Happy Healthy Minds Counseling

Leighann Avery, LMHC - Owner & Counselor * Leighann currently has a waitlist for afternoon/evening appointments. Uses Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) in session Leighann started Happy Healthy Minds Counseling in 2018 after having the dream of starting a private practice for many years. She has since grown the practice to include many other clinicians as she saw during the pandemic she was unable to keep up with the requests for counseling. She is so happy she has been able to grow her business and help so many others get the help they need. Leighann specializes in treating clients who struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, and coping skills. She loves working with clients and seeing the process as they improve their symptoms. Her approach includes using evidence-based treatments to assist client in processing through their feelings, improving their coping skills, and increasing their pro-social behavior. In using CBT, she gets excited when clients are able to dispute their negative thoughts to increase their feelings of happiness. In utilizing ART, I love how quick and effective results can be in treating anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, grief and more. The process of ART involves the brain focusing on a problem while concurrently using eye movements to make new connections so a person can realize their strengths and tap into their problem-solving abilities. Leighann graduated with a bachelor's in criminology from The University of South Florida, and a master's degree in counseling psychology from Saint Leo University. Leighann has previously worked as a School Counselor in Hillsborough County Schools as well as a Counselor and Director in several mental health agencies throughout the Tampa Bay area. Leighann loves helping others, and this is a passion that drives her. She provides a warm and inviting environment for clients to share their story. Leighann believes that if every one of her clients can at least leave her office even a teeny bit better than when they entered, she has made a difference. Although she strives to make even greater improvements as well. Specialty: Teens & Adults Mandy Hines, LMHC, MCAP *Mandy currently has a wait list. Mandy is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Qualified Supervisor, Master's Level Certified Addiction Practitioner, and Certified Victim Service Practitioner. Mandy has over 16 years' experience providing individual, couples, family, and group counseling in a variety of settings with individuals of all ages and backgrounds. While Mandy's expertise is in trauma and complicated grief, she has much experience working in behavioral health crisis, family reunification, severe and persistent mental illness, and addictions. Mandy's approach is holistic, person centered, and strength based. Mandy is trained in an array of evidence-based practices including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and is Certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy; and often utilizes Motivational Interviewing and Solution Focused Therapy. It is Mandy's passion to embark on a journey of wellness with her clients, by hearing their story and finding meaning and purpose of their life circumstances while providing a safe and non-judgmental environment. Mandy believes every person has the capability to live their absolute best and feels privileged at the opportunity to assist her clients with identifying and expanding on strengths while improving coping skills and communication with others. Mandy graduated with a double bachelor's in psychology and criminology from The Florida State University, and a master's degree in vocational Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from the University of South Florida. Mandy serves as a consult and trainer on topics including compassion fatigue, post trauma reactions, relationship violence, and suicide awareness/prevention. She also serves as a first responder to traumatic and emotionally disturbing crimes and natural disasters through the Florida Crisis Response Team. Kristine Harvey, LMHC *Kristine is currently taking new telehalth clients at this time and will begin seeing in person clients again in January 2026. Kristine specializes in applying systems theory to help individuals, couples, families, and groups navigate the complexities of relationships and personal growth. With a focus on communication, family dynamics, substance abuse recovery, and supporting young adults with autism, my practice is designed to address the unique needs of each client. I take an experimental and adaptive approach, tailoring the therapeutic process to fit the individual, drawing from various modalities to create a personalized path toward healing. Passionate about the arts, photography, animals, and nature, especially the calming beauty of the beach, I often integrate these elements into therapy when appropriate. Whether working with couples to strengthen their bond or guiding individuals through personal challenges, I aim to foster meaningful, transformative experiences for all of my clients. Specialty: Children, Teens, Adults, Family Therapy and Couples Therapy Michele Messina, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern and Licensed School Psychologist *Michele currently has a waitlist at this time. Michele has joined the practice as a Registered Intern. She will be seeing clients for Individual, couples and family therapy. She will be seeing clients at a separate location - across the road from our office at 2325 Ulmerton Rd. Michele is dedicated to providing compassionate support for individuals, couples, and children navigating emotional, social, or adjustment challenges. Whether rooted in depression, anxiety, OCD, or complex trauma, I offer a diverse range of therapeutic interventions tailored to the unique needs of each client. Collaboratively, we develop and monitor treatment plans to ensure they align with your specific goals and preferences. Treatment modalities include CBT, DBT, EMDR, ACT, and play therapy. Whether you are seeking support for yourself, as a couple, or your children, my commitment is to establish a safe environment where you are treated with respect as a valued partner in your journey toward increased wellness. Explore my approach to see if it fits your unique needs. Let's navigate the path to positive change and personal growth together. DiAna Valentino, Mental Health Counseling School Intern My strengths are in collaborating with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and self-esteem issues. I am known to be a compassionate listener, who is authentic, open-minded, and accepting of people of all cultures, races, and backgrounds. I possess a great deal of natural empathy, making my clients feel safe and genuinely cared for in a nonjudgemental, welcoming environment. I am also a medical professional with many years of experience working with patients that require care, compassion, and attention through their medical struggles. Through that journey, I decided to return to school to complete my degree in Mental Health Counseling to be able to work on a more personal and individual platform with others, believing that all health stems from mental health. For many years I have volunteered with terminally ill, abused, and abandoned children. My mission in life is to help humanity, one person at a time, personally and professionally. I am passionate about guiding my clients to achieve and live a healthier and higher quality of life and am honored to take this journey with them. Specialty: Adults & Children Carol Sterner, Office Manager Carol joined our team in February 2021. She manages our billing, insurance, scheduling, and will usually be the one answering your phone calls. Email: contact@happyhealthymindscounseling.com