The
WesleyChapel
office
About Us
Serving Wesley Chapel and the surrounding areas, our team is made up of highly skilled and compassionate professionals—Licensed Mental Health Counselors, Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, Registered Associate Counselors, and Student Interns.
Grounded in our core beliefs— God, Family, & Self-Care—we prioritize personal well-being within our team, so that we may show up fully present for every client. Committed to continued growth, our team regularly trains in the latest, evidence-based strategies to help clients navigate life’s challenges confidently.
Were Here
for you
!
Thomia Thompson, LMHC
Clinical Director & Licensed Counselor. In-Office & Telehealth.
Mia is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Clinical Director of Renewed Integrative Counseling, bringing over a decade of counseling experience
and 25+ years in Christian ministry.
She works with children, adolescents, adults, and families using evidence-based methods like CBT, Trauma-Focused CBT, EMDR, Play Therapy, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), where she also serves as a Master Trainer. Mia offers Biblically Informed care and is certified in SYMBIS and Level 2 Gottman Couples Therapy, equipping individuals and couples to heal, grow, and thrive.
Meet Our Team!
Compassion
*Not Availible At this Location
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Team Lead & Licensed Mental Health Counselor. In-Office & Telehealth.
Monica Stuart, LMHC
Monica is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and the Wesley Chapel Team Lead, with over five years of experience as a behavior therapist and counselor. She is passionate about helping clients navigate trauma, relationship struggles, and everyday challenges. She creates a safe, supportive space for healing and growth, using a blend of approaches, including CBT, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Art Therapy.
Monica is exceptionally dedicated to supporting individuals through
prenatal/postnatal transitions, grief, anxiety, and improving
communication in relationships.
*Not Availible At this Location
Joel Asencio, R-MHCI
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern. In-Office & Telehealth
Joel is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern with over three years of experience, known for his ability to integrate humor into the healing process, Joel draws from a wide range of evidence-based practices, including CBT, Internal Family Systems, Play Therapy, Trauma-Informed Care, and Christian Counseling, to support individuals of all ages—children, teens, adults, and couples.
Joel also incorporates Narrative Therapy to ensure a personalized and meaningful therapeutic experience. Embark on a collaborative journey with Joel, where compassion and evidence-based care guide healing and growth. Whether navigating anxiety, depression, spiritual growth, or life transitions, Joel offers a supportive, humorous space for self-discovery.
Clinical Trainings:
Alex Castaneda, LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor. In-Office & Telehealth.
Alex is a seasoned Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern with years of experience and a profound belief in the transformative power of faith and resilience. As a self-published author of Little Sufferings, he offers unique insight into adversity and healing, enriching his therapeutic
work with wisdom and compassion.
Currently pursuing a PhD in Psychology with a concentration in Theology, Alex integrates clinical and theological perspectives to guide clients toward emotional wellness, spiritual development, and personal growth. He views counseling as a sacred journey, empowering individuals to find meaning, purpose, and restoration through a faith-rooted approach.
Este terapeuta habla español*
Clinical Trainings:
Liza van der Merwe, R-MHCI
Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern. In-Office & Telehealth.
Rooted in the belief that holistic living is possible for everyone, Liza is passionate about walking with individuals through seasons of growth, healing, and self-discovery. She creates a safe, nonjudgmental space where empathy, active listening, and collaboration guide each session. Drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, and Play Therapy, she tailors her approach to meet each client’s unique needs.
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Liza earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Kansas State University and her Master’s in Professional Counseling from Southeastern University. Her clinical experience spans work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, life transitions, self-worth, relational conflict, and spiritual concerns. She holds firm to the belief that there is hope in every person’s story and considers it a profound honor to walk alongside her clients, trusting in the greater narrative written by a loving God.
Clinical Trainings:
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LaTanya "Tanya" Richardson, LMHC
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Licensed Mental Health Counselor. In-Office & Telehealth.
Tanya Richardson is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 13 years of experience, specializing in trauma, anxiety, and life transitions, particularly for women healing from past abuse. She integrates Christian principles with evidence-based therapies such as CBT, Schema Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, and Motivational Interviewing to support individuals, couples, families, and youth. Known for her empathetic and spiritually grounded approach, Tanya creates a compassionate space where clients feel truly seen and heard.
With advanced degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and additional training in Christian counseling, she is honored to walk alongside clients on their journey toward healing, purpose, and lasting transformation. "Healing is possible, You don't have to face it alone."
Clinical Trainings:
Registered Marriage & Family Therapist Intern. In-Office & Telehealth
Darlene Belizaire, R-MFTI
Darlene is a warm and dedicated Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern passionate about supporting emotional, mental, physical, spiritual, and social well-being. She integrates counseling from a Biblical perspective with therapeutic approaches like DBT, CBT, and Narrative Therapy, working with individuals from all walks of life—including college students, children, couples, and refugees.
Darlene is honored to walk alongside her clients, providing a safe space to grow, reduce stigma, and build the confidence to live and love well.
Clinical Trainings:
