You deserve care from the very best
Tampa Therapy is a group therapy practice with several highly skilled and experienced licensed therapists. Please see below.
ELYSSA BARBASH, PH.D.
LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST
OWNER & FOUNDER
Background & Experience
Dr. Elyssa Barbash is a Licensed Psychologist and Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. She has over 17 years of varied clinical experiences having worked in outpatient, inpatient, residential, and partial-hospitalization programs. She has been in private practice for over a decade, providing both individual and couples therapy. She is a subject-expert and Tampa Bay’s leading authority in the diagnosis and treatment of trauma, PTSD, other trauma reactions (anger, depression, anxiety, relationship issues), depression, anxiety, marital and couples therapy, and the administration and interpretation of psychological testing.
In addition to private practice, Dr. Barbash is a contributing blogger on PsychologyToday.com. She previously worked as a Staff Psychologist for the Veterans’ Health Administration at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, where she completed her one year pre-doctoral internship in trauma psychology specializing in the treatment of trauma and PTSD. Additionally, she completed her post-doctoral residency at the James A. Haley VA in general mental health. She has many years of professional experience working with veterans from all war eras, civilians, and active duty military personnel with complex issues such as combat trauma, military sexual trauma, childhood trauma, PTSD, grief, depression, and anxiety. Additionally, Dr. Barbash has years of experience providing comprehensive psychological testing for diagnostic and personality assessment purposes, as well as PTSD/trauma specific assessment.
SPECIALIZATION
Dr. Barbash’s specialized training in trauma and PTSD has allowed her to focus her clinical work on helping individuals who have experienced psychological trauma or PTSD, as well other trauma reactions (e.g, depression, anxiety, anger, and relationship problems). She is certified in Eye-Movement Desensitization And Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Prolonged Exposure (PE), which are three gold-standard evidence-based treatments for trauma and PTSD.
Additionally, she has extensive experience working with other problem areas and is trained in multiple evidence-based treatments for depression and anxiety, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She also has significant experience conducting psychological testing, consulting across disciplines, and providing mentorship and supervision to other practitioners.
meet the Tampa Therapy TEAM
Stefanie
Stefanie is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Master’s Level Certified Addictions Professional in the state of Florida who has over a decade of counseling experience. She is highly experienced in treating individuals, couples, and families. She has worked in a variety of counseling settings, which allows her to support individuals from a more holistic perspective. Stefanie has an eclectic therapeutic style, incorporating multiple modalities to address issues and/or challenges with depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and trauma. She uses Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, as well as Solution Focused Treatments. Stefanie feels it’s very important for clients to identify and understand their behaviors so they can work to create their best outcomes for success.
Nicollette
Nicollette is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida and completed her Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an Advanced Certificate in School Counseling at Long Island University in Brookville, NY. Nicollette has significant experience treating anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, trauma and various other concerns. She uses a Cognitive Behavioral approach, as well as, Mindfulness, throughout the therapeutic process. She has a strong passion for helping others and aims to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment where her clients feel comfortable in collaboratively working together to accomplish their goals.
Dr. Negron-Chaves
Dr. Elena Negron-Chaves is a bilingual (Spanish-speaking) Licensed Clinical Psychologist with 20 years of experience in psychological diagnosis, individual and group psychotherapy, psychological testing, teaching, and research. She has worked with adults, adolescents, children and couples in hospital, inpatient and outpatient clinic settings in New York City, Puerto Rico and Tampa Bay. Dr. Negron-Chaves specializes in treating anxiety disorders (GAD, OCD), depressive disorders, and individuals with a history of trauma and PTSD. While working at the Bay Pines VA, she was trained in Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Processing (CPT), Mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). She uses a holistic-eclectic and client-centered approach to support and empower clients to understand their unique strengths and resources. She provides guidance to identify and heal areas that are holding clients back from achieving their goals and from becoming the best version of themselves. She approaches couples therapy using the Gottman method and Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Dr. Negron-Chaves also uses mind-body and somatic therapy approaches to explain how trauma and stress will affect your body and how physical symptoms signal unconscious unresolved issues. Client will trust their mind, body, intuition and capacity to self-care, and discover a life of wellness, informed choices and freedom. Dr. Negron-Chaves has a strong interest in helping survivors of narcissistic and psychological abuse from family members and love relationships. She helps domestic violence victims and children of emotionally immature parents to identify origin of maladaptive attachment, pathological relational patterns, and codependency. Clients will learn to identify manipulation, gaslighting, coercive control, and how to deal with it, and escape from the fear, shame, self-doubt and confusion that traps them in a life of emotional abuse. Clients will re-learn to trust their reality and body sensations, break trauma bond, and heal and thrive in a safe and supportive space. “Healing does not mean the damage never existed. It means the damage no longer controls our lives.”
Dr. Laun
Dr. Sophia Laun is a Licensed Psychologist in Florida and New Jersey with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She has specialized training in several evidenced-based treatments, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT).
Dr. Laun currently works in private practice, where her focus is on individuals who are struggling with the lasting effects of trauma, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and relationship difficulties. Prior to this, she had 20 years of experience working at a community-based nonprofit organization, where she provided advocacy, crisis-intervention, and therapy to adults and teens who experienced sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse. During the last four years of her tenure, she served as clinical director, overseeing counseling services and providing supervision to the clinical team. Dr. Laun also completed doctoral-level training in a variety of other settings, including an inpatient psychiatric hospital, crisis-response center, outpatient clinic, and integrated primary care setting. Through these experiences, she provided a range of clinical services, including brief behavioral health interventions, individual therapy, psychoeducational groups, crisis evaluations, and comprehensive psychological assessments.
Dr. Laun is passionate about providing a safe space for individuals to heal from traumatic events, whether they occurred recently or long ago. She is committed to empowering each individual on their unique journey, as they work toward creating lasting changes and improving their quality of life.
Kathy (“K”)
K. is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida. She earned a Masters degree in Social Work, with a concentration in Advanced Clinical Practice, from Saint Leo University. She is a Certified Trauma Specialist and has received extensive training in co-morbid physical and mental health disorders and substance use disorders. Most recently, she’s worked in community mental health, serving a culturally diverse population.
K. has significant experience with mood disorders (anxiety/depression/bipolar), ADHD, trauma and stressor-related disorders, PTSD, gender-related issues and life transitions. She’s an ally and fierce advocate for the Queer community. K. enjoys working with children, teens, adults, couples and families.
K. is empathetic and intuitive, with sound judgement and a seasoned perspective. She endeavors to develop a strong therapeutic relationship with each client, based on trust, unwavering support and encouragement. K. is well versed in a number of evidenced-based treatment modalities, including CBT, TI-CBT, Motivational Interviewing, ACT, DBT and Solution Focused therapies. This allows her to curate a therapeutic approach, that meets the specific needs of every individual client. K. understands that while “life is a journey” for all of us, yours is entirely unique. K. is passionate about helping her client’s find solutions, learn healthy coping skills and improve their overall well-being.
Kara
Kara (LPC, NCC) is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with vast experience working with military members, veterans, first responders, and their families. She began her career as a high school counselor, serving in various counties across the country before transitioning into outpatient mental health services. Kara has spent years working with survivors of interpersonal trauma and those facing significant mental, physical, and emotional challenges. As a military spouse, her personal experiences complement her professional path, deeply influencing her work and dedication to her clients. Kara’s therapeutic approach is integrative and person-centered, combining a variety of evidence-based techniques to provide trauma-informed care. She is passionate about helping clients access their inner strengths and resilience through modalities such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Play Therapy, and Parts Work. These strategies are particularly effective in addressing a wide range of issues, including ADHD, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, body dysmorphia, self-harm, suicidal ideation, relational challenges, gender identity, situational transitions, substance abuse, and trauma recovery.
Kara believes that therapy is a courageous step toward positive change. She recognizes that the process of self-examination can be uncomfortable and intimidating but is often a powerful path to healing and growth. By taking a holistic approach to treatment, Kara works to foster meaningful, lasting change in her clients’ lives. It is her privilege to help clients navigate their challenges, and she finds joy in witnessing their empowerment and transformation. Kara looks forward to the opportunity to work with you and support you on your journey toward healing and personal growth.
DAWN
Dawn is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida. She earned her master’s degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of West Florida and has focused her career on trauma informed counseling and crisis intervention for adolescents, teens, adults, and families. Dawn also holds Level 1 certification in Gottman Couples Therapy.
Before transitioning to counseling, Dawn taught in special education, supporting youth with emotional and behavioral challenges across public schools, alternative education settings, and Department of Juvenile Justice programs. That experience informs her strengths in working with complex developmental and systemic issues.
Dawn provides individual and family therapy for children, adolescents, young adults, and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, grief, interpersonal conflict, and life transitions. She has experience with nontraditional and blended families and is passionate about helping families heal relationships, strengthen communication, and resolve conflict.
Her practice is grounded in evidence based modalities, including Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Attachment Based Family Therapy (ABFT), and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT). She has experience incorporating mindfulness techniques and blending traditional psychological practices with a client’s personal beliefs and values. Dawn individualizes treatment to align with each client’s unique strengths, needs, and personal goals.
Warm, compassionate, and authentic, Dawn believes meaningful healing grows from a safe, trusting connection to explore one’s life and self. To achieve this, she strives to create a judgment-free environment where clients feel heard, accepted, and empowered.
Samantha
Samantha is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern in the state of Florida. She earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Florida Gulf Coast University and has dedicated her career to providing trauma-informed counseling and crisis intervention services for survivors of crime across the lifespan. Samantha also has specialized experience as a prior trained victim advocate, which included supporting survivors through forensic examinations, court accompaniment, and other legal and medical processes while providing compassionate, trauma-focused therapy.
Samantha has experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, grief, life transitions, and the lasting effects of sexual abuse, domestic violence, and other forms of interpersonal trauma. She is passionate about helping clients move beyond survival by creating a safe, supportive environment where healing, resilience, and personal growth can occur.
Samantha utilizes evidence-based treatment approaches, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), while tailoring treatment to meet each client’s unique needs and goals.
Samantha’s therapeutic style is warm, compassionate, and authentic. She believes that healing happens through meaningful connection and strives to create a space where clients feel heard, accepted, and empowered without judgment. Whether navigating the effects of trauma, managing anxiety, or facing life’s challenges, Samantha is committed to walking alongside her clients with empathy, encouragement, and genuine care.
Outside of the therapy room, Samantha is passionate about multicultural awareness, legislative advocacy, and advancing equity for underserved communities. She has been involved in advocacy efforts through national organizations, community initiatives, and collaborative research focused on promoting systemic change and improving access to mental health care.
Rachel
Rachel is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor in Florida. She earned her degree in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from the University of South Florida in Tampa, where she honed skills in not only mental health counseling, but also in vocational rehabilitation for persons with disabilities.
Rachel works with pre-teens, adolescents, adults, and couples. She specializes in life transitions, anxiety, depression, shame, recovery from addiction, ADHD, and trauma, including PTSD. Her approach is trauma-informed and evidence-based. She draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Attachment Theory, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and somatic approaches.
Rachel’s career began in film and television, where she worked as a professional writer in accessibility technology for people with visual impairments. It was here that she learned to see the world from a new perspective, because providing accessibility requires being able to see the bigger picture of someone else’s experience. As a pre-licensed clinician, she provided mental health support and group counseling to adolescents and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in an educational setting. More recently, she worked with adults facing addiction, grief, and trauma. Rachel has lived all over the country and has been part of many communities, including creatives, martial artists, LGBTQ+, and 12-step recovery. These personal and professional experiences shape how she meets each client: as a complex, and unique individual with their own strengths, journeys, areas for growth, and goals for change.
In session, Rachel helps clients uncover the core beliefs that shape their actions and how they see the world. Together, they look at which beliefs still serve the client, and which the client may already be outgrowing. Her style is warm, compassionate, and curious. Clients delve into the effects of their patterns on themselves and on others in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. It takes courage to come to therapy, and Rachel celebrates that courage by meeting clients where they are and trusting them to set the pace of their sessions. Clients leave with practical tools for managing symptoms day to day. They also build lasting frameworks they can return to during future periods of growth and change, long after their work together ends.
Contact Us
Emergency: In case of an emergency, please dial 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room. If someone is having thoughts of suicide please call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. We DO NOT see walk-ins or provide emergency services on site.
Connecting with clients is an important part of the therapy process. Please give us a call at 813-474-9395 to discuss your therapy goals and schedule an appointment. Please note, services are by appointment only.