Find a therapist in Jacksonville, FL — covered by insurance

Choosing a therapist is a deeply personal decision. People often come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or tired of talking in circles—and they want real change, not just support. That’s where my work is different.

I am a solution-focused, no-nonsense therapist who believes therapy should be both compassionate and effective. My style is warm, grounded, and direct. I help clients quickly identify what’s truly driving their stress or dissatisfaction, calm emotional overwhelm, and move forward with clarity and confidence.

Clients often tell me they appreciate my ability to be both deeply supportive and refreshingly honest—offering perspective, guidance, and direction while maintaining a safe, respectful space.

Personally, I have a lot of life experience and a naturally positive perspective that helps guide my work and intentional focus. I am a mother of five, married with a blended family, step mother of two, grandmother, an equestrian, boater and aviator.

Educationally, I earned my Master of Social Work from Florida State University in 1991 and Licensed as a Clinical Social Worker in 1994. I have worked in Sports Broadcadting and Marketing, Medical Device Sales, Business and Behavioral Health. I have certifications in Critical Incident Stress Debriefing, Executive Leadership, and Hypnotherapy.

Dr. Amaris Dennison is a bilingual (English/Spanish) licensed clinical psychologist in Florida and New York with over 10 years of clinical experience. She specializes in anxiety, trauma, burnout, and life transitions.

I specialize in working with women and children who are navigating anxiety, trauma, grief, life transitions, and relational challenges.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck in your thoughts, or carrying pain that feels hard to explain—you’re not alone. Whether it’s anxiety that won’t quiet down, past trauma that still impacts your present, or the weight of something like chronic illness or loss, I’m here to walk alongside you.

My approach to therapy is both compassionate and practical. I use evidence-based methods like EMDR (trauma therapy), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), while also offering Christian counseling for those who want to incorporate their faith into the healing process. I also provide SYMBIS pre-marital and marital counseling, and conflict resolution.

Call and schedule a brief 10 minute call and ask what you'd like. I'm an open book.

Welcome to my page! My personal life experiences lead me to obtaining a degree in Mental Health Counseling to better understand myself and others. I enjoy the complexities of the human mind and have experience helping those in need of tools to obtain relief from suffering. My interests include anxiety, depression, and complex trauma.

The strength and courage it takes to be able to share our experiences is a beautiful and sacred part of being human. My passion is to help individuals express, embrace, and empower their whole selves. Through trauma work, we have the opportunity to break free from shame, guilt, fear, and struggle. This helps us reclaim our power and build resilience. This doesn't justify the pain or trauma, but I wholeheartedly believe that the root of our pain is also the source of where our healing begins.

My approach is direct and encouraging. As a Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC), Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional (CIMHP), and Certified Mental Health Nutrition Specialist (CMHNS), I am devoted to therapy that explores how trauma shapes the nervous system and influences our mindset, beliefs, and emotional responses. Through continued education in neuroscience and integrative health, I can help you understand the elements of the mind, body, and self. This way, we learn about the unique makeup of your whole self and how these elements manifest in your life. With nearly a decade of experience in the mental health field, I have supported individuals navigating complex trauma, including:

• chronic stress, insomnia, and health concerns
• Neurodiversity including head injuries, TBI, ADHD, ADD, and ASD
• burnout, perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and work-life balance
• emotional, physical, and sexual abuse
• codependency and attachment trauma
• religious, cultural, and generational trauma
• grief, loss, and bereavement

I have been practicing for over 20 years working with motivated clients who want to learn more about themselves.

As a State Licensed Mental Health Counselor with many years of therapy experience, and several specific certifications, I can provide the level of care necessary to meet the needs of individuals who are experiencing a variety of mental disorders and or struggles with depression or anxiety as well as the stress of daily life. I also have an extensive background working with both trauma and sexual abuse and I can also assist with relationship issues.