Meet the Staff of
New Directions Counseling Center LLC
Below is a brief introduction for each of our counselors and staff.
Steven K. Abraham, Psy.D., P.A.
Licensed Psychologist PY 7039
I became a Licensed Psychologist in the state of Florida in 2004 and have experience in many areas including the assessment and treatment of anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, stress management, parenting issues, anger management, divorce recovery, diversity issues, men’s issues, Christian counseling and many more. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults.
I grew up in Canada and completed my undergraduate degree at York University in Toronto, Ontario and received my graduate training at California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP). I had a wide array of training including internships at a school for emotionally disordered children, a crisis residential program and a community based counseling program. After completing my Doctor of Psychology degree in 2002, I completed my residency under a Christian psychologist in order to bridge my psychology training and my Christian faith. In 2003, I joined the staff of Hope Counseling Centers as a psychologist and became the Clinical Director soon after. I started New Directions Counseling Center LLC with Carrie Cook, LMHC in October of 2010 with hopes of offering counseling and psychological services from a Christian perspective.
On a personal level, I love spending time with my wife of more than 25 years and my two school age daughters. I enjoy exercising, watching movies and being an active member of my church.
Carrie Cook, MA, LMHC, P.A.
Licensed Counselor MH 3915
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I received my Masters Degree from the University of South Florida and have over twenty years experience with fifteen years of licensure. I worked for eleven years at Winter Haven Hospital and Hope Counseling Center for seven years.
I provide counseling for individuals, couples and families. I have extensive experience working with a variety of issues including: relationship/ couple counseling, stress management, behavior modification, Christian counseling, parenting issues, anxiety, communication, work related issues, depression, grief, women issues and more.
I use an interacting and encouraging but direct approach for improving relationships and over all functioning. I bring a Christian perspective into counseling and recognize the importance of your faith.
I look forward to working with you and helping you achieve your New Direction.
Rhett K. Brandt, Ph.D., LMHC, CAP
Licensed Counselor MH-6787
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida. I have been a practicing psychotherapist for 20 years. I earned a Ph.D. in Counselor Education from the University of Alabama in 1997. I provide therapy for individuals, couples, groups, and families. I see adults, adolescents and children with a broad range of issues. I have experience with trauma, anxiety, substance abuse and mood disorders. I am comfortable working with sexual, gender, and eating issues as well.
My approach involves creating a caring and trusting environment where honesty and hard work can lead to healing. I believe that spirituality is a crucial component to growth and change in the life of an individual. My core belief is that the expression of emotions is the path to growth, and that creating an environment where those emotions can be brought forward is my role in the process.
In addition to private practice, I am a Core Faculty at Capella University teaching counseling to Graduate students. Personally, I enjoy walking and running outdoors as a means of reconnecting with nature.
Noel Delgado, MA, LMHC
Licensed Counselor MH 9338
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with more than 20 years of experience after receiving a Master’s Degree in counseling from the University of Florida. My counseling approaches include cognitive behavioral, solution focused, and client centered therapy. I also use mindfulness to help individuals focus on the present moment.
I have worked with various issues including depression, anger management, crisis intervention, substance abuse, and anxiety. In addition, I have also helped people with borderline personality disorder, bipolar, OCD, ADHD, and PTSD.
My experience includes working with adolescents, adults, couples and families. I am passionate about helping people find their purpose in life and get in touch with their spirituality. I am also fluent in Spanish. Personally, I enjoy spending time with my wife and children, doing art, going to the beach, writing and reading.
Katie Hartman, MA, LMHC
Licensed Counselor MH 15285 (Online only)
With over a decade of experience, I have worked in residential and outpatient practices which has given me insight in those struggling with body image, eating disorders, ADHD, PMDD, perfectionism, depression, trauma, anxiety, peri or postpartum depression and anxiety.
My passion is to meet clients where they are emotionally and prioritize what they want to process in their life. With my calm, curious and warm personality, I create a safe environment for clients to share their vulnerabilities and process their scattered thoughts without judgment.
I have been working with New Directions Counseling Center since 2017 and now work remotely from Maryland, where my husband is a film professor. I am fortunate enough to provide quality care from miles away through maintaining my licensure in Florida and the support of the team at the office.
My free time is spent crafting, gardening, hiking, and bird watching. My biggest struggle is not buying every toy I see for my two adorable cats (that occasionally make appearances in therapy sessions.)
Kimberly Favaro, MS, LMHC
Licensed Counselor MH 21186
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and have earned my Master's degree from Southeastern University. I have been blessed to have spent the last 8 years working with children from all walks of life and the past 4 years at the Children's Advocacy Center of Polk County. I enjoy working with children from 5 to 18.
In my time counseling, I have gained valuable experience working with kids and adolescents through Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Grief, Autism, Behavioral issues, Identity, Major Life Changes and Trauma as a certified Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral therapist.
I enjoy approaching life's many struggles empathetically and with hope for the future. Time with me will often involve approaches such as CBT, Talk therapy, Christian perspective or Play therapy. I enjoy working with kids and families to overcome difficulties and begin seeing positive changes.
When I am not here, you will often find me enjoying time with friends, family, and nature. I always find time to learn something new and add to my physical training.
Jeffrey L. Brooks, MA, MS, LMHC
Licensed Counselor MH 22334
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and graduate of the Southeastern University Master of Science in Professional Counseling degree program. In addition to serving for ten years as a military chaplain, I have more than four years of residential and outpatient counseling experience. Before joining New Directions Counseling Center, I worked at Tri-County New Beginnings Transition Center, Family Life Counseling Center, Heartland Counseling Center, and Highland Park Counseling Center.
I provide adult and couples counseling and have helped clients with their anxiety, depression, stress, relationship challenges, loss, grief, addictions, impulse control, unforgiveness, and low self-esteem. I have also helped clients adjust to marriage, college, aging, retirement, and the military.
I use a collaborative approach focusing on thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I also use faith-based Christian counseling, when requested.
I enjoy fly fishing, hiking, cycling, and visiting cities and countries such as Japan, Korea, and Okinawa.
Leah Best
Office Manager
I have my Bachelor Degree in Business Administration. I have been the Office Manager at New Directions Counseling Center LLC since opening in 2010. I am happy to assist clients with any insurance or billing questions. I enjoy all outdoor activities with my husband and children.
Contact
To set up an initial appointment or inquiry,
contact our office!
Phone: (863) 606-5922
Email: ndcclakeland@gmail.com