Phyllis Jeannestal , LCSW

Phyllis Jeannestal is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a licensed mental health professional practicing in Florida with nine years of experience working with individuals and families affected by trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and related challenges. She emphasizes inclusion and respects each person's right to make their own choices, helping clients build agency over life decisions and emotional well-being.

Her clinical background includes work with adolescents and family units, and she contributed to a community wellness effort in Parkland for survivors of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting, helping develop treatment plans that incorporated holistic activities such as exercise, art therapy, and support groups. She currently provides support in hospice settings, guiding families through the experience of grief and loss.

Phyllis integrates a trauma-informed care framework that centers on safety, choice, collaboration, trustworthiness, and empowerment alongside evidence-based methods like cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused therapy. Her approach aims to cultivate a healing environment where clients can increase self-awareness, learn new coping skills, and strengthen their personal resources. Her primary goal is to highlight individual strengths and help clients build a practical toolbox to face life’s challenges and pursue lasting growth.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Healing

Phyllis draws on trauma-focused therapy to create an environment that recognizes the impact of traumatic experiences and emphasizes safety, choice, and empowerment. This approach supports people coping with past trauma, abuse, and the emotional effects of significant life events.

She also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a practical method that helps clients identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to improve mood and daily functioning. CBT can be effective for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns.

Additionally, solution-focused therapy is used to help clients set clear goals and build on existing strengths to create concrete steps toward change. This approach is particularly useful when clients want brief, goal-oriented support to address specific problems.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the work itself, and Phyllis collaborates with each person to determine the best fit based on their needs, goals, and preferences. She tailors methods and pacing to match what will be most helpful in their situation.

Online therapy offers flexible options such as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, making it easier to access consistent support around work, family, and other commitments. These formats allow therapists and clients to maintain continuity of care and adapt sessions to what works best for each individual.