Caren Phillippi, LMHC, QS
Caren Phillippi joined our team in 2020 to help meet the growing needs for our practice and brings with her 15+ years of experience as a therapist and supervisor for other counselors. Her special interest in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy brought her to Harmony Harbor at just the right time.
Caren previously worked for over ten years at a non-profit agency, gaining vast experience in crisis intervention and an understanding of how to help high-need client populations. Caren became highly skilled in cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused interventions. During that time, she also supervised other counselors, helping them gain the tools they needed to be effective therapists.
More About Me
Caren began doing yoga in 2010 and was immediately drawn to the healing power of Mindfulness. She has specialized training in mindfulness stress reduction and incorporates this practice into psychotherapy when appropriate. Caren has always felt connected to helping clients find “whole person” wellness, exploring all the areas of self that contribute to well-being.
When Caren discovered Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) she saw firsthand how effective the DBT skills were in helping clients attain well-being. When she discovered that Mindfulness is the foundation of DBT– she was hooked. She became trained in DBT through Behavioral Tech® so she could help more clients gain these skills.
Caren also recognizes the role that clearing trauma plays in wellness and is Mastered Certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and Certified in Brainspotting (BSP). Caren feels most effective working with clients seeking to heal from trauma as well as treating anxiety, mood and borderline personality “disorder.”
Caren believes that feeling connected and understood is vital for healing and growth. She quickly identifies her clients’ strengths and builds on them; valuing the importance of a therapeutic relationship built on mutual respect, genuineness, humor, and connection. Caren prides herself on being able to get to the root of what brings people to therapy, always considering a whole-person approach. If you’re working with Caren, you can be sure she will help you identify where growth is needed and will encourage you to stretch yourself while maintaining a balance of acceptance.
Education:
- Master’s Degree in Counselor Education from University of South Florida, 2008
License:
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) #MH10605 since 2011
- Qualified Supervisor in the State of Florida for Registered Mental Health Counseling Interns
Specialized Trainings:
- Foundations Trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy through Behavioral Tech
- Master practitioner in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
- Certified in Brainspotting (BSP)
- Emotional Pain Intervention
- Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
- Yoga and Meditation practitioner
Outside of Sessions
Outside of the therapy office, Caren enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. Growing up in Maryland, Caren has embraced the warm Florida weather, spending weekends outside on the water or hiking at one of the many beautiful parks in the area. Caren seeks her own wellness balance by reading non-fiction, exercise classes, meditation, and shopping clothing sales (the last one is harder to admit).
Caren Phillippi offers in-person therapy in Sarasota, FL and virtual throughout Florida
2201 Cantu Ct, Suite 104
Sarasota, FL 34232
We are located in the Live Oak Office Building