Shana Friedman

When you sit down with me, you will feel comfortable and understood. Like a load has been lifted off of your shoulders. We will work together to identify what you would like to improve in your life and how to get there. You will have my support and guidance. I will lend you my patience, expertise and experience. Sometimes, I can help you see that you already have all you need to get you through the difficult times in life. I will help you see that you already possess many of the answers, they have been with you all the time. Therapy is actually not as scary as it may seem. It can feel overwhelming and intimidating to consider going to therapy. Maybe the idea of therapy has been stigmatized for you. Or maybe you have been told that therapy is for people who can't figure things out on their own. Or you might just feel scared about opening up and letting someone know you are struggling. Whatever has held you back from getting help before, you are here now and I can help. It takes tremendous courage to have made it this far. I believe everyone can benefit from therapy. If it is not something we do very often, sharing our innermost thoughts and feelings. It can feel strange. However, those who have had meaningful therapeutic experiences know that the work is extremely beneficial to their quality of life. Life is hectic, there are so many pressures. We don't even have time to think about our emotional needs. Sitting with an objective person who truly listens can make a world of difference. You are provided with the opportunity to feel heard, understood, and validated. Without judgement. Oftentimes, we believe that we are the only ones to feel and think certain things. This can feel very isolating, especially in a world where social media makes it look like everyone is "perfect." Therapy is an opportunity to help you understand yourself better. This means discovering both your strengths and challenges. Together, we will find the path towards emotional relief, a different way of viewing things, and improving the ways we cope with distressing thoughts and feelings. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, adjusting to life circumstances, self-esteem, body image issues, or relationship struggles, I can help. I have dedicated many years of my life learning how to best support both teens and adults with these real life struggles and now that you have found me, it's my turn to help and support you. You deserve to feel better. My mission in my role as therapist is to sit alongside you to help you identify who you truly are. Not what you do, but who you are. We are not human doings. We are human beings! There is nothing more rewarding to me than to watch you grow and become healthier and happier within yourself and within your relationships. This is why I do what I do. I am passionate about supporting individuals who have substance use disorders. You will not hear me referring to anybody as an "addict." You are a human being, with many different roles (child, parent, friend, neighbor) who struggles with abusing substances. I spent over six years working at South Miami Hospital Addiction Treatment Center/Care and Counseling with many good people and their families. I have worked in residential, Intensive Outpatient, and Outpatient Treatment settings. In that time, I learned that it does not really matter what "drug" you use. The vast majority of substance use is a mere "symptom" of underlying pain or difficulties that you may or may not have recognized, just yet. There is always a reason. It is like peeling the layers of an onion. If you are struggling and are not sure what type of treatment to seek out, I can help guide you in the right direction that makes sense for you as an individual. I have enthusiasm for this work because I have seen so many people free themselves from maladaptive coping and go on to live very fulfilling lives. I know for sure that it is possible. If you are a loved one of someone struggling with substance abuse and have lost your own quality of life because you are full of anxiety, and don't know what to do, I can help. I want you to love yourself for exactly who you are right now. I also have passion for working alongside folks of the LGBTQIA plus community. It is so helpful to work with a professional therapist if you are questioning your sexuality or gender, feeling isolated, or struggling with your own sense of self. It helps to talk to someone who understands.

Service types

• Therapy

Treatment modalities

• CBT Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Motivational Enhancement Strategies
• Family Therapy
• Strength Based and Relational Approaches