The Lakeland Compassion Team
The Lakeland Compassion Team is made up of a group of amazingly talented and compassionate individuals that serve the Lakeland community and its surrounding areas. They practice as Licensed Mental Health Counselors, Licensed Social Workers, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, Licensed Registered State Interns, and Professional Life Coaches. Our Team Core Beliefs are grounded in prioritizing God, Family, and Self-Care before service to ensure that our professionals are at their best emotionally and spiritually within their personal lives so that they can provide the highest quality of care for our clients. Our Lakeland Compassion team engages in continued professional development throughout the year to stay up to date on effective intervention strategies for improving the mental health of our clients.
Jamila Tippit, R-MFTI
Clinical Site Lead & Registered Marriage & Family Therapist Intern
In-Office & Telehealth.
"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."
-Psalms 147:3
Jamila is a dedicated and compassion Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern who incorporates over 8 years of counseling experience supporting children, adolescents, couples, and families in navigating through life challenges. She has a Masters Degree in Counseling and General Family Therapy. Drawing from her diverse array of educational, career and life experience, Jamila uses a blend of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, Solution-focused and mind-body methods to support individuals under the umbrella of a family-systems based approach. She has outpatient, in-home, school-based, and faith-based counseling experience, with expertise treating anxiety, mood and eating disorders, depression, PTSD, ADHD, trauma, grief, social, marriage and relational issues, personal-social, and career explorations and transitions.
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Jamila’s goal is to assist children, adolescents, and adults to reach their highest potential and to help couples and families live more harmonious and joyful lives together. Jamila is a trained Art of Marriage facilitator through Family Life where she has facilitated
rt of Marriage small groups.
Mary Flug, R-MHCI
Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern. In-Office & Telehealth.
"Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story, whom he has redeemed from trouble."
- Psalm 107:2
Mary is a Supervised Student Intern expected to complete her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling by December 2024 through Liberty University. Mary is dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey towards emotional and mental well-being. She is passionate about exploring each client’s story and assisting in navigating life’s challenges and finding true freedom. She provides a safe environment where thoughts, feelings, and concerns can be shared. Mary’s therapeutic process entails a collaborative approach to creating a personalized treatment plan that meets unique needs. With her training, she incorporates various techniques with an emphasis on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy while understanding thoughts and emotions and working towards developing healthier patterns. Above all, she is committed to showing the parallels of each client’s story and how they align with God’s bigger and brighter redemption story.
Joy Spears, R-CSWI
Registered Clinical Social Work Intern. In-Office & Telehealth.
Joy is a dedicated and compassionate licensed clinical social work intern, bringing a wealth of experience to our therapeutic community. She holds a master’s degree in clinical social work from Southeastern University and has been serving in the clinical counseling field for two years, complemented by a lifetime of international missions ministry involvement.
She gracefully serves as a Christian counselor, specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for individuals across the age spectrum – children, teens, and adults alike. Her approach is rooted in empathy, understanding, and a commitment to fostering positive change. Joy is passionate about helping individuals navigate life's challenges and find renewed strength and purpose.
Joy can help you on this journey of self-discovery and growth. Together, you can navigate the path toward healing and renewal.
Jalae Alvarez, R-CSWI
Registered Clinical Social Work Intern. In-Office & Telehealth.
Jalae is a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern with a master's degree from Southeastern University. As a compassionate mental health provider, Jalae provides a patient-centered and strengths-based approach to empower her clients. With expertise in crisis intervention, her top priority is ensuring the safety and comfort of those she serves. Jalae blends psychoeducation and a biblical perspective to foster holistic understanding, addressing both biochemical and spiritual aspects of self. Utilizing evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Gottman Method for couples, Motivational Interviewing, and mindfulness techniques, Jalae guides clients of all ages toward their therapeutic goals.
Jalae’s expertise extends to helping individuals and families navigate various life transitions and challenges. While working with Jalae in a therapeutic session, expect a warm welcome and a nurturing environment to explore and heal.
Liza van der Merwe, B.S.
Clinical Student Intern. In-Office & Telehealth.
Liza is a driven Supervised Student Intern on track to complete her Master's in Professional Counseling from Southeastern University in May 2025. Rooted in the belief that holistic living is attainable for everyone, she is deeply passionate about accompanying individuals on their path to learning, growth, healing, and self-discovery. In her approach to counseling, Liza prioritizes empathy, active listening, collaboration, and the creation of a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can freely explore their thoughts and emotions. She customizes treatment plans to align with each individual's unique goals, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Narrative Therapy frameworks. Above all, Liza holds steadfastly to the conviction that there is hope within every person's story, regardless of its weight. It's a profound honor for her to journey alongside individuals as they navigate life's challenges, knowing that each step is guided by a greater narrative written by a loving God.
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Miah Bennett, R-CSWI
Registered Clinical Social Work Intern. In-Office & Telehealth.
Miah is a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern with a Master’s in social work from Southeastern University. She has experience in various areas and specializes in working with children through young adults. Miah takes a client-centered and strengths-based perspective while blending Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Biblical truth. Her background includes, but is not limited to, working with foster kids and crisis intervention/prevention in a Baker Act facility. Miah aims to make her clients feel safe and comfortable showing up for therapy as they are. Her goal is to create a welcoming space where clients feel that they can be authentic while exploring their unique God-given story. Miah empowers her clients to see themselves as God sees them - worthy of redemption, healing, and recovery.
Her specialties include anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, spirituality, anger issues, mood disorders, and family conflict. Her therapy modalities are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Strengths-Based Perspective, Narrative Therapy, and Play Therapy techniques.
Yanelis Sanchez, RCSW-I
Registred Clinical Social Work Intern. In-Office & Telehealth.
Yanelis Sanchez is a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern with a Master's degree from Southeastern University. With a warm and compassionate approach, Yanelis is dedicated to walking alongside clients as they navigate life’s challenges. She believes in the power of hope, resilience, and faith to guide the healing process and is committed to providing care that honors each client’s unique journey.  Yanelis integrates evidence-based practices with a faith-based perspective, blending psychological and spiritual principles to promote holistic well-being. With experience in mental health care, substance use counseling, and child welfare, she has supported individuals and families through significant transitions and challenges. Fluent in Spanish, Yanelis takes pride in offering inclusive, culturally sensitive care to diverse populations. Her therapeutic approach includes techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), strengths-based approaches, and mindfulness practices. She strives to create a safe and supportive environment where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered. Yanelis is passionate about helping clients uncover their strengths and achieve personal growth, always prioritizing their comfort and trust in the therapeutic relationship. At Renewed Integrative Counseling, Yanelis is dedicated to fostering healing, growth, and alignment with one’s values and purpose. Whether navigating mental health concerns, navigating life transitions, or exploring spiritual growth, Yanelis is here to support you with empathy, expertise, and care tailored to your needs.
