About Us

Allison Zaretski

Credentials

• Master’s Degree, Department of Counselor Education, Dual Degree: Mental Health and Rehabilitation Counseling, Florida Atlantic University
• Licensed Mental Health Counselor
• Certified Rehabilitation Counselor
• Certified Trauma Professional
• Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional

Andrea DelGiacco

Andrea DelGiacco is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Florida and a Qualified Supervisor for both Clinical Social Workers and Mental Health Counselors.

My clinical work shows a strong commitment to offering empowerment, growth, compassion and healing to those interested in achieving their personal goals. My belief is that YOU are the expert on YOU, however, we can ALL benefit from support in our lives from time to time and I can be a valuable member of the team dedicated to your personal growth and well-being. Throughout my 10+ years of clinical experience, I have provided support and healing to a wide range of individuals, families, and couples experiencing challenges with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, developmental concerns, and problematic relationship and family dynamics.

My specialization through advanced training in Sand Play Therapy, EMDR, TF-CBT, and Trauma Response & Crisis Intervention Certification allows me to better serve children of all ages and families in addition to both adult and child victims of abuse and trauma. My work embodies a strength based and solution focused approach to developing effective coping skills.

My goal in every therapeutic relationship is to offer my expertise in partnership with you by creating a safe and caring environment in support of meeting your needs. I believe every possibility for success is within your reach when we are working in collaboration. I consider it a privilege to begin this exciting journey towards healing and wellness!

Credentials

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker
• EMDR Trained
• TFCBT Certified

Andrea Lahoud, LMHC

I am a South Florida native who is passionate about working with teens and their families. I believe the younger generation brings creativity and life into the darkest places. My experience with adolescents is extensive having worked in a variety settings such as churches, summer camps and schools. This passion lead me to graduate in 2017 with a double major in Psychology and Bible at Columbia International University located in Columbia, South Carolina. I then went on to achieve my masters degree in clinical counseling. In my training I have learned that not only is it essential to provide a platform for teens to use their voice, but vital to strengthen their connection with their family as well.

My post graduate experience includes working with girls in the juvenile justice system and families with DCF involvement as well as various life obstacles. My areas of focus are teen issues, family counseling, depression, anxiety, grief, communication difficulties, relationships, and stress management. I also enjoy working with young adults to assist them in discovering their identity and purpose in life. In addition, I utilize evidenced-based treatment such as trauma-informed care, cognitive- behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused. Lastly, I offer Christian based counseling where I incorporate biblical truths and practices alongside traditional mental health interventions. This may be for individuals seeking a biblical perspective in their journey towards healing or those who are wrestling with faith issues that is impacting their mental health.

In our sessions my goal is to build a safe, trusting, and collaborative relationship where my clients feel empowered to take steps towards transforming their pain into purpose.

I am well aware that the journey towards wholeness and healing is often uncomfortable and unpredictable, nevertheless I will be present in the discomfort.

Blayne Prasse

Blayne Prasse is currently a graduate student-intern at Florida Atlantic University. She is acquiring her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Blayne completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida.

She has had previous counseling experience from both a University counseling center and community counseling center. She has worked as a behavior technician within an organization practicing Applied Behavior Analysis and as a teaching assistant with students that require additional support needs.

She understands the importance of fostering resiliency and self-empowerment, as well as nurturing a solid support system, in an often chaotic and unpredictable world. Blayne has an interest in Relational Cultural Therapy & Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. She has been trained in a facet of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (known as Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy or CBASP).

Blayne and her clients work equitably to identify goals for counseling. As her clients are the experts of their own experiences, Blayne strives to cultivate an environment that promotes collaboration and reflection continuously within the counseling process. She believes that a strong therapeutic alliance, paired with informed and empowered clients, allow for desired outcomes to come to fruition.

Cristina Mena

Cristina Mena is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Florida with varied experience providing therapy in community mental health, substance abuse, DCF cases, and crisis intervention. Her areas of focus include but are not limited to:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Trauma & Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Divorce/Separation
• Children/Adolescent Issues
• Maternal Mental Health

Cristina’s style as a clinician is client-centered and strengths-based. Her philosophy is that the therapeutic relationship is as important as the techniques used. Therapy should be non-judgmental and based on trust, empathy, and mutual respect. By taking an active role in your therapy, you are collaborating towards your solutions and empowered to take action outside of session.

Cristina is known for her transparency and her engaging manner, as well as her passion for educating clients about their symptoms in order to facilitate growth. Her motto is “Knowledge is power!”

Services can be provided in English and Spanish.

Education

• M.Ed., Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Florida Atlantic University
• BS, Psychology, University of Florida

Credentials

• Licensed Mental Health Counselor
  (Lic #: MH16198)

Treatment Modalities

• EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
• CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
• Solution Focused
• Gottman Couples’ Therapy
• EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy)

Deirdra Vrabel, Student Intern

Deirdra is a graduate student-intern at Florida Atlantic University getting her master’s in counselor education with a specialization in clinical mental health. She previously received her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Ohio State University.

I have always enjoyed working with adolescent populations who I feel are at an age where preventative measures can be made to ensure healthy coping patterns. I have gained experience building rapport with teens while working as a health associate in a residential mental health facility and volunteering as a mentor for Big Brothers & Big Sisters, NYAP, and Take Stock in Children. I hope to specifically gain more experience working with LGBTQ youth who may face mental health issues exasperated by societal stigma.

I have an interest in CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, EMDR, and mindfulness as they’ve shown to be evidence-based, effective methods in therapy that work to evaluate maladaptive patterns and restructure thinking in a more helpful and progressive manner.

I have a passion for the human condition and our resiliency. I strive to create a judgement-free, safe, honest and compassionate environment for my clients where they feel encouraged to witness their inner hope and strength.

My goal is to be a collaborating force with my client in creating individualized treatment plans that work for their specific needs and values and forms long lasting positive tools for conquering anxiety, depression, etc.

Eileen Somerville

Hi, my name is Eileen Somerville and I am a wife and mother of two boys. I am also a seasoned therapist who graduated from Florida International University in 2008, with a Master’s degree in Psychology. Since then, I have become a licensed mental health counselor who has worked for non profit behavioral health agencies, the juvenile detention system, and treatment centers. I specialize in co-occurring disorders involving mental health and substance abuse, and have spent the past seven years working in the field of recovery. I am passionate about working in the substance abuse industry because I believe it is a misunderstood population, with a lot of potential if only given hope and guidance.

I love helping those struggling to discover their self worth and purpose. I also enjoy working with individuals who want more from their lives or simply need help in finding peace in their current situations. I consider my niche, couples/marriage and family therapy and believe that helping these is of utmost importance, because healthy relationships are instrumental in our ability to thrive and be fulfilled. In my practice I like to utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and am intrigued by how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors intertwine to make us who we are. As a clinician, I assist clients in being more self aware, in managing emotions, and learning how to cope with life issues. I also explore clients’ life experiences and derive at patterns of behavior so that clients can then decide what they want out of their lives and journey moving forward. Another aspect I incorporate into my therapeutic process is spirituality when clients are open to it, as it often manifests a lot of power toward healing the individual.

If I had to say what my primary goal is as a therapist, I would say that it is to always strive to have clients attain self love and self assurance, and to assist them in discovering their own truth so that they can embrace all aspects of who they are. I believe when clients discover that truth, they can begin using their voice and walk slowly into the best version of themselves. I know that my purpose is to help change the world one client at a time, even if ever so slightly. I am here to guide, motivate, challenge, and empower clients to become whatever they choose without judgment. My work is to facilitate positive changes and to illicit inner personal growth but ultimately I am not in control, the client is. I look forward to helping anyone I serve and consider it a blessing to be able to do so.

Credentials:

• Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MH14144
• Master Certified Addiction Professional, MCAP100009
• Master’s Degree, (M.S.) Mental Health Counseling
• Bachelor’s Degree, (B.A.) Psychology

Fabiana Lugo

Fabiana Lugo, MS, NCC, LMHC graduated with her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy both from Barry University in Miami Florida.  She is a licensed mental health counselor, a national certified counselor, and a certified clinical trauma professional.  In the recent years Fabiana has been working with a diverse population including families to address anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and trauma along with other mental health disorders.  Fabiana has extensive experience and knowledge working with clients who suffer from addiction and co-occurring disorders including dual diagnosis.  She is passionate about working with individuals struggling with mental health issues as well as the LGBTQ population.  Further, she appreciates working with the families of those struggling with issues of mental health and addiction as she believes addiction is a family disease that affects the entire family system.

In her time working with individuals struggling with issues of mental health and addiction she come found that most clients have a history of trauma and suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder.  She notes that her training specific to trauma is advantageous when working with her clients.  Fabiana utilizes evidenced-based practices such as cognitive behavior therapy and dialectical behavior therapy to name a few to help move clients along in the therapeutic process.  Fabiana understands the value of professional development to expand her skills and knowledgebase.  As such she is a proud member of organizations such as the American Counseling Association and the Florida Counseling Association where she can access continuing education opportunities, learn about advocacy services and network with like-minded professionals.    

Jacqueline Gomez

Jacqueline Gomez is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. She attended the University of South Florida where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She then went on to obtain her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling at Nova Southeastern University.

Since then, Jacqueline has gained expertise in various settings including: crisis intervention, inpatient and outpatient settings where she has provided individual, couples and group therapy. Jacqueline’s approach is collaborative and introspective, in order for you to gain insight and autonomy to choose how you want to thrive in your daily living. Although confronting areas in our lives which are causing distress can be overwhelming, Jacqueline’s collaborative approach provides the ease with which change becomes less intimidating. Jacqueline applies therapeutic techniques which help to stabilize, self-regulate, desensitize and build a different narrative around events from the past or present which are causing distress.

Jacqueline tambien ofrece servicios en Español. Seria un placer poder trabajar con usted para juntos encontrar como mejorar su calidad de salud mental y de vida.

Credentials

• Licensed Mental Health Counselor
• Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
• National Certified Counselor
• Trained in EMDR
• Professional  Association/Memberships: American Counseling Association (ACA); International Association of Trauma Professionals (IATP)

Jeanine Scott Barela, LMHC

We all experience varying levels of challenges and difficulties. When these challenges begin to affect our lives it is important to spend time to resolve them. I can help guide you towards a balanced and satisfying life. I have extensive experience in working with adults, adolescents and children with trauma, anxiety, depression, and severe persistent mental illness.

I have almost a decade’s worth of post Master’s experience working in the mental health field including working with children and adults in crisis, individuals with severe and persistent mental illness and individuals with a history of trauma.

I have extensive knowledge and experience with crisis intervention, trauma informed care, individual and group therapy, and effective treatment planning. I have worked with children, adolescents and adults who are survivors of trauma and abuse.

I began my behavioral health career working for a Domestic Violence shelter. During that time I worked on the front line providing individual and group therapy support and psychosocial groups, crisis hotline management, intake of clients and their children to shelter services; and transitioning clients to a life free from abuse.

After earning a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling I worked with adults and children experiencing crisis and provided crisis de-escalation and brief therapy for adults and children with severe and persistent mental illness.

I also spent time providing intensive individual and group therapy services to adolescents with severe and persistent mental illness and adolescent survivors of trauma. During this time I qualified as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and received training in various trauma focused therapy modalities.

I have training and experience in various therapy modalities including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy; Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing; and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy.

I have experience in supervision of behavioral health clinicians and behavioral health interns and I am also a Qualified Supervisor for Registered Mental Health Counselor Interns.

I believe that everyone has the incredible gift of resilience. My approach to therapy is to provide a safe and empathic place for individuals to explore themselves and their emotional difficulties. Once issues have been identified through collaborative treatment planning, it is my role to empower individuals with coping skills and tools in order to effectively manage their emotional discord. As your therapist I will foster and nurture your own resilience so that you can find within yourself the power to heal.

Together we can come up with an individualized treatment plan to optimize your path to wellness. My goal is to provide you with coping skills to help you overcome your struggles. By empowering you with the tools you need to mitigate symptoms, your difficulties can be resolved. You do not have to continue to struggle alone. I am here to listen and guide you to wellness.

Credentials

• Licensed Mental Health Counselor MH#12748
• Qualified Supervisor for Registered Mental Health Counselor Interns
• Trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
• Trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
• Trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Play Therapy

Jessie Powell

Credentials:

• Masters in Holistic Mental Health Counseling
• Florida Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
• Trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy
• Trained in Youth Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention

Laura Thompson

Laura graduated with her Masters in Counselor Education with a specialization in Community Mental Health from McDaniel College in Westminster, MD.

Laura has vast experience working with a diverse population to include children, adults, and couples/families. She has had extensive training in play therapy techniques, family-systems techniques, trauma-based practices (TF-CBT), adoption competency, and foster system/DCF cases. Laura also brings significant experience working with children under the age of six.

Laura’s passion is to help bring healing to those going through a difficult time in their life. In the field of counseling, it is imperative to provide a safe and therapeutic environment to allow our clients to openly express their thoughts and feelings. Laura endorses this practice and aims to meet her clients where they are to assist them in being the facilitator on their journey to healing and growth. Laura takes a collaborative approach to the therapeutic process and will personalize treatment to best meet the needs of her clients.

Laura is known for her calm demeanor and ability to build rapport. Laura believes the quality of our life depends on the quality of our thoughts and she is here to support her clients to achieve the ultimate quality of life!

Trainings

• Play Therapy
• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
• Adoption Competency
• Motivational Interviewing

Luna Medina-Wolf

Luna Medina-Wolf is the owner of Helping Moon Counseling. What would Luna like you to know about her?

I am a licensed mental health counselor who works with individuals, couples, and families experiencing different obstacles that can cause high levels of emotional pain and anxiety. Some negative experiences arise from ineffective communication skills, substance abuse, trauma, school problems, and others that may contribute to feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, and more. I am passionate about helping people overcome traumatic experiences they experienced in their lives.

I continue my professional development with the American Counseling Association, American Mental Health Counselors Association, and Florida Counseling Association in order to bring the best and most current practices to my clients. I am a National Certified Counselor (NCC), Master Certified Addiction Professional (MCAP). I have a strong background in working with individuals who are struggling with substance abuse, who have experienced trauma and those with disabilities. My love for my career and the compassion I possess for my clients make me an effective therapist.

My approach to counseling pulls from several theories. I utilize Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma Incident Reduction (TIR) to process traumatic event. I also incorporate motivational approaches, cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as solution-focused and self-help resources. My therapeutic approach begins with exploring thoughts and feelings in a safe, and respectful environment, where everyone can feel appreciated and heard. I believe in providing clients with a holistic approach in improving their lives. In order to improve a lifestyle, you have to approach it from a mind, body, and spirit relationship. There is a strong relationship between these three components that affect well-being.

The goal of therapy is to help you find balance and clarity that includes your voice, the voice of your loved ones, and one that honors each individual’s hopes and dreams. I believe that change is possible and that each client has the power to learn the skills needed to better their lives.

I am fluent in English, Spanish, and Hebrew. My private practice is located in the heart of Boca Raton, Florida.

Credentials

• Licensed Mental Health Counselor MH#13741
• National Certified Counselor (NCC) #1011878
• Master Certified Addiction Professional MCAP #100029
• Certified EMDR Therapist and a Consultant in Training (CIT)
• Qualified Supervisor for Mental Health Counselors
• Master’s Degree, Department of Counselor Education, Dual Degree: Mental Health and Rehabilitation Counseling, Florida Atlantic University
• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Florida Atlantic University

Maria Cordero

Maria Cordero is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Therapist working in the field of Psychology and Mental Health for 20+ years. Maria began her academics in psychology in 1995; she achieved her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2010 from Argosy University and completed her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Nova University in 2015. 

Maria entered this field with a genuine desire and passion to help others overcome personal adversities, while promoting more meaningful and purposeful lives. Maria believes that utilizing adversity, conflict, and/or personal life challenges can represent the necessary catalyst for making monumental cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and spiritual life changes. Maria has personally utilized her own adversity to embrace such life changes and has also observes these positive lifestyle changes while working within populations of all multicultural backgrounds. 

Maria has experience working with all ethnic backgrounds and various client populations of all ages, emphasizing her value in demonstrating cultural competence. Marie has extensive experience working with substance abuse, mental health, duel-diagnosis, crisis intervention, and maternity mental health areas. Maria is proficient with individual therapy sessions, group therapy settings, couples counseling, and family therapy work. 

Maria believes in utilizing and implementing a multidisciplinary background of evidence-based therapeutic modalities and interventions, alongside embracing holistic approaches; this multidisciplinary method is a skillful way to assist clients with identifying problem areas and working towards achieving goals and their genuine desired lifestyles. 

Maria is skilled in utilizing Cognitive Behavior Therapies, EMDR Therapy, Client Centered Therapies, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Existential Therapies. Utilizing multiple therapeutic modality and clinical interventions are essential to best meet clients needs. Maria strongly believes in helping clients work towards self actualization through identifying personal strengths and embracing self determination.  

Her primary goals are to assist with helping her clients embrace more positive and/or more helpful thinking patterns, implementing emotional regulation skills, while further promoting positive behavior and lifestyle changes. Maria believes that anyone has the ability to live up to their full potential, while utilizing their unique strengths to help promote and embrace their genuine, authentic selves.

Services can be provided in English and Spanish.

Credentials

• Licensed Mental Health Counselor MH#16333
• Trained in EMDR.
• Master’s Degree, (M.S.) Mental Health Counseling
• Bachelor’s Degree, (B.S.) Arts in Psychology

Melissa Beaulieu, Student Intern

Melissa is a graduate student-intern at Florida Atlantic University getting her master’s in counselor education with a specialization in clinical mental health. She completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology at the College of William & Mary.

I have always enjoyed working with underserved populations who need advocacy and visibility in the service field. I have gained experience building rapport with families of children in foster care while working as Child Welfare case manager. I have also worked at a psychiatric hospital for over one year. Those two experiences have shown me the importance of client advocacy. I have also interned at a dual diagnosis treatment center. With that experience, I was able to gain a better understanding of addiction, and the trauma and mental illness (e.g., anxiety) that fuel it.

These experiences have deepened my interest in trauma-centered interventions, EMDR, and mindfulness focused therapies. These have been shown to help alleviate PTSD, depression and anxiety symptoms. I am also well acquainted with one variation of CBT (CBASP) which helps clients substitute hurtful patterns of thinking and behavior for more productive thoughts and behaviors.

I have a passion helping people heal and understanding what works. I am an empathetic, supportive, and relatable counselor who champions my clients toward a higher version of themselves. My philosophy is to help clients create an environment of holistic healing, understanding that mental health is a result of nurturing environment, mind, body and spirit.

Nicole Graham

Dr. Nicole Graham is a Florida Licensed Psychologist who has specific expertise in neuropsychological and forensic evaluation. Dr. Graham earned her Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from John Jay College in New York City. She has worked with individuals spanning adolescence through late adulthood. She has held forensically related positions within city and state psychiatric facilities, mental health courts, and juvenile, state, and federal correctional institutions. Her neuropsychological training has encompassed positions in medical settings (e.g., epilepsy; oncology), rehabilitation centers, and with the National Football League Players’ Association (NFL-PA). In addition to providing psychological assessment services, Dr. Graham is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at John Jay College where she teaches specialized forensic psychology courses. Dr. Graham continues to publish in the area of forensic evaluation; and she contributes to a weekly neuropsychology didactic series aimed at the training of doctoral students.

Samantha Jones

I began counseling well before pursuing my Master’s Degree. I have always had a passion to help others to heal and to be a motivator. I have never grown exhausted from walking the journey with those who are open to support. Some of my best years were during my time in graduate school when I was able to strengthen my gift as a counselor through a professional education at Liberty University. I have now taken that knowledge and have been able to apply it to the various populations that I have worked with over the past 8 years. I have worked closely with families as well as couples to assist with conflict resolution and healthy communication. I have worked with individuals who have struggled with addiction, depression, anxiety, anger, suicidal ideation, and trauma.

I use a person-centered approach to counseling which allows my clients to receive insight from within. This is the best approach in my opinion for clients due to the fact that it allows one to use guided self-reflection to heal and to be able to use this tool when the counseling process is complete. Many of us have answers to life’s many complex issues but we are often unaware of how to trust and listen to our own insight. I work to strengthen my client’s internal connection in which will allow one to cope with issues now and in the future through introspection. I often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a tool to evaluate unhealthy thought processes and work to change my client’s perspectives in order to better manage feelings and behaviors. I also specilize working with trauma through my training with EMDR. Lastly, I am trained in Eating Disorders treatment. I believe It is important to know that there are no unrealistic expectations during the counseling process. The healing process will be one that will be handled with patience and I will always meet my clients where they are. It is my job to walk alongside clients during this process as a support and guide. This process has no time limit because healing is worth the investment.

Richard M. Siegel, PhD, LMHC, CST

RICHARD M. SIEGEL, PhD, LMHC, CST is a Florida-licensed mental health counselor and Board-certified sex therapist and supervisor. He has a rich experiential background, including over 20 years working in sexuality education and addiction treatment, teaching on college campuses, and maintaining a private psychotherapy practice.

He completed his Doctoral dissertation with a research focus on the integration of healthy sexuality and addiction treatment. He has worked enthusiastically to integrate traditional sex therapy into the emerging specialty of sexual medicine, as well as the addiction treatment field.

Though primarily known as a sex therapist, Dr. Siegel is a broad-based counselor and psychotherapist. In addition to his focus on sexual and relational problems at all stages of life (including sexual dysfunctions like rapid ejaculation, E.D. and orgasm difficulties, or desire discrepancies, or gender and sexual orientation concerns), Dr. Siegel also considers anxiety and depression treatment to be among his areas of expertise. He is especially skilled in working with couples, as well as adolescent issues, and has an easy rapport with young people.

Besides being an associate at Helping Moon Counseling, Dr. Siegel is the Director of Modern Sex Therapy Institutes, a postgraduate continuing education institute that trains sex therapists and sexual medicine specialists in the practice of sex therapy at multiple sites throughout the country. He enjoys a reputation as a seasoned and in-demand workshop and conference presenter, in addition to his work in training and supervising counselors and sex therapists.

Credentials

• Licensed Mental Health Counselor MH #6771
• Qualified Supervisor for Mental Health Counselor Interns
• Certified by AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors & Therapists) as a Sex Therapist and Supervisor of Sex Therapists and Sexuality Counselors
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Clinical Sexology, American Academy of Clinical Sexologists
• Certified Sex Therapist, Florida Postgraduate Sex Therapy Training Institute
• Master of Science (MS) in Mental Health Counseling, College of Psychological Studies, Nova Southeastern University
• Bachelor of Science (BS) in Pharmacology/Toxicology, Philadelphia College of Pharmacy & Science

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