Lydia Antonatos

My name is Lydia Angelica and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. I am fully bilingual in English and Spanish. I received my Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University and my undergraduate degree from Saint Thomas Aquinas University. I have over 16 years of experience working in the helping field, 8 of which have been in a clinical capacity. I have had the honor to serve a diversity of individuals and their families in a variety of settings, such as governmental social services, community mental health, non-profit organizations, crisis help lines, and intensive outpatient programs (in a hospital setting).

I am well versed in working with mood disorders, anxiety, stress management, addictions and phase of life problems, among other things. I am also skilled in motivating and empowering individuals by providing them with the necessary tools to become more self-reliant and resourceful.
My academic training and diverse job functions have, indeed, shaped me into the well-rounded Mental Health Counselor I am today. Nevertheless, life experiences have also expanded my insight and knowledge. As a military wife, my life has been invaluably enriched through volunteer work, traveling and exposure to diverse cultures. This gave me the opportunity to better understand and relate to the complexities of human nature. I also discovered that military and retired military families face many challenges and need much support, guidance and mental health services.

My approach to counseling is, first and foremost, building and maintaining a genuine connection with my client. My therapeutic style is supportive, validating and solution-focused. I use a combination of cognitive-behavioral, psycho-educational and humanistic modalities, as well as evidence based techniques. I strive to create a balance within my therapeutic approach based on my client’s particular needs and preferences.
I truly believe I can help others help themselves, lead more meaningful and productive lives; regardless of who they are, where they come from or what circumstances they are in. I want to be able to transmit hope to anyone- even if he/she has already given up. Ever since I can remember, I felt much fulfillment in helping others, which is what ultimately led me into this path. I am truly passionate about what I do and feel mental health counseling is my calling.