Penelope Surber, LMHC

Compassionate Florida-based trauma and addiction therapist

Stress and anxiety
Addictions and recovery
Trauma and abuse

About Penelope Surber

Penelope Surber is a Florida LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor, license MH21834) with eight years of clinical experience, including six years working as an adult trauma therapist at a recovery center. She supports adults facing a wide range of concerns - stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, trauma and abuse, and struggles with self-esteem - and brings focused experience helping people navigate relationship challenges, abandonment and attachment issues, codependency, caregiver stress, and the long-term effects of childhood trauma.

Her therapeutic style is warm, person-centered, and interactive, grounded in respect, sensitivity, empathy, and compassion. She avoids stigmatizing labels and works collaboratively to tailor conversations and treatment plans to each person’s needs. Penelope integrates client-centered principles with evidence-informed methods such as cognitive behavioral techniques, dialectical behavior strategies, emotionally focused tools, and Jungian ideas to address patterns of thought, emotion regulation, and relational dynamics.

Penelope helps clients build coping skills for crises like natural or human-caused disaster, supports those processing grief, guilt, or shame, and assists people managing family-of-origin and domestic violence issues, divorce and separation, dissociation, and first responder stress. She emphasizes empowerment, practical skill building, and gradual growth, guiding clients who are ready to take courageous steps toward a more fulfilling life. She is currently accepting clients and welcomes international appointments.

Areas of Expertise

Primary Focus

Stress, Anxiety Addictions Trauma and abuse Self esteem Depression

Additional Focus Areas

AbandonmentAttachment issuesCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersNarcissismPanic disorder and panic attacksPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic Approach

Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Jungian Therapy Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Penelope Surber have?

Penelope Surber has eight years of experience.

Is Penelope Surber a licensed therapist?

Yes. She holds the LMHC credential - Licensed Mental Health Counselor. License: FL LMHC MH21834.

In which languages does Penelope Surber provide therapy?

Penelope provides therapy in English.

Where is Penelope Surber located?

Penelope is located in Florida.

How can I work with Penelope Surber as my therapist?

You can work with Penelope through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Penelope Surber work with international clients?

Yes, Penelope Surber works with international clients.

How much does therapy with Penelope Surber cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on building a trusting, nonjudgmental relationship where the therapist reflects and supports each person’s own goals and strengths - it is useful for improving self-esteem, exploring attachment and relationship patterns, and finding direction during life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) emphasizes identifying and adjusting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors; it is commonly used to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and problematic coping related to addiction. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers practical skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness - it can be particularly helpful for managing intense emotions, impulsive behaviors, and relationship difficulties.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Penelope will work with clients to assess needs, preferences, and goals, and will adapt techniques from different models to create a tailored plan that fits the person in front of her. This collaborative stance helps ensure treatment aligns with what the client finds most useful.

Online therapy with Penelope is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexible options for scheduling and communication. These formats make it easier to access consistent care from different locations and can accommodate varied routines and comfort levels. Licensed professionals can use these modalities to deliver structured, skills-based work as well as supportive, exploratory therapy, helping clients progress even when in-person visits are not possible.

Ready to start therapy with Penelope Surber?

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