Desarae Herard

Desarae Herard is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) who helps people regain a sense of control during difficult seasons of life. She offers straightforward feedback and steady support to address stress, anxiety, depression, and other concerns. Her approach is empathetic and practical, aimed at teaching skills people can use right away.

Desarae blends client-centered work with tools from cognitive behavioral approaches to help people change unhelpful patterns. Sessions focus on clear goals, skill practice, and problem solving. She pays attention to both crisis moments and everyday struggles so progress can happen between appointments.

Originally from the northeast, Desarae moved to Jacksonville for college and completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Jacksonville University in 2006. She earned a master’s degree in mental health counseling from Capella University in 2011 and holds Florida licensure as an LMHC.

With 11 years of experience, she has worked in a variety of settings and with people at different points in life. That background informs a flexible style that adjusts to what the client needs in the moment.

People who are looking for help with coping with life changes, grief, relationship concerns, parenting stress, addictions, or trauma may find her practical focus useful. Sessions aim to teach skills, reduce overwhelm, and support steady personal growth.

Approaches that guide online sessions

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening, empathy, and meeting the person where they are. It helps people feel heard and discover their own solutions to problems like low self-esteem, relationship worries, or life transitions.

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions. It offers practical tools and exercises to change unhelpful thinking and build new habits for issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss goals, try tools, and adjust methods based on what feels most helpful. This is a collaborative process that aims to match techniques to the client's needs and preferences.

Confirm current session options before booking so you know what formats are available. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. It can also let people use video or audio when that better fits their day, while keeping the focus on practical skills and steady progress.