Helping you get where you want to be
What We Are
Demographics Served:
Adults
Teens & Adolescents
Children 6+
Veterans & First Responders
Women’s Issues
LGBTQ
Focus Areas:
PTSD/Complex Trauma
Eating Disorders
Anxiety and Panic Disorder
Developmental Issues
Human Sexuality
ADHD
Grief and Loss
Co-Occurring Disorders
Abuse and Domestic Violence
Spirituality
Schizoaffective Disorder/Schizophrenia
Bipolar Disorder
Specialties:
Certified Imago Relationship Therapist (Couples’ Therapy)
Safe and Sound Protocol Certified (Polyvagal Theory)
Master Certified Addictions Professional (MCAP)
Our Office
We aim for you to feel comfortable and at home, not like you’re in an office. Personal touches help the space feel grounded and zen, like essential oils in the air (which can be contraindicated, that’s clinical speak, let me know if you are scents-itive!), the cold mini-cokes in the fridge and the soft throw pillows on the reclining sofa. Come in and get cozy… whether it’s challenging or joyful processing you’re facing, you may as well do it in style!! There’s also a ‘kidz corner’ where children can pick games or toys while talking with the therapist, or while mom and dad talk to staff.
We are in network with the following insurances, have a cash pay option and a sliding scale for income-based payment for those who either don’t have insurance or choose not to use it:
UHC/Optum
Tricare East/Humana Military
Aetna
Cigna
Medicaid (UHC, Sunshine Health)
Florida Blue-BCBS
About Us
Melinda M. Sowka, LMHC, MCAP
Florida Qualified Supervisor
My name is Melinda Sowka and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Florida. I earned my degree in Psychology at Binghamton University in New York and my masters’ degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Webster University in Ocala, Florida. I have been serving the needs of at-risk youth and adult populations for over 15 years in various capacities, first as a computer instructor and later in job searching and career counseling prior to working in the mental health field. I have always had a passion for helping others since I was a little girl and the reasons have only increased as I have grown.
I am more familiarly known as Mindy or ‘Miss Mindy’ depending on your developmental stage (more clinical speak) and to me, therapy is the development of a give and take relationship. One of the reasons I help others is because others have helped me, and we may have that experience together as well if we find it is helpful to your process.
I often use analogies to create a story for illustrative purposes when describing the therapeutic process, to the sea or water, building, navigation, planting, landscaping, sailing or dancing, because it fits! Stories make sense to people, more so than the clinical speak. If you’re curious about that we can do that too—whatever works! After all, this is your story.
So then… where have you been, and where do you wish to go from here?
Tiffany Concepcion
My name is Tiffany Concepcion, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, English and Spanish speaking psychotherapist. I earned my degree in Psychology from Florida International University and received my Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from William James College in Newton, MA. I strive to provide a safe space for healing and self growth! Supporting you on your journey towards finding self love, happiness, and live a more intentional and fulfilling life. Life is filled with challenges and obstacles that can affect our mental health, difficult relationships, life changes, past traumas, so why not find helpful ways to manage these ups and downs? Let’s find your balance and strength! My time in the field has given me the privilege to work with individuals facing a wide range of concerns such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, Mood disorder, Adjustment disorder, Substance Use, and I continue to learn everyday from individuals like yourself. I utilize different therapeutic techniques such as mindfulness, open ended questions, summarizing and challenging thoughts to help manifest positive change and self improvement.
Sarah Abed
Sarah is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern and believes that life can be ridiculous, but it doesn’t have to suck.
Do you frequently ask yourself questions like “what the heck is wrong with me”, “why does my child do this”, “why does nothing I do work”? Well, you can ask Sarah instead, who is invested in helping you find the answer. Sarah’s goal as a therapist is helping people make lasting changes in their lives by increasing their understanding of the “why” and applying their knowledge to make practical changes.
Sarah is especially passionate about working with parents who experience anxiety, frustration, and confusion with the intricacies of parenthood (and the unknowable-ness of their children). Sarah is experienced in working with children and teens and enjoys helping them engage in age-appropriate independence, communication, and emotion management. She is also interested in helping people of all ages and experience navigate the difficulties that go along with the tomfoolery that life can throw at them.
Sarah utilizes an eclectic style, pulling from CBT, DBT, Adlerian Play Therapy, and various systemic theories. Sarah’s clients would describe her as accepting, direct, receptive to feedback, and hilarious (and they’d be right).
Jamiqua Rivera
Welcome!!
My name is Jamiqua Rivera. I am a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern ( RCSWI). I have worked in the Social Work/ Mental Health field for about 6 years. I love working with kids, adults and families. I also love helping individuals become the Best version of themselves!
However, Let's give yourself praise for making it this far! You might be debating about this decision or thinking to yourself if “ this is the right time.” I can assure you that “THIS IS THE RIGHT TIME!” I believe that therapy is a team effort that allows the therapist and the client to work together to identify the underlining problem. Therapy is a safe place for individuals to analyze communication, hurt, pain, trauma, and irrational thoughts, without being judged!!! Through therapeutic interventions, we will examine and review ways to better yourself and become a better version of yourself. I am here to listen, educate, and provide feedback.
Throughout this journey to recovery, I will challenge you! I will NOT pressure you, but I will challenge you so that way you can see your TRUE potential that hides beneath your sorrow. I mostly utilize motivational interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy( CBT), Solution Focus Brief Therapy(SFBT), and psychoeducation, but I also implement more therapy.
In conclusion, my credentials might reveal minimum years in the field, but my history reveals an experienced professional. I am a Social Worker at heart who is an expert in Understanding, Communication, and Patience. I am here to inform you that the decision you make today is a decision that WILL NOT disappoint you! Most importantly, I am here for YOU!
Alannah Barret
Alannah Barrett
Life is a roller coaster, there are so many ups and downs and it can take a toll on anyone. My goal is to provide a safe and welcoming atmosphere for my clients to be able to step outside of their reality for a second. Since my time in school, I have gained diverse experiences with focuses in crisis counseling, behavioral issues, trauma, and acute mental illness.
I have a background in social work in disaster services, and child welfare. These experiences have shaped me as a whole to be quick on my feet, yet empathetic, and compassionate. I am a registered mental health intern, and work with children, teens, and adults (ages 5+). I believe each client is a unique individual and deserves an individualized approach.
Daisy May
My name is Daisy May. I am a rescue AND an emotional support therapy dog. Miss Mindy helps me with my challenges (laser treatment for arthritis) which is why I have goggles on in my picture, so I help her at the office with people who have challenges, too. I love to help people at the office sometimes! It's called coh-rigu... col-re-gura... co-regu-lation. I help people get through the tough stuff!
Come and meet me! If you'd prefer to not have me here, I'm OK with that, too. I'm happy to stay home with my brother Loki instead.
Business Hours:
Mon: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Tue: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wed: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Fri: Closed
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed
Leesburg Location:
1321 Citizens Boulevard
Leesburg, Florida 34748
Contact Us
Sowkapsychotherapy@gmail.com
Phone: (352) 577-9455
Tavares Fax: (352)604-4375
Tavares Location:
321 W. Alfred Street
Tavares, Florida 32778