Providers

After spending childhood in a military family and moving around the Eastern US, Edna Schaefer, LMHC graduated from the University of Central Florida (GO KNIGHTS!) with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Master of Arts degree in Counselor Education. Over the past 24 years, Edna has worked for local mental health centers, a Fortune 500 Insurance Company, a major medical hospital, and has taught community college courses as well as Masters degree classes. Her greatest professional fulfillment has been in private practice over the past 16 years working with clients individually, as families & couples. Edna has been honored to be a part of the adoption process for 100s of families through domestic and international home study completion, post placement visits and birth parent and post-adoption counseling. Through all of these experiences, she has been exposed to a wide array of environments and people. She truly believes that family is the most important and crucial system and she enjoys working towards healing and positive goals to assist others to have their ideal relationships and lives. Edna has clinically supervised dozens of Mental Health Counseling interns through the student practicum/internship and Florida licensure process since 2008, is a therapist for fellow mental health providers and professionals and regards the ES Counseling office as a place for growth, healing and learning for all. Edna has extensive experience and training in the treatment of ADHD in children and adults, anxiety, OCD, grief, and life transition. She has specialized training in Gottman Couples therapy, and play therapy. She is a therapist who will not just say “Mmmm Hmmm,” or “How does that make you feel?” She will engage in the session and help her clients in talking through, thinking through and fully feeling obstacles in life and working towards better. She encourages parents of clients with ADHD to participate in session to learn strategies and encourage behavioral and emotional skills important to managing ADHD. Edna utilizes Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Exposure-Response Prevention (ERP) and other integrative techniques tailored to her clients needs, including expressive arts, nature-based activities and body and breath work. Edna is an excellent listener and can make therapy feel like less work through non-judgment and compassion.  If you are ready to dig in and do the work, Edna would be a good match for you. 

Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern

Brianna Forney, MA completed her education at Truman State University where she pursued a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling preceded by a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Music, General. Originally from Missouri, Brianna has clinical experience practicing under supervisors in multiple states. She believes that therapy can be a place for anyone to grow and is passionate about helping others. Brianna's therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness. She has experience working with clients of all ages, but specializes in adolescents and adults in the areas of anxiety, ADHD, and life transitions. As a military spouse, Brianna is also well-versed in military family issues. Brianna utilizes the tenets of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as well as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and is a trauma-informed therapist who values deepening her knowledge of the counseling practice. Outside of therapy, Brianna enjoys reading and spending time with her family and two dogs: Kona and Nike. Brianna is passionate about meeting you right where you are on your personal journey and ready to help you meet your goals. 

Student Counseling Intern 

I’m a current graduate student at National Louis University, coming from a 20-year finance and IT background. After becoming a mother, I found the courage to pursue my calling of becoming a licensed therapist.  A transplant from New York, I was raised in an environment with direct exposure to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Attention Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Bipolar Disorder and Other Mood Disorders. I have always been sensitive to the emotions of others and found my own healing in part due to yoga, meditation, religious practices, and of course therapy! 

As a result, I feel most connected to Emotion-Focused Therapy(EFT), Person-Centered Therapy and Mindfulness Based Therapy(MBT). My passion is towards connecting with anyone struggling from trauma and secondary trauma. My approach is to meet you with unconditional acceptance and to form an alliance with you to meet your goals whatever that looks like.