Cardelia Dischert, MS

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

"When going through mental health issues, we have two options: to step forward into growth or to step back into safety." - - Abraham Maslow.

My mission, as a therapist, is to support my clients through the steps forward into growth by using a collaborative and non-judgmental process. Taking those first steps toward growth can be challenging. Change is not only scary but also feels overwhelming at times. I work to remind my clients they are not alone in the process. Just because no one can take those steps towards growth or do the inner work for you, it does not mean you can or should do it alone. I offer support and collaboration for desired change through a therapeutic alliance.

I am a graduate of the University of North Florida with more than 17 years of experience in the mental health field. I began my career with Byron Harless and Associates working in Organizational/Industrial, Forensic, and Police Psychology. Through my work with this organization, I gained my designation as a Psychometrist using various batteries in order to support both companies and individuals. The organization provided everything from pre-employment evaluations, career counseling, advising and supporting law enforcement and first responders, providing neuropsychological evaluations, etc. Psychological assessment remains at the core of my work today as self-assessment equips us with the knowledge we need to build paths for growth and change.

Multicultural counseling is a part of the self-assessment and is paramount for growth/change. I speak with many of my clients about how their culture and identity can influence their mental health. Factors such as one's sexual preference, immigration status, gender identity, and ethnicity can expose one to discrimination and/or oppression. It is important to note that many of us perceive the world through the lens of our cultural background. My approach embraces the need to understand, acknowledge, and address the multicultural needs of my clients. 

During my internship, I worked with couples who were in crisis using discernment counseling to help the couple gain understanding about next steps in their relationship and/or deciding to remain in the relationship or part. I also worked with couples with communication struggles, intimacy issues, and conflict resolution. Over a decade later, I continue utilize these skills not only with couples but also work with groups providing support for divorce and grieving the termination of a relationship. 

Lastly, I am also a certified crisis consultant working with major EAP's to support companies with employee deaths, the impact downsizing or restructuring on team members, stress management, trauma related events in the workplace (i.e. work place shooting, impact from a natural disaster, etc). Through this work I have learned to utilize various techniques to help clients work through their trauma including Cognitive Processing Therapy, Somatic Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. 

** Everything discussed in a counseling session is confidential with a few exceptions concerning suicidal or homicidal ideations, child abuse or elder abuse but these things will be discussed in depth in our first meeting.