Deirdra Vrabel
When thinking about the experience of therapy, I really like to go by a quote by Richard Albert, better known as Baba Ram Dass that says:
When you go out into the woods, and you look at trees, you see all these different trees. And some of them are bent, and some of them are straight, and some of them are evergreens, and some of them are whatever. And you look at the tree and you allow it. You see why it is the way it is. You sort of understand that it didn’t get enough light, and so it turned that way. And you don’t get all emotional about it. You just allow it. You appreciate the tree.
The minute you get near humans, you lose all that. And you are constantly saying ‘You are too this, or I’m too this.’ That judgment mind comes in. And so I practice turning people into trees. Which means appreciating them just the way they are.
I appreciate this quote and like to practice seeing my clients like trees-focusing on understanding your roots and branches and finding the best way we can reach the most sunlight.
I have always had a passion for the human condition and our resiliency. I’ve enjoyed mentoring children, teenagers and young adults in various volunteer settings including the National Youth Association, Big Brothers and Big Sister’s, and Take Stock in Children. These opportunities have had a reciprocal effect of both broadening my understanding of the different perspectives and experiences we all face but also strengthening my beliefs in the power of connecting with others. I am a national certified counselor and I am currently trained in EMDR-specializing my focus in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, and depression. I further have a special interest in working with the young adult population and LGBTQI+ community.
I utilize various modalities in my approach including CBT, ACT, EMDR, and mindfulness but I am continually working on building my skills and education.
My goal is to be a collaborating force with you in creating individualized treatment plans that work for your specific needs and values. I strive to provide a space that’s full of compassion and empty of judgment where you feel safe to share your story and identify your strengths. I believe everyone deserves to live their life full of purpose, passion, and peace and believe we can get there by better understanding ourselves and our connection with our environment.
A little about me- I’m originally from Ohio but moved to Florida to take in the sunlight and be nearer to the ocean. I like to spend most of my days off watching the old twilight zone series or venturing through record shops and discovering new music. I think solo traveling is the best way to get to know yourself and my favorite place to visit so far was Sri Lanka! It’s also a great way to learn new ways of living!