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 Laura
Welcome! I’m Laura Barnaby, a compassionate and empathetic graduate intern at Flourish Counseling, currently in the final year of my Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Walden University.
My journey into counseling began with a deep passion for people and cultures, which led me to spend several years living in South Africa. While working with a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) focused on youth and young adult development, I witnessed a profound need for psychological and emotional healing, particularly among young people who had experienced trauma. This experience inspired me to pursue a degree in Social Work at the University of Cape Town, where I completed fieldwork in both a psychiatric hospital and a high school. During this time, I found myself drawn to direct, relational work with clients and eventually felt called to shift from social work to mental health counseling.
Since beginning my graduate studies, I’ve had the privilege of working with a behavioral health agency that supports families navigating mental health concerns, school difficulties, behavioral challenges, and legal issues. This role has given me broad exposure to community resources and enriched my experience working with individuals and families from a wide range of backgrounds.
At Flourish Counseling Co., I strive to create a calming, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you feel safe to share your story. My approach is multicultural, empathetic, and grounded in evidence-based practices. I believe every person holds innate dignity and has the right to pursue a holistic and authentic life. Healing is possible and I’m here to walk alongside you in that process.
I work with individuals facing a variety of challenges, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, trauma, life transitions, relationship conflicts, and sexual identity exploration. Together, we’ll set meaningful goals and explore strategies that are tailored to your unique needs and strengths.
It would be an honor to support you on your healing journey.
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.