Deana is a psychotherapist specializing in trauma, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, grief,
and other mental health struggles. Her practice, Reflections in the Waves, is located in Southwest
Florida. It is a place where clients can engage in equine and other therapeutic psychotherapy
methods. Her goal is to build trust and confidence in a warm and inviting environment. She holds
a PhD in Education with a specialization in human behavior, two master degrees: one in Clinical
Mental Health Counseling (MS) and the other in Education (MEd), and a bachelor (BA) in
organizational management.
Deana is aslo EMDR trained and Eagala psychotherapy certified. She has certifications through
ICISF in crisis, stress, and human resiliency, suicide awareness, and delivering bad news. Deana
served as a faculty member for nearly two decades before becoming a psychotherapist in 2020.
As an educator, she was nominated four times as faculty of the year, was awarded excellence in
teaching twice, awarded first faculty of the month, and obtained a STAR award for outstanding
teaching.
Recently Deana has written a children’s book based on her horse, Bella, and their experience
with Hurricane Ian. This book aims to help children process and understand difficult emotions
and feelings. Her book is expected to be released in mid-2023.
Deana is passionate about incorporating horses into the therapeutic process. Because horses can
provide an extraordinary amount of emotional support, they are her mainstay and true therapists.
With the integration of horses, clients begin to peel back the layers of pain while gaining a deep
understanding of their own behaviors. Horses become the catalyst and therapist in helping clients
get at the root of their core being.
Deana’s philosophy is centered on the idea that when one understands themselves (their core
inner beliefs, desires, needs and wants), one can experience happiness. This means people need
to understand their nature, what nurtures them, and what values they hold. This type of
reflection, unveiling, and understanding begins a course of personal growth and healing.
