Desarae Herard , LMHC

Desarae Herard helps people regain a sense of control through practical feedback and steady support aimed at navigating life’s challenges. She takes a compassionate, empathic stance and meets individuals where they are, offering tailored interventions and clear strategies throughout the counseling process to address issues such as stress, anxiety, relationships, self esteem, depression, life changes, addictions, family concerns, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting, and bipolar-related challenges.

She emphasizes skill development so clients can manage setbacks and move toward healthier, more fulfilling lives. A transplant from the northeast, she relocated to Jacksonville in 2002 to begin undergraduate studies. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Jacksonville University in 2006 and completed a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Capella University in 2011.

Desarae is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor - LMHC, which means she is credentialed to provide mental health counseling in Florida. She also holds national certification as a National Certified Counselor and serves as a Qualified Supervisor in Florida, authorized to provide clinical supervision to other counselors. With 11 years of experience across a range of settings and life stages, she is experienced in responding to crisis situations as well as everyday concerns, and she works toward helping clients achieve personal growth and reach their full potential.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Desarae draws on Client-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to guide her online work. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on creating an accepting, nonjudgmental space where the client’s experiences and goals shape the process - it is useful for building self-esteem, improving relationships, and navigating life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps clients identify and modify unhelpful thoughts and behaviors; it is often effective for anxiety, depression, stress management, and coping skills.

Choosing the right approach is part of the collaborative work between therapist and client. Desarae assesses each person’s needs, goals, and preferences and tailors interventions accordingly, adapting methods as progress unfolds to find the best fit for the individual.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy lives, maintain continuity during transitions, and access licensed professionals from different locations, while preserving the therapeutic focus and collaborative relationship at the center of care.