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PEACE THERAPY, LLC.
Meet the Peace Therapy Team:
Jeff Lapham
LMHC, TF-CBT, MH12821,
Reunification Therapy Specialist
CEO/Sole Proprietor
Jeff Lapham earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Special Education from Florida State University in 1989, with an emphasis in behavioral disorders. He taught children with severe emotional handicaps in the Florida public schools for 15-years before he attended Florida Gulf Coast University where he obtained a second master’s degree in mental health counseling in 2011.
He has worked with youth with behavioral issues while they were incarcerated, adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses, and adults involved with the legal system. Mr. Lapham received special training and certification in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and has been working with youth that have experienced traumatic events since then.
Mr. Lapham also has the honor of having his name placed on the wall of tolerance at the civil rights memorial center in Montgomery, Alabama among other civil rights’ activists such as dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., etc.
Bridget earned her Master's degree in social work in May 2020 from Florida Gulf Coast University after previously graduating with a Bachelor's degree in social work in August 2014. Bridget is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Florida.
Bridget has previously worked with adults and adolescents recovering from addiction in residential treatment programs, providing individual, group and family therapy sessions. Currently Bridget specializes in working with pregnant women and new mothers providing education, mental health support, and community resources.
Bridget's start in the field of social work was working for the state of Florida as a career counselor for people with disabilities before transitioning to working as a case manager helping those recovering from addiction. Bridget uses counseling modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, and motivational interviewing.
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Cristiane Fernandes is a bilingual Psychotherapist and LCSW who speaks Portuguese, Spanish and English. She has worked in the mental health field for over five years with a wide range of clients in various settings and is certified in advanced trauma informed therapy.
Her approach to treatment is a combination of mindfulness , wellness, health guidance, cognitive therapy, and solution focus to offer a holistic approach of treatment to assist individuals achieve their full potential in life. Among various other therapy modalities that Cristiane incorporates, she is well-versed with Critical Incident Stress Debrief (CISD), Positive Psychology, Motivational Interviewing, Strength-Based, Solution Focused Brief (SFBT), Behavior Modification, and Cognitive Behavioral (CBT).
Mr. Barry is a late life learner, returning to school at 45 years old. He earned his Bachelors in Behavioral Science from Ashford University, and his Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Ashford University. He has a certification in trauma therapy, as well as training in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
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Mr. Barry specializes in human development and the effects of trauma, stress, and toxic stress on human development and primal developmental phases. He has devoted extensive time to understanding the adoption of pathological behaviors as a coping device, in order to help the individual understand their behaviors and facilitate effective change. Mr. Barry works from a solution focused ideology and strives to help young and old to grasp a better understanding of the choice module, how we all make choices, and how to effectively improve our choices.
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Mr. Barry has experience working with addiction, severe mental illness, severe and persistent mental illness, and has spent the last 5 years working with children and families throughout the Fort Myers/Cape Coral area. His experience in life, and the application of clinical modalities to purposeful application is a unique style which has helped many individuals critically analyze their position in life and make healthy effective change.
As a dedicated mental health counselor, I bring over 5 years of experience in providing inclusive and compassionate and evidence-based support to individuals across all age groups. Holding a Master degree in Clinical Counseling from The Logos Christian University., I utilize a blend of play therapy, cognitive-behavioral techniques, psychosocial rehabilitation and family-focused interventions tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.
My approach is deeply rooted in creating a safe, nurturing environment where clients can thrive and navigate the complexities of their developmental stages. Whether addressing anxiety, behavioral challenges, or emotional regulation, I am committed to fostering resilience and promoting mental well-being.
Kelle is a passionate counselor dedicated to bringing joy and relief to children and their families by helping them to heal and live their best possible life. She is an honors society graduate of Northwestern University’s mental health counseling master’s program, with an emphasis on children and adolescents. Kelle is an integrated therapist, trained in a wide variety of therapeutic techniques, such as psychodynamic, ACT, CBT, DBT, play therapy, trauma counseling and of course, TF-CBT. Kelle interned at the Collier County Children’s Advocacy Center and saw clients of all ages at Cornerstone Consultants. She is serious when needed but definitely has a silly side and always tries to make counseling fun and interesting!
With a background in brand management at companies such as Campbell Soup and Procter & Gamble and after overcoming numerous personal challenges, Kelle experienced a profound shift in her life and aspirations. In addition, watching the devastating effects of the pandemic on the children in her life, and healing from her own tumultuous childhood, inspired her to change careers later in life and help improve the mental health of young people.
Provisional Registered Art Therapist (ATR-P)
Julie Kruszewski earned a bachelor's degree in Art Therapy and an Art Education teaching certification in 2007 from Mercyhurst University in Pennsylvania. She taught a diverse range of students in public and private schools for 13 years and during that time attended Edinboro University earning a dual master's degree in Mental Health Counseling and Art Therapy in 2022. Julie is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern (RMHCI) and a Provisional Registered Art Therapist (ATR-P) knowledgable in clinical skills and art therapy theories. She uses a person centered trauma informed approach in combination with cognitive behavioral therapy, art therapy, and mindfulness based therapies driven by the individual needs of the client.
When using art therapy in a session it includes art materials and focus on the art-making process to improve the emotional, psychological, and physical well-being of clients who have experienced trauma. Julie uses art to help children and adolescents express themselves to work through pain, fear, stress, and other emotions connected with physical and emotional trauma. She has an interest in working with youth who have experienced trauma.
Rick De Leon earned his master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a bachelor's degree in Sociology from Florida Gulf Coast University. Additionally, he holds certifications in Relationship and Family counseling, and he is recognized as a Level 2 Gottman Couples Therapist. He has experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families.
Rick's therapeutic methodology is anchored in recognizing the innate potential within each person for healing and transformation. Through the cultivation of mindfulness and the nurturing of a connection to one's inner self, he aids clients in navigating life's challenges with empathy, resilience, and discernment.
By drawing from a blend of psychological frameworks, Rick ensures a culturally sensitive and tailored approach to meet your specific needs and goals. He fosters a secure and encouraging environment for introspection and personal development. Rick is dedicated to walking alongside you on your journey towards self awareness, fulfillment, and inner peace.
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Danielle Fous recently earned her graduate degree in the Marriage and Family Therapy program at National University. Over the last 13 years, Danielle has worked as a Special Needs Educator and a Behavioral Therapist specializing in children with Autism and family dynamics locally in Fort Myers, FL. She has developed a deep understanding and compassion for families, parents, and how challenging incorporating new techniques and routines can be within the system. Danielle believes everyone should have a safe and healing place to work through life's difficulties. Danielle tries to help bring families and couples closer together through therapeutic work to build fulfilling relationships. She follows a systemic approach to therapy and believes that to understand people and their challenges, it is important to understand the systems and relationships they are a part of. She believes that the therapeutic relationship should be comprised of authenticity, collaboration, and one that feels safe and supportive. She focuses on client's strength and resiliency. Striving to help clients find tools to cope with life's stresses, she pulls from EFT, existential, narrative, and solution focused approaches.
Jessica Ducles is a compassionate professional with a bachelor’s degree in criminology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling at Keiser University.
Jessica specializes in supporting children, adolescents, and adults who are survivors of trauma. As a New York native with a background in law, Jessica brings a unique perspective to her work. Having personally experienced trauma, she deeply understands the importance of the therapeutic process. Her passion lies in empowering individuals to heal and thrive by providing empathetic and personalized care.
Jessica is particularly focused on helping those affected by PTSD, sexual assault, and other trauma-related conditions. Jessica’s dedication and expertise make her a trusted guide for clients on their journey toward recovery and resilience.
