Hi, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Florida. I am a private counselor and the owner of Therapeutic Counseling Services.  My office is located at the Copperstone Building, 3632 Land O Lakes Blvd, Suite 106, Land O Lakes, Florida 34639, Telephone (813) 943-6335. I offer counseling services weekdays during evening hours, and during the day on Saturdays. I offer competitive rates and I accept most insurance companies, including employee assistance programs.

I was born and raised in Miami, and I graduated from Barry University in Miami with a Master's Degree in Social Work.  While attending Barry, I worked for a Christian Ministry in Fort Lauderdale that offered residential treatment for teens with behavioral problems and special services for single parents. 

After I graduated from college, I was seeking employment as a School Social Worker in Miami, and it was suggested, as a way to get my foot in the door, that I teach under an Alternative Certification Program, specifically developed for students with special needs.  I simultaneously taught Special Education at an inner-city school for emotionally handicapped students, and I counseled at a psychiatric center for children in the South Florida area.  

Due to a family situation, I moved to Mississippi where I was employed for a short time at a Womens' Shelter and as a Special Education Teacher until Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast.  After evacuating from the storm, I made the decision to move back to Florida where I settled in the Land O Lakes area, and I taught Special Education as a Job Placement Transition Specialist at a local high school.  I continued teaching until I was able to transfer to my present position as a School Social Worker, and I simultaneously opened my private practice with Therapeutic Counseling Services, LLC.  

As you can tell, I am somewhat of a workaholic, but this is because I love what I do.  I honestly care about all of my clients, and I try with all of my heart to help each person to become the best they can be by helping to identify their strengths and weaknesses, usually solution focused, in the most gentle way possible.  I also support and encourage my clients to move forward from their struggles and learn better ways of dealing with things on an independent level.  

Adults:  As I’ve often pondered about the meaning of therapy and how I would like my clients to feel, the words “safe and comfortable” continuously enter my mind. I want you to feel comfortable and secure and know that you are in a safe place to share your deep inner thoughts. My office is set up to help you feel this way with dim lit lights, soothing music, a comfortable sofa to sit on and bottled water to drink if you’d like.  

Children: Children often release their thoughts and feelings differently than adults and they do this through play.  I provide toys, games, a sand tray and craft materials to meet them where they are so that they feel safe and comfortable to either talk about their feelings or work through them in play. I never push them to talk about things until they are ready to do so.  

In coordination with my education, life experiences and relationship with God, I usually make an instant personal connection with most of my clients and I would be honored to have the opportunity to assist you during your struggles or situation at this time.  

Please feel safe to trust me with the opportunity to serve you with whatever you're going through.  If you come in with a desire and commitment to make some serious changes in your life, if needed of course, we can work together to help you accomplish your goals.  

Thank you for reading my story and I look forward to meeting and working with you!  Sometimes just making the first appointment can be a challenge, but I believe in you and I know you can do it! May God bless you as you gain the courage to seek help!  

Many blessings!  

Linda Hedstrom, LCSW