Desarae Herard, LMHC

Desarae Herard is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) who guides people toward regaining a sense of control over their lives. She focuses on offering clear feedback and practical support to address stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship concerns, and other common struggles. Her approach aims to help people build skills they can use outside sessions.

She comes from the northeast and moved to Jacksonville in 2002 for college. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Jacksonville University in 2006 and a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Capella University in 2011. She has practiced for 11 years in a range of settings.

Her style is compassionate and empathic, and she meets people where they are. She blends listening with active guidance and offers strategies tailored to each person’s situation. Sessions often focus on building coping skills for setbacks and day-to-day challenges.

Desarae has experience responding to crisis situations as well as ongoing life issues. She works with concerns such as depression, grief, trauma and abuse, parenting stress, bipolar mood concerns, self-esteem, and intimacy-related issues. She aims to help people make steady progress toward personal growth.

People who prefer straightforward feedback and skill-building tend to fit well with her approach. She encourages practical changes and supports clients as they try new ways of coping and relating.

How therapy methods translate to online care

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening closely and responding to each person's experience. The therapist offers empathy, reflection, and support while encouraging the client to lead the pace and topics of sessions. This approach helps when someone needs acceptance and clearer self-understanding.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts, feelings, and actions connect. It involves identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and practicing new behaviors or coping skills. CBT is often used for anxiety, depression, stress, and many day-to-day problems.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist works with the client to decide which methods fit their goals and comfort level. Adjustments are made over time based on what is most helpful for the person's needs and progress.

Confirm the current session options before booking, as formats are not specified here. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. Some people find remote sessions help them keep therapy consistent around work or family responsibilities. Licensed professionals can recommend which format best supports the client's goals and routines.