within.
I would be happy to touch base with you so please feel free to reach out. You have the right to find the best therapist for you. Therapy is a lot like art, music, dance, or any other relationship. Remember, you must find the right fit for you to truly enjoy the process.
Happy Healing,
MEET CAROL
Carol is a Registered Mental Health Counselor with over 5 years of experience working in the mental health field. As a graduate from Palm Beach Atlantic University with a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology, her specialty is working with children and families experiencing stress, anxiety, trauma, and related issues. She has an extensive background in working with Christian populations and diverse communities. Her field experience focus has been providing services in the community, working with youth, supporting post-adoption families, and guiding individuals with any traumatic life stressors that may have hindered their mental well-being.
Carol is happy to employ a holistic approach as she comes alongside clients to explore how the mind, spirit, and body are interconnected in their lives. She is a natural communicator which enables her to educate and empower her clients to take an active role in pursuing exemplary mental health. She utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Techniques, and other appropriate strategies. It is her firm belief that people are free to experience change and personal growth when they have hope.
MEET TERESA
Teresa is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology from Palm Beach Atlantic University. She is a trained EMDR therapist for trauma, as well as trained in Emotion-Focused Therapy for couples by Sue Johnson. Teresa has been interested in psychology and human dynamics since she was young, having grown up in a large blended family and experiencing the effects of divorce, drug abuse, domestic abuse, sexual abuse, financial struggles, and suicide. She has always had a love of reading and a strong desire to learn, especially about anything relating to the human condition, leading her to study psychology in college.
Teresa graduated from Palm Beach Atlantic University with a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology. Her undergraduate degree was earned at Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and a minor in business.
Internship Opportunities
We are open to those seeking internship opportunities. While we may not be able to accommodate all requests, you are welcome to send us your resume and headshot at info@flourishcounseling.co.
Undergraduate Student Internships
We are open to those seeking internship opportunities. While we may not be able to accommodate all requests, you are welcome to send us your resume and headshot at info@flourishcounseling.co. Internships can include anything from working with the business side of mental health counseling (i.e. marketing, community outreach, local partnerships, systems management etc.) as well as the potential to co-facilitate (or shadow) during groups.
Graduate Student Internships
Graduate Student Internships would need to be coordinated with your graduate program internship coordinator in order to ensure we can provide the types of programs, hours and services that may be required by your university.
Registered Internships
Internships can include anything from working with the business side of mental health counseling (i.e. marketing, community outreach, local partnerships, systems management etc.) as well as the potential to co-facilitate (or shadow) during groups.