Meet the Team

Meet the Team

Dr. Vassilia Binensztok

LMHC, NCC

Specialties: Adults with history of childhood trauma, complex PTSD, dysfunctional family history, anxiety disorders, couple’s therapy in which one or both members have a history of trauma, nervous system dysregulation.

Superpower: gaining meaningful insight, understanding the root of the problem, providing actionable tools tailored to the client

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vassilia binensztok dr counseling

Dr. Vassilia Binensztok

LMHC, NCC

Specialties: Adults with history of childhood trauma, complex PTSD, dysfunctional family history, anxiety disorders, couple’s therapy in which one or both members have a history of trauma, nervous system dysregulation.

I founded Juno Counseling and Wellness to create a safe, comfortable space for people to escape to, share what’s bothering them, and improve their lives.

I know what it’s like to be in a position where it seems like all roads are closed and how important it is to have someone competent, patient, and understanding to talk to.

Through both my professional and personal experiences, I have a realistic understanding of life, people, and problems.  Sometimes, things don’t make sense until you look at them from a different angle.  Understanding and working with complicated issues and gaining meaningful insight are my greatest strengths as a therapist. Whatever your problem is, you will not shock me and you will not incur my judgment. I have worked with many complex situations and I can help you as well.

A little more about me: I enjoy arts and culture, literature, and random knowledge.  I am also an animal lover and enjoy traveling and experiencing new things.  I am passionate about my work, friends, and the things I care about, being both a serious person and someone who loves to laugh.  I am originally from Brooklyn, NY.

Joanna Borg

Therapist, M.Ed. RMHCI

Specialties: Self-esteem issues, substance abuse issues, couples therapy, sexuality, relationship issues, premarital counseling and women's issues, co-dependency issues, stress, life transitions, therapy sessions in Swedish

Superpower: Asking the right questions, providing a non-judgmental space, and being a positive light

Joanna Borg

Therapist, M.Ed. RMHCI

As humans, we are naturally wired to seek connection and acceptance, which can make it feel difficult to reach out for support from others in our lives during trying times. It’s common to feel stuck and insecure in how to proceed, whether this may be individual, relationship or family struggles. Whatever it is you are experiencing, I am prepared to support and guide you to let the best you shine through and overcome the various life stressors with confidence. I believe in the power of accessing emotions to gain clarity into your life and into yourself, allowing you to implement healthy changes to establish a fulfilling existence.

My therapy focuses on self-esteem, stress, empowerment, life transitions, communication, co-dependency, sex, sexuality and relationship issues. I use a compassionate and non-judgmental, humanistic therapy approach utilizing various therapy modalities to cater to each individualized need. I have years of practice in CBT, DBT and am certified in emotionally focused therapy for individuals and couples. I am passionate about helping others, and love working with relationship dynamics.

My counseling journey begins with a background in Health Sciences with a minor in Psychology at Northeastern University where I received my bachelor’s in science degree. I continued my education at Florida Atlantic University earning my master’s in education for Clinical Mental Health Counseling. During my master’s degree, I worked my clinical internships at various substance abuse treatment centers helping individuals as well as their significant others and families. I am originally from Stockholm, Sweden and moved to Florida 15 years ago, and thus am also available to offer therapy in Swedish.

When I am not working, I love spending my time with my son, friends, and family. I am a foodie and love to experience new cuisines and find great places to eat. I enjoy traveling and exploring new places, including locally- every city has their hidden gems!

Awards/Honors:

  • Chi Sigma Iota- Counseling Honors Society
  • Phi Kappa Phi- Academic Honor Society
  • Northeastern University Huntington 100 Award- Outstanding Student Achievement Honor
  • Young Global Leader Program- Northeastern University

Training/Certifications:

  • Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy- Level 1 & 2
  • Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy
  • Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy- Sex as a safe adventure connecting Sexually and Emotionally

Vidya Nair

MSW,  Registered LCSW Intern

Specialties: Teens and adolescents, EMDR, Trauma, Behavioral difficulties, Grief & Loss, Trauma, Eating Disorders, ADHD, BIPOC issues, LGBTQ issues, Transgenerational trauma

Superpower: Being a warm, comfortable presence for kids, adults, and families alike

vidya nair counseling

Vidya Nair

MSW, Registered LCSW Intern

Hi! I am Vidya. I understand that healing is neither linear nor easy. As a therapist, my goal is to help my clients be seen, heard, and validated. My focus is to provide healing to children and families experiencing difficult relationship dynamics and traumatic events. I bring my multicultural lens to my practice and believe in providing a safe space for my clients.

I obtained my Bachelor’s in Psychology and Social Work. I completed my Master’s in Social Work from Florida Atlantic University. I am a registered clinical social worker intern working towards independent licensure. I have training in multiple therapeutic modalities such as Trauma-Focused CBT, Play Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and many other Narrative and Relational therapeutic approaches.

My family therapy experience includes working with adoptive families, foster families, LGBTQ families and caregiver families. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and a very fluffy dog - Bunny.

Katie Bullard

MSW, LCSW

Specialties: Child therapy, Play therapy, Sandtray, Perinatal, Anxiety, Trauma, Autism, Family therapy, Parenting, Life changes, Internal Family Systems

Superpower: Making clients feel safe and comfortable like they’re talking to an old friend. Using creative interventions with children.

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Katie Bullard

MSW, Registered LCSW Intern

Life is stressful.  No one these days goes untouched by trauma. My work as a therapist is inherent to my belief that people want to heal, love and be loved, feel a sense of belonging and acceptance, and fulfill a higher purpose in life. Traumatic experiences, internal pain, family issues, and relationship challenges can all be shifted. My approach is to be human with you, hold space for all that you are experiencing, and help you assign meaning to your suffering.

During our time together, we explore patterns of thoughts and behaviors that may be keeping you stuck. Then, we learn skills in emotional regulation, mindfulness, self-compassion, & acceptance to help you re-write your story. With children, adolescents, and families, I specialize in treatment for trauma, behavioral issues, mood disorders, anxiety, self-harm, and parenting skills. With adults, I specialize in relief from anxiety, depression, perinatal mood disorders and trauma treatment.

My expertise comes from a unique balance of professional training and personal experience.  Prior to becoming a clinical social worker, I was a client of therapy for many years. Because of this, I understand how nerve-wracking and vulnerable it can feel to begin this work. My goal is to always provide a warm, welcoming space where you are free to be fully yourself. Together, wewill work to help you unlock a deeper sense of purpose, hope, and joy!

I received my Masters of Social Work from Barry University.  I am currently a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern working towards independent licensure.  Before I pursued a career in social work, I worked as a marine biologist for the state of Florida.  During that time, I crossed paths with a dolphin-assisted therapy center and the curiosity of such a thing guided me to this work.  I love coming to work every day, but becoming a mother is definitely my life’s biggest privilege. In my free time, I love spending time with family, going to the beach, paddle boarding, gardening, traveling, and live music

Kathryn Smith

Therapist, MA, RMHCI

Specialties: Stress, anxiety, depression, career development, life transitions

Superpower: Attentively listening and offering a peaceful space with room for humor

kathryn smith

Kathryn Smith

Therapist, M.Ed. RMHCI

Life is hard. We all need support along the way—whether to manage everyday stressors or navigate significant life changes. Therapy can help you develop greater resilience, confidence, and self-awareness throughout all walks of life.

I am pursuing my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Northwestern University specializing in psychotherapy for adults. As part of my degree, I am completing my Practicum and Internship under the supervision of Dr. Vassilia Binensztok and other Northwestern faculty. In addition, I work as a career coach serving graduate students at the McIntire School of Commerce and Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia. I have coached students ranging from recent college graduates to corporate executives with a variety of personal and professional goals. Prior to becoming a counselor, I worked in wealth management and consulting, and received a M.S. in Commerce and B.A. in History from the University of Virginia.

I foster clients’ growth by providing a nonjudgmental environment, attentive listening, insightful questioning, and genuine support. My therapeutic style is warm and collaborative with a dose of humor. I believe in an integrative approach and draw upon experience with methods including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Person-Centered Therapy. My specializations include anxiety, stress, depression, career development, and life transitions.

Vanessa Gonzalez

M.Ed., RMHCI

Specialties: Anxiety, depression, life transitions, eating disorders, grief and loss, self-esteem issues, abusive relationships

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Rigel Herman

Student Intern Therapist

I believe that everyone deserves to be heard, not just listened too. Support, insight, and empathy in a non-judgemental space are powerful and allow you to explore your emotions and life experiences in ways you may not have before. Therapy of this kind can help you become more confident, secure, adaptable, self-aware, and therefore a more whole, healed person.

I am a compassionate therapist who values individual experiences and stories. I am surprised by the resilience of people every day. Everyone is a work in progress and I want my clients to feel validated and safe. My therapeutic style is connected, collaborative, and warm. I specializein depression, anxiety, relationship issues, stress, self-esteem, feeling “stuck,” life transitions, and aging.

I am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Northwestern University specializing in psychotherapy for adults. I am completing my Practicum under the supervision of Dr. Vassilia Binensztok and the faculty at Northwestern. Prior to counseling, I worked in content marketing as a writer and editor. I have a B.A. in Englishfrom Northwestern University.

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my daughter and our dog, creative writing, and live music.

Gina Cipriano

M.Ed., RMHCI, Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern

Specialties: Anxiety, depression, self-esteem, disordered eating, body image, substance use, couples (Gottman Method), adolescents

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Rigel Herman

Student Intern Therapist

I believe that everyone deserves to be heard, not just listened too. Support, insight, and empathy in a non-judgemental space are powerful and allow you to explore your emotions and life experiences in ways you may not have before. Therapy of this kind can help you become more confident, secure, adaptable, self-aware, and therefore a more whole, healed person.

I am a compassionate therapist who values individual experiences and stories. I am surprised by the resilience of people every day. Everyone is a work in progress and I want my clients to feel validated and safe. My therapeutic style is connected, collaborative, and warm. I specializein depression, anxiety, relationship issues, stress, self-esteem, feeling “stuck,” life transitions, and aging.

I am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Northwestern University specializing in psychotherapy for adults. I am completing my Practicum under the supervision of Dr. Vassilia Binensztok and the faculty at Northwestern. Prior to counseling, I worked in content marketing as a writer and editor. I have a B.A. in Englishfrom Northwestern University.

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my daughter and our dog, creative writing, and live music.

Rigel Herman

Student Intern Therapist

Northwestern University Approved Graduate School Training Site

Specialties: life transitions, depression, anxiety, self-worth, older adults (elders), adolescents

Superpower: Creating a safe, easygoing, and accepting space, and forming natural, organic therapeutic relationships.

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Rigel Herman

Student Intern Therapist

I believe that everyone deserves to be heard, not just listened too. Support, insight, and empathy in a non-judgemental space are powerful and allow you to explore your emotions and life experiences in ways you may not have before. Therapy of this kind can help you become more confident, secure, adaptable, self-aware, and therefore a more whole, healed person.

I am a compassionate therapist who values individual experiences and stories. I am surprised by the resilience of people every day. Everyone is a work in progress and I want my clients to feel validated and safe. My therapeutic style is connected, collaborative, and warm. I specializein depression, anxiety, relationship issues, stress, self-esteem, feeling “stuck,” life transitions, and aging.

I am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Northwestern University specializing in psychotherapy for adults. I am completing my Practicum under the supervision of Dr. Vassilia Binensztok and the faculty at Northwestern. Prior to counseling, I worked in content marketing as a writer and editor. I have a B.A. in Englishfrom Northwestern University.

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my daughter and our dog, creative writing, and live music.

Hanna Gibbons

Student Intern Therapist

Northwestern University Approved Graduate School Training Site

Specialties: Child Therapy, Teen Therapy, Play Therapy, Trauma - Children, ADHD, Autism, Depression, Anxiety, OCD,Family Systems, Christian Counseling

Superpower: Creating a safe space, authentic, joyful, creative withchildren, open and honest. 

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Rigel Herman

Student Intern Therapist

I believe that everyone deserves to be heard, not just listened too. Support, insight, and empathy in a non-judgemental space are powerful and allow you to explore your emotions and life experiences in ways you may not have before. Therapy of this kind can help you become more confident, secure, adaptable, self-aware, and therefore a more whole, healed person.

I am a compassionate therapist who values individual experiences and stories. I am surprised by the resilience of people every day. Everyone is a work in progress and I want my clients to feel validated and safe. My therapeutic style is connected, collaborative, and warm. I specializein depression, anxiety, relationship issues, stress, self-esteem, feeling “stuck,” life transitions, and aging.

I am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Northwestern University specializing in psychotherapy for adults. I am completing my Practicum under the supervision of Dr. Vassilia Binensztok and the faculty at Northwestern. Prior to counseling, I worked in content marketing as a writer and editor. I have a B.A. in Englishfrom Northwestern University.

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my daughter and our dog, creative writing, and live music.

Checree Bryant, Jr.

Administrative Assistant

Superpower: Matching clients to the best therapist for them.

Checree Bryant, Jr.

Administrative Assistant

I am an enthusiastic and compassionate individual and an aspiring Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) specialist. I have a deep admiration for nature and activities on the water. When not immersed in professional endeavors,I love to indulge in the art of writing different poems and short stories that I will soon publish. I play both the alto and baritone saxophone, skillfully pouring my soul into each note. I have a passion for public policy and dedication to promoting social justice. As a lifelong learner, I eagerly embrace new knowledge and innovative approaches, all in my quest to create meaningful and positive transformations in the lives of others.

We follow a holistic approach, pulling from many therapeutic theories and techniques

And it all happens in a peaceful, calming space.

“Dr. Vassilia Binensztok is a consummate professional, who is well respected in the professional community. I have consulted with her on a variety of matters and give her my highest recommendation.”

Want to Join Our Team as an Intern?

Apply For Counselor Supervision

As a qualified supervisor for Registered Mental Health Counseling Interns in the state of Florida, I can support you through the licensure process.  

As your supervisor, I’ll give you guidance and advice to deepen your practice, but I’ll also see you as a colleague. I’ll encourage you to share your knowledge and find your own unique counselor identity. Sound like we might be a good fit? Reach out to me to schedule a consultation call!

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It’s time to rewrite your story and reclaim your power.

Submit an inquiry form, and we’ll help book a session with the right therapist for you. Trust us, reaching out will be a relief — you’ll know you’re finally giving your mental health the care it deserves.

Reach out to us

@junocounseling