Andrea Fuentes Lawson, MA, LMHC

Andrea works as a licensed clinical mental health counselor and has been in private practice for a decade. She specializes in CPTSD and enjoys working with clients in seasons of life transition. 
Early in her career she worked at residential (substance use disorder) treatment centers with men and women across the life span. She is trained in Inner Bonding, Somatic Adult Attachment, Poly Vagal Theory and Internal Family Systems. Andrea is a long time yoga and meditation practitioner and incorporates mindfulness techniques into her work. Andrea’s passion is helping clients create a compassionate relationship with Self.
Andrea considers herself a fellow traveler and is deeply devoted to her own personal and professional growth.

I am 52, married, and have two adult children, one teenager, and one grandchild. I have a MS in Licensed Professional Counseling, and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of FL. I have both a Master's Certified Addiction Professional and an International Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor certifications in FL. I have worked in the field for over 11 years in substance use/mental health treatment. I have experience working in a Crisis Stabilization Unit, currently serving children and their families in the school system, and currently as a Private Practice Psychotherapist. I provide both in-person and telehealth sessions, and I also work as an EAP provider. I graduated from Grand Canyon University with a BS in Addiction Counseling in October 2011, and my MS for Professional Counseling on April 23, 2016.

I value the relationship with my clients and believe that such a relationship is the beacon in the healing process. I believe that each individual is unique and has his/her own way of addressing issues. Thus, I believe in an eclectic approach in use of therapy models when working with individuals, couples, families, and/or those who consider themselves part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Therapeutic approaches that I use (but am not limited to) are; a Wellness Model of Counseling, emphasizing strengths as well as personal choices and the importance of daily decision making, to achieve the goal of an increasingly healthy lifestyle; Solution Focused Therapy, which focuses on solutions to problems or issues, and discovering the resources and strengths a person has, rather than focusing on the problem; Cognitive Behavior Therapy, which can be effective for a range of problems including depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, marital problems, eating disorders, PTSD, and severe mental illness; and Motivational Interviewing technique that helps to empower my clients to overcome their obstacles. I believe that the client can be empowered, so they themselves can focus on what works for them.