about

If you’re looking for a warm, collaborative space to heal, grow, and thrive. . .

You are in the right place!

About Us

We’d like to welcome you to Lighter Living Counseling, a counseling and psychology group practice in Fort Lauderdale (walking distance from the beach) dedicated to helping you find the right therapist for your needs.

As you share personal aspects of your life, you want someone you can trust. Someone who will listen to you and make you feel seen, heard, and understood. But you also need someone who can provide effective therapy that gives you the transformative results that you deserve. That’s what our team of therapists and coaches are committed to offering at Lighter Living Counseling.

We are passionate about creating the best possible therapy experience for every single client.

We do things differently here.

A personalized and collaborative approach.

We want it to feel as comfortable as talking to a friend with a neutral perspective. One that you can trust and can equip you with the right tools to overcome the challenges you face. We will never tell you how you should feel and what you should do. Instead, we empower you to make decisions that feel right for you and your life.

That’s why we customize our treatment plans to each individual. We take time getting to know you before diving into the work. And we’ll make sure you’re equipped with the tools and confidence to work through problems outside our office and in your daily life.

Our Philosophy

Healing is an ongoing process.
Heal. Grow. Thrive. Repeat.

At Lighter Living Counseling, we want to remove the stigma from therapy + mental health. We believe everyone can benefit from therapy. We’re here to break the common myths and perceptions people have like:

If you’re seeking therapy, there must be something wrong with you or that you’re broken and you need to be “fixed.” Everyone can benefit from having the space to process their feelings and emotions.

That’s why we offer therapy for every season of your life along with coaching. Life gets exciting. You figure out what you actually want in life and will want to create goals. As you create new goals, it’s inevitable for new challenges to pop up and we’ll be here for you when they do.

Meet Our Team

Sheilah A. Ledesma, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Helping entrepreneurs, executives, professionals and students overcome obstacles like burnout, anxiety and trauma, so they can feel empowered to live fully and achieve everything they’re meant to in their personal and professional life.

Sheilah A. Ledesma is the Founder and Owner of Lighter Living Counseling and as a seasoned Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of expertise, she is dedicated to guiding entrepreneurs, executives, professionals, and students through personal and professional challenges. Her specialized focus includes addressing burnout, anxiety, chronic stress and trauma, and empowering individuals to live enriched lives and reach their fullest potential.

Her passion for helping others was ignited early in her life through her innate joy in listening to and validating others' experiences. This early interest has blossomed into a lifelong pursuit, deeply rooted in a commitment to transformative healing. Sheilah’s approach is characterized by her ability to help clients liberate themselves from the burdens of burnout, navigate anxiety, and recover from trauma. Witnessing her clients replace detrimental patterns with healthy coping mechanisms offers her profound inspiration. She is passionately dedicated to facilitating her clients' healing from past wounds, enhancing their present life quality, and reigniting hope for their future.

Sheilah earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from the University of Central Florida, further solidifying her foundation in her chosen field and enhancing her ability to impact lives positively.

  • Along with burnout, anxiety and trauma, my expertise also extends to working with individuals experiencing challenges with grief/loss and life transitions.

    I have additional knowledge and clinical experience in the treatment of issues facing children, adolescents, adults and their families.

    In addition, I have significant experience helping people overcome traumatic experiences and offer EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy.

 

Are you ready to take the first step towards inner healing and growth? It is entirely possible to experience healing, peace and abundance in your life when you seek counseling. Call 754-308-5525 today to schedule your first session with Sheilah! 

 

In the meantime, here’s more about me (the fun stuff)!

Living an enriched life is less about what we do and more about the moments, people and things that light you up. . . 
Here are six things I can’t live without. . .

  • As a Filipino American, family is a huge value of mine.

    My parents are my biggest inspiration. They migrated to the United States from the Philippines as registered nurses — (proud Filipina American over here). Watching them care for people every day is what inspired me and my sister to pursue professions rooted in service.

  • My faith is a very important part of my life - it is a grounding force in my daily life and fuels my passion for helping people.

  • I'm very competitive - I was a division one athlete in college (UCF Women's rowing team) and I love pushing and challenging myself in a physical way.

  • I love love love coffee! - Visiting local coffee shops and enjoying their unique menus is one of my favorite things to do.

  • Traveling is my favorite way to be mindful - I went on my first international trip to Austrailia when I was 15 with my youth group. From then on, I've enjoyed visiting different parts of the world. I still have so many countries and cities on my list to see and visit!

  • Not just giving, but receiving. At Lighter Living Counseling we truly believe everyone can benefit from therapy so we practice what we preach. My therapist helps me stay on top of my self-awareness and emotional growth. It’s important to me to be in an optimal state of mind so I can serve my clients at my highest level.

Chelsea Wilcocks, Psychologist

Helping children, teens, young adults and families overcome challenges, build emotional wellness and strengthen resilience.

Hi, I’m Dr. Chelsea Wilcocks! As the founder of Sabal Palm Psychological Services, I am dedicated to creating a warm and collaborative environment where children, teens, and young adults feel safe to express and explore their feelings and thoughts. Whether you or your child are experiencing depression, anxiety, life transition, phobia, or challenges related to illness, school, family, or friends, therapy may be a helpful step in developing coping skills to overcome these challenges and to build resilience.

I graduated from Nova Southeastern University’s APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral program and completed my APA-accredited psychology internship at Broward Health Medical Center (BHMC)/Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital. I also completed a clinical postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric psychology at Nemours Children’s Hospital Delaware with an emphasis on Adherence within Interdisciplinary Diabetes and Weight Management Clinics. 

  • I specialize in pediatric health psychology, working with children, teens, and young adults diagnosed with chronic illness, such as diabetes, cancer, transplant, and IBS. I also work with those who are striving to make healthy lifestyle changes. I provide evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) while assessing specific client needs and tailoring treatment accordingly. I have extensive clinical experiences working with children with various chronic conditions and utilize interventions to improve adherence, adjustment, coping, post-surgical outcomes, and family functioning and decrease high-risk health behaviors. I also provide therapy for families of youth diagnosed with a wide range of emotional and behavioral difficulties with and without medical diagnoses. I also offer comprehensive psychological and psychoeducational evaluations to assess academic, social, emotional, and behavioral functioning. I am committed to providing client-centered, culturally competent services and ensuring you are provided with quality care. Please visit www.sabalpalmpsychology.com to learn more about the services I provide.

Are you ready to discover your inner strengths and build resilience? Call today (954) 870-2739 to schedule a free 15-minute consultation or your first appointment.

I look forward to speaking with you! 

Five Fun Facts

KD Ramirez, ICF Certified Life Coach

Helping adults live fully and freely while accessing all that life has to offer.

Hi, I’m KD Ramirez! As the Founder of Discovering Dawn Coaching, I am committed to creating a space where you can heal and feel inspired. When you take the step to receive coaching, you are giving yourself permission to transform your life in ways you truly desire. As your coach, I will allow you to take ownership of your work, help you gain clarity, encourage growth and celebrate every single success.

I attended Florida Atlantic University where I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies: Social Sciences with a dual concentration in Sociology + Anthropology. To pursue the next step in my career, I completed an ICF Certified Coaching Training Program and now am sharing my expertise with those who need it. It has been an honor to witness so many transformations and help people get unstuck and freely pursue their goals and passions. 

Life’s experiences can feel heavy and burdensome at times, but with the right support and guidance from a coach you can absolutely take back your power and open doors that have been there all along. 

Please visit www.discoveringdawncoaching.com to learn more about the services I provide. Thank you so much for being here and I am excited to work with you!

  • I specialize in helping millennials of color continue healing from generational and cultural trauma. I focus on empowering clients to gain clarity on their goals, shed limiting beliefs and create healthy mindsets and habits to elevate their lifestyle. As a trauma-informed coach, my methodology includes understanding your past to better live your future. By way of active listening, powerful questioning and educating on mind/body/soul connection, clients are able to experience breakthroughs to healthier, happier versions of themselves. Whether it's a mental, personal or professional block, I am passionate about getting you "unstuck".

Are you ready to align your actions with your desires and experience true transformation in your life? Contact me today to schedule your first session! 

Phone: (954) 263-8126


Five Fun Facts

  • I have an affinity for all kinds of music, but 90s slow jams are my favorite. I probably sing more than I talk.

  • Traveling is my favorite form of self-care. Next on my travel wishlist is Tokyo, Japan.

  • I have a 80lb. pittie mix who I'm obsessed with. She was a rescue, but we all know she really rescued me. We enjoy road trips & hanging out at breweries.

  • I am a proud 1st generation Filipino-American. Culture is so deeply rooted in who I am as an individual and as a coach.

  • If I wasn't a coach, I'd try to start a lip-gloss line. You will never catch me without my lip-gloss.

Alia Perr, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Helping teens, adults and couples take control of their lives, strengthen relationships and enhance their well-being.

Hello! My name is Alia Perr and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. As the Founder of Young at Heart Counseling, I specialize in working with adolescents, adults and couples who are struggling with anxiety, depression, life transitions and relationship concerns. I am committed to helping my clients learn how to cope with life’s challenges and pride myself in offering a judgment free space where they can share their feelings freely. I believe in empowering my clients by taking a collaborative approach to help them build self-esteem and reach their goals. 

I received my Master’s in Social Work from the University of South Florida and my Bachelor’s in Social Work from Florida Atlantic University. Through my education, I have had experiences working with children and teenagers in foster care as well as children with special needs. Guiding my clients through their trauma and having the ability to help them heal has been a great gift that I have been given. I feel I have been called to work with our youth as it brings me joy to see them thrive and succeed in every aspect of life. Please visit www.youngatheartcounseling.com to learn more about the services I provide.

  • I offer teens, adults and couples a safe, non-judgmental space to share their feelings and express themselves freely. I practice evidence-based therapy and utilize both strength-based and solution-focused approaches to help my clients build self-esteem, resilience, and gain coping skills to better deal with life’s challenges. I believe in collaborative treatment which empowers clients to take charge and be a part of their therapeutic goals.

Are you ready to feel more empowered to overcome challenges and achieve your goals? Contact me today to get started! I offer FREE 15-minute consultations to answer any questions you may have and to see if we will be a good fit.

I look forward to meeting with you and helping you and your family lead happier and healthier lives!

Phone: (954) 951-0229

Five Fun Facts

  • I love Halloween and all things spooky. Each year I try to "one-up" myself by creating a better costume than the previous year.

  • I am a fan of all things trivia related. I love learning new things and strongly believe that knowledge is power.

  • My first job was as a babysitter. I have been working with children since I was 16 years old.

  • My guilty pleasure is watching the Real Housewives on Bravo when I have downtime.

  • Not only do I work in private practice, but I am also a Middle School Guidance Counselor.

Kelsey Brannock, ATR-BC (Board Certified Registered Art Therapist)

Supporting adolescents and adults navigate life stressors and connect with their inner strength and expression.

Hello! My name is Kelsey Brannock, I'm a Board Certified Registered Art Therapist and the founder of Creative Rise Art Therapy. I am truly passionate about helping people to accomplish things they never thought they could. We all go through difficult times and it's important to have compassionate support during those moments. And for those who may not be going through a particularly difficult time right now - having the therapeutic space to better connect with yourself is still so incredibly valuable. Art therapy is a wonderful outlet for teens and adults of all ages. Art making is an option in sessions, but never a requirement.

Whether you are considering new life possibilities for yourself, appreciate creative expression, or need a space to simply speak and be heard, I am here to help. It's hard to always know which direction to go and sometimes we are unaware of the strength we already possess to make change happen. I will help you find a path that is right for you.

  • I have the most experience in supporting people who struggle with eating disorders, body image, self-esteem, anxiety, life-transitions, grief and women’s issues. I am a trained art therapist and use a person-centered approach in sessions.

Are you ready to uncover more of life’s possibilities? Contact me today to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation and to get started!

I look forward to supporting you!

Phone: (561) 602-1495

Five Fun Facts

  • I lived in the Philippines for 3.5 years while serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer.

  • I completed a solo bicycle trip from Brooklyn, New York to the Florida Keys and it took me 33 days.

  • I love everything about the ocean - my favorite things to do are fishing, snorkeling, surfing and swimming.

  • I once was a professional hula hooper.

  • I have been making art, painting and keeping sketchbooks since I was in 5th grade.

Maria Daniela “Danni” Pardo-Vera, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern

An enthusiastic master’s graduate and therapist working towards state licensure, while looking to empower clients to live healthy, fulfilled lives through counseling, research, and advocacy projects.

Hi! I’m Maria Daniela Pardo-Vera, but you can call me Danni. My preferred pronouns are she/her/hers and I look forward to hearing yours. As the founder of Shining Through Counseling, I’ve always had a passion for helping others, and a fascination with human behavior. Through travel and my academic experiences, I realized counseling, research, and advocacy projects are my way to help. I am passionate about learning different languages and cultures, and seek to use an intersectional lens to meet clients where they are.

I seek to empower my clients to live healthy, authentic, and fulfilling lives. Everyone goes through difficult periods, and we all have our struggles. Don’t let that bury your light! You don’t need a diagnosis to seek out help. We all need a safe space to talk, to learn and gain guidance from an objective outside source. I empower others to shine through their challenges, whether that be mental illness, a loss, a diagnosis, big changes, or even just daily struggles.

I received my Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Florida. Go Gators! I continued my academic journey at Nova Southeastern University, a CACREP accredited University, and obtained a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Over the years I have worked in a variety of settings including schools, hospitals, at client’s homes, and even abroad. This included working with families, teens, kids, and adults, both in group settings and individual settings. I believe we are all life-long learners, so I am always learning and taking new opportunities to grow. I look forward to collaborating with and learning from my clients.

  • I use therapeutic approaches including feminist, solution-focused, cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and existentialist methodologies. With a specialization in:

    ● Extensive difficult family, teens, children, and adults’ care across many settings, from preschools to psychiatric units.

    ● Proud LGBTQIA+ally, with experience working with multiple challenges in the community.

    ● Helping those battling anxiety and depression and offering specialized crisis intervention, including kids, adults and adolescents.

    ● Supporting diverse individuals who have been marginalized, providing a curated and tailored approach to their unique challenges.

    ● Applied-Behavioral Analysis background, working with individuals on the spectrum, as an Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT)

    ● Working with many nationalities, and having culturally sensitive perspectives. I am also fluent in Spanish and English and offer services in both.

Shine Through your challenges! Call today to schedule your free 20-minute consultation or your first session.

Phone: 954-684-4042

Five Fun Facts

  • I love everything about the ocean, it is my ultimate happy place. Whether I'm reading on the beach, meditating, or scouring for seashells and sea glass, you'll find me most at peace near the water.

  • While volunteering in Bali, Indonesia, we visited the Ubud monkey sanctuary. A monkey was trying to get into my backpack and bit me on my head! No, I don’t have any monkey super powers…yet.

  • I was born in northern Florida, and grew up in south florida. Despite living in Florida my whole life, I have strong ties to Venezuela, my parent’s homeland. You can find me eating arepas and empanadas at any time of the day.

  • Because of my strong ties to Venezuela, and growing up in South Florida, I speak Spanish and English at a bilingual proficiency. However, my love for languages drove me to study Italian from 9th grade through college. Ultimately studying abroad and getting a minor in Italian studies. While my proficiency in Italian is currently limited, I'm always eager to practice! Parliamo un po’!

  • My home is a mini-jungle with over 36 plants! From herbs to veggies, cacti, and even some orchids, I cherish them all. If you're ever curious, I'd love to introduce you to my plant babies!

Jessie Lazzell, Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Helping individuals and families navigate life stressors, create positive change within themselves and build healthier relationships.

Hi! I’m Jessie Lazzell, a clinical mental health counselor and founder of Empowering Grace Counseling. I am so happy you are here! I have a passion for guiding individuals, couples, and families through all of life's challenges. With a genuine commitment to fostering positive change, I specialize in supporting individuals and families navigating various life transitions, managing anxiety and depression, exploring body image or low self esteem, and facilitating healthy relationships. No matter what you bring to therapy, I'm here to walk alongside you on your journey to wellness.

I received my Bachelors in Psychology from Kennesaw State University in my home state of Georgia, then moved down to Florida where I obtained my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Barry University, a CACREP accredited program. Through my education and years of experience in settings including residential and intensive outpatient facilities, community counseling, and private practice, I believe I have the clinical knowledge and expertise to offer a comprehensive and personalized approach to your mental health journey.

I create a warm, non-judgmental space for exploration and growth. I am here to help you discover your strengths, overcome obstacles, and cultivate a more fulfilling life. Whether you're seeking individual counseling, couples therapy, or family support, let's embark on this empowering adventure together. Your mental health matters, and you deserve a life filled with joy, resilience, and fulfillment.

Are you ready to begin your therapy journey? Contact me today to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation and to get started!

I look forward to working with you and supporting you!

Phone: (770) 519-7063


Four Fun Facts

  • Not only did I play soccer for over 18 years, playing at both Rutgers University and Kennesaw State University, my husband has turned me into a full blown Miami sports fan - Go Dolphins, Canes, Heat, Panthers, and Marlins!

  • I am a strong believer that wellness includes our mind, body, and soul - to be the best version of ourselves we need to foster all of those pillars!

  • I am a sucker for an oversized sweater and booties with a hot chocolate in my hand as the leaves change with a crisp chill in the air...unfortunately, I live in Florida and settle for iced mocha lattes and tank tops!

  • I love all members of my family, but ask me about my sweet dog Shay and I will show you pictures, videos, and go into an in depth lineage of her background. My french bulldog - boxer mutt has me wrapped around her little crooked tail.

Marisa Murray, Clinical Psychologist

Connecting you with your strengths, confronting your challenges, and fostering positive and lasting changes!

Welcome! I’m Dr. Marisa Murray, a clinical psychologist committed to approaching therapy with compassion, curiosity, and care. At times, life can be very challenging and overwhelming, leaving us feeling stuck, disconnected and misunderstood. Together, we will work to best understand your therapeutic needs, navigate barriers, and cultivate personal development. I have a keen interest in supporting adults who are experiencing stress and anxiety, specific phobias, depression, sleep difficulty, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and challenges related to work/school, perfectionism, assertiveness and self-esteem.

I completed my Ph.D. in 2018 at the University of Ottawa in Canada and my residency in a university counseling and research center. I have worked in schools, outpatient mental health clinics, private practices, and a hospital, where I gained extensive experience in evidence-based therapy and assessment. I have also been actively involved in hospital-based research projects, have published my research in national and international scientific journals, and believe strongly in maintaining professional development through peer consultation, workshops, and remaining current with the psychological literature.

  • I specialize in the treatment of anxiety and OCD in the adult population. I practice primarily from a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy modality and incorporate additional evidence-based techniques (e.g., Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) to meet your individual needs. Our work together will involve setting specific goals, developing a better understanding of your thought patterns, emotions, and behaviors and equipping you with therapeutic tools, with the ultimate goal of making your days more manageable and fulfilling!

I commend you for taking this next step to seek support. Please reach out to me to schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation to explore how I can best help you! I offer daytime, weekday, virtual appointments.

Phone: (754) 308-5525