Hi there! Finding a compatible therapist can be an overwhelming process, but I appreciate you taking the time to learn more about me. My clinical approach is rooted in evidence-based practice, cultural sensitivity, and empathetic understanding. I primarily work from an integrative approach,
tailoring each session to my clients’ unique needs. Whether you are facing
a specific challenge or simply seeking personal growth, I am here to
support you. My goal for therapy is to foster a warm, collaborative
environment where you feel deeply understood and validated. We will
hone in on your strengths and build practical skills to help you manage
life’s challenges. I believe in respect and non-judgment to meet you where you are, while empowering you towards growth and sustained change.

Because of my experience working in a variety of clinical settings, I have
had the privilege of working with a broad spectrum of clients including individuals with severe mental illness, trauma recovery, and adjustment to
life transitions. While I enjoy working with individuals across the lifespan, I am especially passionate about supporting adults and late adolescents as
they work through various stressors. I specialize in areas relating to trauma, interpersonal violence, women’s issues, behavioral issues, mood,
cultural stressors, and identity development. My work is grounded in
cultural awareness, valuing how these concerns may manifest differently across various cultural contexts.

If you have any questions, please feel free to directly reach out to me for a free phone consultation. We can discuss your therapeutic goals and expectations and further explore if we are a good fit for each other – I look forward to connecting with you!

Trauma/IPV
Traumatic experiences often have a lasting effect that may start to unintentionally manifest in other areas of our life – they can have a profound impact on how we view the world, and ourselves. I have training in working with trauma survivors, particularly individuals who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV), as well as complex trauma. These kinds of experiences impact an individual’s sense of trust, safety, and self-worth. When working with trauma survivors, I foster a safe environment for you to tell me your story, process complex emotions, and rebuild a sense of empowerment.

Cultural Stressors
Adjusting to cultural transitions can be difficult to make sense of, especially in the context of identity and community. Societal demands may begin to conflict with familial ones, and it can become isolating and confusing to manage. As a bilingual therapist (Arabic/English) and child of immigrants myself, I deeply understand the complexities of holding space for multiple cultural identities, and the unique pressures that can arise from family/community expectations, assimilation, and belonging. I’m here to support you in exploring these challenges, while honoring your individual background and finding ways to integrate your cultural strengths into your journey towards balance.

Women’s Issues
Being a woman comes with unique challenges that often stem from societal, biological, and cultural influences. I invite discussion of stigmatized issues relating to societal expectations, individuality, relational dynamics, safety concerns, body-image, and reproductive health to be addressed through a safe space in therapy. Women often face barriers in society, but our therapy can openly recognize and address those barriers. Together, we can work through these complex, multifaceted struggles to foster confidence and harmony when navigating through life.

Behavioral Issues
When struggling with behavioral issues such as impulsivity, avoidance, or compulsions, it can soon start to feel discouraging and frustrating. Although self-control can have some place in this conversation, the real work is in understanding the driving force behind these behaviors. My role is to help you identify the root cause of these behaviors, while implementing strategies to interrupt maladaptive cycles. Throughout this process, we will work towards insight, self-compassion, and acceptance, while regaining control over problematic behaviors.

Mood Management
Experiencing issues relating to depression and/or anxiety can be exhausting, whether it be racing thoughts, panic attacks, feelings of hopelessness, or a lack of motivation. These issues often impact other areas of our life (i.e., self-care, relationships, work, school) that can cause us to feel like we’re missing out on “what could be.” Together, we can better understand triggers and patterns, as well as develop coping strategies that feel right and work best for you. Through this process, we work toward creating a stronger foundation of emotional resilience.

Identity Development
Developing a clear sense of identity is not always a straightforward process, especially when we are trying to balance external pressures and internal values. Sometimes, this ends up leaving us feeling confused, misunderstood, or disconnected. My role is to support you as we navigate the difficult and sometimes conflicting emotions that come with self-discovery, so you can nurture the most important relationship of all – the one you have with yourself. Together, we can explore your identity and values, helping you move toward a deeper sense of clarity, authenticity, and connection.

Mia Said is completing her Doctoral Degree (Psy.D.) from the Clinical
Psychology program at the APA-accredited Florida School of Professional Psychology. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences and her Master of Arts in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling, both at the University of South Florida. She also completed her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology at the Florida School of Professional Psychology. In previous graduate experience, Mia has completed a clinical practicum at the Baker Act Unit of Mease Dunedin Hospital where she worked with individuals experiencing severe mental illness, as well as suicidal and/or homicidal ideation – there, she worked on crisis management and de-escalation, and interdisciplinary treatment planning. She also completed a practicum and master’s level internship at Sunrise of Pasco County where she provided trauma-informed individual therapy to survivors of domestic violence, sexual trauma, and human trafficking.

Most recently, she completed a diagnostic practicum at Family Psychological Services of Palm Harbor, where she administered and interpreted psychological evaluations for individuals across the lifespan, aimed for academic accommodations, VA support services, surgical clearance, disability claims, diagnostic clarity, and treatment planning.

She has experience working with individuals who present with emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and interpersonal problems. Mia practices under the
supervision of Dr. Jeanne Peterson.