Business Details
Your Trusted Mental Health Partner in Orlando
First Orlando Counseling has dedicated over three decades to transforming lives through compassionate mental health care. Our team of licensed professionals specializes in evidence-based therapies for PTSD, anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship challenges. With expertise in modalities like CBT, EMDR, and ART, we create personalized treatment plans to help clients reclaim control over their thoughts and lives.Our approach combines clinical excellence with empathetic support, ensuring clients feel understood and empowered throughout their healing journey. We serve individuals and couples navigating complex emotional struggles, offering both in-person and teletherapy options to maximize accessibility.
Services
PTSD Counseling
Anxiety Treatment
Depression Therapy
Grief Counseling
OCD Treatment
Substance Abuse Counseling
Couples Therapy
Parenting Support
ADHD Management
Eating Disorder Treatment
Highlights and features
- Licensed therapists with expertise in PTSD, anxiety, and trauma
- Personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs
- Evidence-based therapies including CBT, EMDR, and ART
- Over 30 years of experience helping thousands reclaim their lives
- Specialized care for depression, grief, substance use, and more
Services
PTSD Counseling
Specialized treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder using evidence-based techniques like EMDR and ART. Our therapists help clients reprocess traumatic memories and develop coping strategies. This service addresses symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance through structured, compassionate care.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Time-limited, goal-oriented psychotherapy focusing on modifying negative thought patterns and behaviors. CBT helps clients develop practical skills for managing anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. Our therapists use structured sessions to address current challenges and promote lasting behavioral changes.
Couples Counseling
Evidence-based therapy to improve communication and resolve conflicts in relationships. Using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), we help couples build secure attachments and healthier interaction patterns. This service addresses issues like trust breakdowns, recurring arguments, and emotional disconnection.
Accelerated Resolution Therapy
Rapid-eye-movement therapy that reprograms traumatic memory storage in the brain. ART effectively reduces physical and emotional reactions to distressing memories. This non-invasive treatment often produces significant improvements in fewer sessions compared to traditional therapies.
Grief Counseling
Specialized support for processing loss and navigating the grieving process. Our counselors help clients develop healthy coping mechanisms for complicated grief. This service addresses emotional, physical, and behavioral responses to loss through compassionate, structured guidance.
People
Kari Russo
Director, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
With over 30 years of experience, Kari Russo leads First Orlando Counseling's team. She specializes in trauma recovery and relationship therapy, holding dual licenses in mental health counseling and marriage and family therapy. Her leadership focuses on evidence-based practices and client-centered care.
CJ Varghese
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
CJ Varghese provides marriage and family therapy with a focus on systemic approaches to mental health. He specializes in helping couples and families navigate relationship challenges through evidence-based interventions and compassionate support.
Cynthia Knowles
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Cynthia Knowles offers mental health counseling for individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Her practice emphasizes creating safe therapeutic environments where clients can explore personal growth and develop effective coping strategies.
Christopher Venezia
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Christopher Venezia specializes in trauma-informed care and family systems therapy. He helps clients address PTSD, relationship issues, and parenting challenges using evidence-based approaches like TBRI and CBT.
Paula Navarro
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Paula Navarro provides therapy for individuals and couples dealing with trauma, anxiety, and relationship difficulties. Her approach combines clinical expertise with empathetic support to help clients achieve lasting personal growth and emotional healing.
Questions
What mental health services do you offer?
We specialize in PTSD counseling, anxiety treatment, depression therapy, couples counseling, and trauma recovery using evidence-based methods like EMDR and CBT.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Call our office at (407) 514-4470 during business hours or use our online scheduling system to book your initial consultation with a licensed therapist.
Do you offer teletherapy options?
Yes, we provide secure teletherapy sessions for clients who prefer remote counseling while maintaining the same quality of care as in-person visits.
What insurance do you accept?
We accept most major insurance plans. Contact our office for specific details about your coverage and payment options for mental health services.
Are your therapists licensed professionals?
Yes, our team includes licensed mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists with specialized training in trauma, anxiety, and relationship therapy.
How long are therapy sessions?
Standard sessions last 50-60 minutes. We offer flexible scheduling with evening appointments available to accommodate different needs and commitments.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Monica Colina Saldarriaga
Aug 06, 2021
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Vanessa Bennet is the best person to talk with. She is really understanding, sweet and helpful. She really makes the difference! Great team!
Marcelo Hernandez
Jul 24, 2021
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Vanessa In the front office was so welcoming only one chance to make a first impression good thing Vanessa is there it had to be noted God Bless.
Heather Whitman
Oct 29, 2019
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CJ Varghese is an EXCELLENT counselor and I would recommend him to anyone. He is very personal and really digs into what ever the issues are. Wonderful counselor. Very thankful for CJ Varghese.
Paula Navarro
Nov 26, 2018
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Cutting edge new therapy offered such as ART, EMDR, EFT; just to name a few! Portuguese, Spanish and English available for professional counseling. A place to learn to live a life of a healthier you!
Tanya Doyle
Oct 06, 2018
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This office has a dynamic range of counselors who are well trained and diverse in their approaches to helping the client. A "one size fits all" does NOT apply here. I am confident that you and your family will find just what you need for this season of your life.
Vanessa Bennett
Nov 05, 2016
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These people are great at what they do. If your on the fence about seeking help for any reason I recommend you give them a try.
Lucianna Coelho
Oct 24, 2016
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I have always felt very much at home and safe after speaking with CJ. He has an amazing gift of really listening to your heart and allowing you to be you. I always feel very enlightened, empowered and refreshed after our interactions. He's also one of the kindest and most gentle human beings I have met. He is definitely a lifelong friend!
