Have you felt like you want to start therapy and are ready to take the next steps, but you feel overwhelmed before you even begin? Beginning therapy can often feel intimidating or even a little bit scary. We understand how you feel, and we are here for you. With so many therapists to choose from, it can feel overwhelming to know who is the best fit for your needs. We want you to feel like you are in the best hands to begin this incredible journey of choosing yourself. Our “hidden gems,” also known as our graduate student therapists, may be the perfect fit for you. With both incredible value and expertise in various fields, our graduate student therapists are here to help you.
Our graduate student therapists have not only brought value to our practice, but can also offer immense value to you. They offer the lowest rate our practice holds, of only $75. They also offer a sliding scale. These therapists bring fresh academic perspectives and offer a high level of flexibility in their schedules to support you. Their value is incredible, and they truly have so much to offer you and your journey.
Our graduate student therapists are for everyone. They are versatile and are available to support all populations. Kids, teens, adults, families, and couples can benefit from the value they hold.
These hidden gems of therapists hold high expertise in various areas of therapy. From anxiety, depression, stress management, life transitions, adolescents & young adults, self-esteem, couples counseling, cross-cultural adjustment, Christian counseling, emotionally focused therapy (EFT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and more, we have a graduate student therapist available to help everyone.
Our graduate student therapists are highly supervised. Essentially, when you see a graduate student therapist, you are getting the expertise of the student plus the oversight of our senior licensed supervisors. Think of it as two highly skilled therapists for the price of one. This is added value and expertise in your journey that you are still paying the lowest rate for.
Now that you have learned about the value these hidden gems hold, let’s get to know them a little bit better. Our graduate student therapists come from various backgrounds and different training and expertise, which is what makes them so valuable and special to not only our practice, but also for the next steps in your therapy journey.
Meet the Team:
Molly Morse:
I am a proud fourth generation Floridian with deep roots in the Sunshine State, now living in the beautiful South Tampa area. My undergraduate degree is in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies from California State University – Sacramento. My love for people and the meaningful connections we form led me to earn my graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of South Florida. Through both personal and professional experiences, I’ve come to see how our relationships often reflect how we feel about ourselves.
My approach to therapy is focused on meeting your unique needs using cognitive behavioral therapy and solution focused therapy for individuals, emotionally focused therapy for couples, and structural family therapy for families. My expertise is in relational issues, couples, families, self-esteem, motivation issues, life transitions, and more. My goal is to help you through your personal journey in a safe, welcoming place that you can trust. We can do this together!
When I am not working, my favorite place to be is with my husband of 32 years. We enjoy spending time with our grown children, our large extended family, and our close friends. On the weekends you can usually find us grilling, rooting for Arsenal, or playing cornhole! I love animals, reading, and great company!
Want to schedule with Molly? Click here.
Manuela Djato:
I was born and raised in Togo, West Africa, and speak both English and French. My understanding of people and relationships has been shaped by an upbringing of community and connection. After completing my bachelor’s in business law at Groupe ISM (Senegal) and INU Champollion (France), I moved to the United States and began building a new life with my husband. I eventually discovered my true calling to support individuals, couples, and families through life’s challenges. This inspired me to pursue my Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of South Florida.
I take a warm, collaborative approach that helps people identify strengths, challenge negative patterns, and develop healthier ways of coping. I draw from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), attachment-based work, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), systemic family approaches, and the Gottman Method when working with couples.
Whether you are navigating anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, past wounds, or major life transitions, my goal is to offer a safe and supportive space where you feel genuinely heard and understood. My expertise is in self-esteem, personal growth, adolescents & young adults, parenting support, life transitions, cross-cultural adjustment, Christian counseling, emotionally focused therapy (EFT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and more. Together, we work to make sense of your emotional patterns, strengthen important relationships, and build practical tools that support clarity, growth, and lasting change.
In my spare time, I love spending time with my husband, family, and friends. Listening to music, singing, and getting lost in a good movie or TV series are my favorite ways to relax.
Want to schedule with Manuela? Click here.
Katie Sullivan:
I am extremely passionate about empowering individuals, couples, and families to build on their strengths and make positive changes to live fulfilling, meaningful lives. Originally from Maine, I moved to Florida for the warm weather and am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of South Florida. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood, Youth, and Family Studies with a minor in the Psychology of Human Development from Ball State University.
I utilize a strength-based approach, believing that individuals are the experts of their own lives and can overcome life’s challenges. I strive to create a safe, accepting space where clients can open up and explore their underlying emotions and vulnerabilities. I develop individualized treatment plans and utilize a combination of theoretical frameworks to best support each person. I tend to view relational concerns through an attachment lens. I have advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Trust-Based Relational Intervention. My expertise also includes anxiety, depression, adolescents, women’s issues, mindfulness and more.
In my free time, I prioritize self-care by spending time outside! I enjoy going to the beach, running, walking, and paddleboarding. Additionally, I love taking yoga and Pilates classes, and I teach youth dance classes. To rest and relax, I love to read a good book or crochet while watching my favorite TV shows.
Want to schedule with Katie? Click here.
Arianna Valdez:
I was born and raised in Tampa, Florida, and I love where I live! I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with a minor in Nutrition, from the University of South Florida (USF). I am now completing my Master’s degree in Professional Counseling at Southeastern University.
My goal is to create a space where you feel like you can be completely yourself, where you can be heard and understood. My approach to therapy is highly individualized, client-centered, and emotionally focused, blending research-supported methods with personalized care to meet you exactly where you are. I draw on a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals. At the core of my practice is a focus on emotional awareness and self-compassion, empowering you to understand and navigate your feelings in ways that support lasting change. My expertise also includes adolescents & young adults, self-esteem & body image, women’s issues, relationship issues, mindfulness, spiritual & christian counseling, identity, exposure therapy, teens, and more. Whether we’re working on deep emotional healing or developing practical skills for everyday life, I’ll be by your side, encouraging you toward the future you want to create.
Outside of the office, I love going on walks, going to coffee shops, going to the beach, or spending time with friends and family. I love traveling and trying new things, but I also love a good day inside watching my favorite shows and reading a good book.
Want to schedule with Arianna? Click here.
Now that you have learned more about each of our graduate student therapists and what they have to offer you, take the next step. Book a session with one of our therapists by clicking here.
Not sure which therapist is the right fit for you? Take the “get matched” quiz here to find your perfect fit.
