About Me

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"When I began my journey to become a psychotherapist I quickly learned how passionate I was (and am) about the field.  Advocating for mental health was always something that spoke volumes to me.   I've found that all components of my education are a great asset to conceptualize client situations from a variety of angles. And because of the diversity I present in sessions, my science/art and English/Spanish backgrounds can offer a new way to conceptualize stuck points." 

Sharife Gacel, MS is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (#MH 15258), specializing in individual mental health counseling, born and raised in Miami, Florida, and maintains a private practice in Winter Park, Florida.

With over 3 years experience as a mental health counselor, and as a graduate of Stetson University specializing in anxiety and depression, grief, life transitions, multicultural issues, and general mental health concerns, she is currently serving as private practitioner working with a broad spectrum of clients. Among her areas of expertise are young adults, college students, gifted adults, and pet loss.

In addition to these specialties, as a therapist Sharife has presented about Pet Loss/The Human-Animal Bond at a Florida Mental Health Counselors Association conference, Greyhound's Reach The Beach Annual Conference, and founded/lead regular Central Florida Support Group meetings.

Sharife is an interactive, person centered, solution-focused, and cognitive behavioral therapist. Her therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. Also because of her veterinary medicine/molecular biology and artist backgrounds, she integrates complementary creative methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. With compassion and understanding, she works with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.

Education

• *Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling-Graduated with Honors from Stetson University 
• *Studied Veterinary Medicine-St. Matthew's University, Grand Cayman
  
• *Bachelor of Science in Psychology-Graduated with Honors from University of Central Florida
  
• *Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology & Microbiology-Graduated with Honors from University of Central Florida

Additional Training 

• *20+ year involvement with adopting retired racing greyhounds
  
• *Founded a successful visual arts business with a selected piece displayed at the Orlando Museum of Art
  
• *LEAD Scholar's program-University of Central Florida
  
• ​*Studied animal behavior and separation anxiety in small animals while in veterinary school​
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Professional Activities and Memberships

• *Member of American Counseling Association
  
• *Member of Florida Mental Health Counselors Association
• *Member of Mental Health Counselors of Central Florida
  
• ​*Member of Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG)
  

 With my adopted greyhound and therapy dog in-training, Anubis.