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                         To restore

                         Hope

                  to hEal

                  to gRow self

                         And

              grow Peacefully  

                withYour loved ones

www.myrestoredhope.com

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Mission

Providing therapeutic and behavioral services to adults, children, and families in Florida

that will lead to emotional healing and hope for themselves and their relationships.

Vision

To improve the world one person at a time by providing effective and quality therapeutic intervention that will improve relationships so that lives are emotionally restored to healthy families for generations to come. 

Meet our Therapists

Sabrina Sosa, LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor/EMDR Therapist

About

Merlyn Asencio, MSW, RCSWI
Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern/EMDR Therapist

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I am a bilingual (English & Spanish) Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 14 years of experience that includes working with at-risk children in foster care, children in a school setting, private practice, and individuals of all ages from different cultures and all walks of life. 

I have found that no matter how young or old you are, unresolved conflict that remains in the heart builds up over time and deeply affects your thought process and behavior towards others.  The healing process requires examining your heart, transparency, openness, honesty, and will.  I provide the most effective evidence-based therapy treatments (EMDR, CBT) to help you achieve self-care and healthy relationships.  I am passionate about guiding others through difficult circumstances by helping them view their painful experiences as opportunities and stepping stones for substantial personal, spiritual, and relational growth.  

I was born and raised in South Florida.  I obtained my Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology at Trinity International University, Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism & Mass Communication with a major in Public Relations at Florida International University, and an Associates Degree in Business Administration from Miami-Dade Community College. 

Trauma affects every aspect of a person’s life.  Whether it is chronic trauma or acute trauma, it can lead to feelings of fear, shame, and guilt that impact the body, mind, and soul.  This is true for children, teenagers, and adults. 

 

It is my passion, privilege, and calling to be a supportive guide for those struggling with the chaotic impacts of trauma. I specialize working with children, teenagers, and divorced women. 

 

Born in Cuba and raised in South Florida, I am fluent in both English and Spanish. I obtained my Master of Social Work (MSW) at Barry University and have over five years of experience working with at-risk children and teens in foster care.  In 2018, my research on child behavior was one of few selected in the state of Florida to be presented at the National Association of Social Work conference.  I am working towards becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in March of 2022. 

 

I use evidenced-based practices such as EMDR, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, DBT, and effective tools that will lead people to love themselves and reject guilt and shame by taking them through the process of understanding the root causes of trauma and it's devastating effects. 

Life is a marathon, not a sprint, you don’t have to run the race alone. 

Luis Villamil, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist 

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I have long wrestled with the body, soul, and spirit and how each affects the whole. We’re all complex human beings and when we add things like beliefs, culture, and experiences it can get interesting. Moreover, also add to that relationships, work, families, children, and things can start going sideways. With society and its demands, it’s easy to see why people are just surviving. That’s why a comprehensive approach to therapy is vital to get to know each person uniquely.

I’ve been married since 2015 to a wonderful woman and have one daughter. I’m bilingual (English/Spanish). I obtained a Master of Arts in Theological Studies in 2019, while also having earned a Master of Science in Psychology in 2014.  I have 13 years of past corporate experience. While doing so, I also specialized in trauma during my tenure at Trauma Resolution center. I believe in the efficacy of evidenced based tools and have a passion for Christian counseling. I enjoy working with men and women alike and the Geriatric population.

What I can say- if you’d in-trust me to walk with you on your journey, I will honor that privilege. The best is yet to come, let’s make mountains back into molehills.

Our Areas of Specialty

Areas of Practice

Adults

The most important aspect of life is our relationships- the people we do life with.  Do you have a hard time with your personal relationships?  How do you know if you're in healthy or toxic relationship?  What is a healthy relationship?  What are healthy boundaries?  How can you grow yourself and with others?

Children/Teens

Most children do not know how to express their thoughts, hurts, or feelings.  Many feel misunderstood.  Sometimes they feel confused and it is difficult for them to talk to their close family members.  Some feel dismissed and lonely in a home that is full.  Sometimes they have conflict with others.  How can you fix this?

Parents

Do you long for a peaceful home environment?  Are you tired of constantly repeating yourself?  Do you want mutual respect with your kids/teens?  Ever feel guilty for things you do or don't do as parent? Are your kids stressing you out?  Are you able to truly bond with them? Can you really learn to truly enjoy your son(s) and/or daughter(s)? 

Christian Counseling

Have you ever been hurt by the church?  Have you been spiritually abused?  Do you feel burned out trying to do "good"? Are you doubting God's goodness in your life?  Have you ever felt like giving up on your faith? Has your desire for God diminished?  How can you build a strong and healthy relationship with Christ?

TESTIMONIALS

"After trying 5 others, I finally have a therapist who understands me.  She has helped me to understand myself and I have learned how to start loving myself.  She has shown me how to deal with my problems and even see them in positive ways.  I'm so glad I found her."   

   

Mary

Miami, FL 

"We were always so frustrated because our son wouldn't listen to us.  We quickly learned about the mistakes we didn't know we were making and after applying what we learned in the parenting sessions, our son respects us and is no longer out of control."         

 

Kathy & Rob

Tallahassee, FL    

"I've suffered since I was a child. I've had a hard life. I honestly wasn't sure if I could be helped. Talking to her has been eye opening.  I'm learning so much.  I didn't know healing could start this fast."           

 

Julia

Orlando, FL

"My kids were always fighting.  They didn't get along until they started going to therapy.  They each learned how to talk about their feelings. They learned how to apologize and make up.  Now they actually laugh and play together.  I still can't believe it."

 

ANDREW

Tampa, FL

 

Family in Nature

        *Names and locations have been changed to protect the privacy and identity of individuals.

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