Ariel Bradley, M.S.

Welcome and thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and the services I provide! I understand how scary or overwhelming the process of starting therapy can be and want to applaud the courage it took to make it to this step in the process! I provide a warm, welcoming, and empathic space for my clients to step into each week to feel safe, seen, and understood. Together we will create meaningful goals and identify the best approach for you on your journey to a more enriching life. I offer therapy in-person as well as virtually, to meet the best environment for you.

As a graduate of the Marriage and Family Therapy program at University of South Florida (USF), I focused primarily on relationships and the dynamics that are at play in our everyday lives. Throughout my career, I noticed a real passion for working with caregivers to provide valuable insights and strategies to improve communication, strengthen bonds, and navigate the unique challenges posed during each developmental stage of childhood and adolescence. After becoming a parent, myself, I get it – the sleepless nights, the constant worry and the endless questions about whether you’re doing it right. All while juggling the act of self- care, other relationships, and potentially a working schedule! Parenting doesn’t come with a one size fits all approach and whether it’s guiding parents through the complexities of the “newborn stage” or assisting in identifying and rebuilding personal identity after children leave the nest, I am dedicated to fostering understanding and connection within your family.

As an avid reader and a relentless pursuer for learning the most current therapy interventions I feel confident I can offer you a variety of tools and skills to feel more empowered in your everyday life. I would also identify myself as having a passion for the experiential component of therapy, so while I offer traditional talk therapy, I may also incorporate technology, creative arts, and games (with the client’s permission and interest!) Working collaboratively with you, I distill information from my specialized trainings and from
the research in our field to help you along the path to connection, understanding and repair.

Emotion Coaching with Children and Parents:

Many of my clients come to therapy with questions about how to be an effective parent, to navigate romantic relationships or build a healthy, well-functioning family. Recognizing the evidenced based significance of emotional intelligence in family dynamics, I incorporate emotion coaching into my practice with individuals, couples, and families. I work closely with caregivers to enhance their ability to recognize, understand, and respond effectively to their children’s emotions as the foundation for resolving a wide range of child and adolescent challenges. By fostering a supportive environment, I empower parents to build strong emotional connections with their children, promoting resilience and positive emotional development.

In addition to using this approach to strengthen the relationship between parent and child, we can use these same skills to improve your partnership with your co-parent. If you ever found yourself feeling at odds or not on the same team with your partner over your parenting styles, you are not alone, these tools can be used to promote understanding, collaboration, and
connection within all relationships.

Social Anxiety, Generalized Anxiety, and Depression are at an all-time high within our younger generations. In my work with children and adolescents, I employ age-appropriate strategies to help them identify and express their emotions. Through play techniques, storytelling, and creative interventions, I can create a safe space where children can explore and communicate their feelings. By teaching healthy emotional expression, I am equipping children and teenagers with valuable skills for navigating relationships and managing life challenges. By helping children and teenagers learn to effectively communicate their emotional skills, studies show they are significantly reduced psychological stress as adults – resulting in better overall physical
and mental health for a lifetime.

Managing Transitional Stress:

Life throws curveballs, and l know how transitions can shake up family life. From moving houses to major life changes such as new relationship, divorce, separation, grief, health diagnoses, etc., I am equipped to guide you through those stressful periods, helping your family adapt, grow, and come out stronger on the other side. Together, I will help transform those everyday struggles into moments of growth, connection, and joy. Life is an adventure, and I am here to help you enjoy the ride.

Individual Therapy with Young Adults and Older Adolescents:

The transition from teenager/adolescent to young adult can be an overwhelming one, to say the least. It may feel as if there is a lot of pressure or expectation for you to have everything figured out: who you want to be, what you want to do, even when you start a family of your own. Together we normalize the highs and lows of this transitional time of life and create a space to process the stressors that accompany this uncertain time. In addition to creating personal goals tailored to the specific issues concerning you we will also work to identify coping skills and local resources that could be of service.

Understanding that transitions impact not only the individual but also the family, I acknowledge the shifts in dynamics between parents and young adults. I facilitate open communication, foster understanding and empathy within families facing the unique challenges that arise during this phase of life. This may sound like identifying and implementing new boundaries around surprise visitations or modifying family traditions around the holiday to include new family members or long-distance holidays. In all of these scenarios I offer a safe space to process and unpack the emotional shifts in the ever-changing family dynamic
structure.

I completed my master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of South Florida. In addition to this program tailored to relational and individual therapy I completed an additional year-long specialized training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (an evidence-based approach). I have completed “The Heart of Parenting” Emotion Coaching program by Drs. Julie and John Gottman. I previously served as a Victim’s Advocate in the Sexual Assault Services at the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay and provided advocacy and empowerment to sexual abuse survivors. I am currently a state Registered Marriage and Family Therapy Intern under the supervision of Dr. Jeanne Peterson, Florida License #PY6060.