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)
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 ‘Kids Korner’ where children can pick games or toys while working with the therapist.
We are in network with the following insurance, have a private pay option and we also have a sliding scale for income-based payment, for those who either don’t have insurance or choose not to use it:
Aetna
UHC/Optum (Commercial Plans and Medicaid)
Sunshine (Ambetter, Medicaid, CMS)
FL Blue-BCBS
Cigna
Tricare Certified
Lyra Health
About Us
Melinda M. Sowka, LMHC, MCAP
Florida Qualified Supervisor
↑ Click Here to email me if you are seeking Qualified Supervision for Licensure ↑
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?
Antrecia Russell
Antrecia is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern who believes that EVERYTHING is figureoutable. She has a heart to walk through the murkiest and toughest part of life’s journey with those she works with and is dedicated to be there and serve as a guide through those shuffling through their issues of life.
She specializes in providing a safe, non-judgmental, space for her clients to speak those things they may never speak out loud to anyone else. She believes that no one should suffer in silence. “I believe we have to say some things out loud, in the presence of someone who is trained to handle it, so we can face it and heal.”
She received her Bachelor degree from Southeastern University in Psychology and went on to receive her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. She is now working on her Doctorate degree in Developmental Psychology. She’s known since she was 11 years old that helping others in the area of mental health is what she wanted to do with her life. “If I can help one person find the path to healing and mental health, I have fulfilled my purpose.”
Alexus Bosquet
Welcome! I am Alexus Bosquet, Social Work Intern, a dedicated and compassionate therapist with a comprehensive background in mental health support. I earned my Bachelor’s degree from Florida A&M University and went on to complete my Master’s in Social Work at Saint Leo University. With this solid educational foundation, I have been privileged to work extensively with individuals navigating severe mental health disorders, substance abuse challenges, and the complexities of domestic and sexual violence.
My journey in the field of therapy has provided me with valuable experience working with adolescents and adults alike, helping them to find stability, healing, and growth. I believe in a holistic and empathetic approach to therapy, tailoring my methods to fit the unique needs of each person I work with. My goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and work towards meaningful change.
I am committed to ongoing learning and staying current with best practices in mental health and therapeutic techniques. My approach is both client-centered and evidence-based, ensuring that the strategies we use are grounded in research and aligned with your personal goals.
If you’re seeking a supportive, non-judgmental space to work through your challenges, I am here to help. Let’s work together to navigate your path to healing and personal growth.
Janeixis Ortega
Hello! My name is Janeixis Ortega, IMH, and I am 29 years old. I live in Davenport, Florida, and have been working in the field of Mental Health since 2018 while completing my Master's Degree in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling. I'm certified in Addictions Counseling and I utilize many different approaches when working with clients. It’s not a one-size-fits-all occupation. While completing my degree I became involved with the adult populations while working in institutional settings. I worked for a Diversion Program for my first practicum and fell in love with working in that field, and helping those who have been in ‘the system’ in various ways (at-risk adults and teens). I completed my Master's degree at USF but I'm originally from Miami and that's where I received my Bachelor's in Psychology. I did not know I wanted to become a therapist until I began working in the field and felt that it was my part of my calling; now I can't really picture myself anywhere else. I have experience with all demographics including children and adolescents. Some hobbies of mine are reading, exercising, swimming, being in nature, and cooking and baking. I also really enjoy movies and can talk about that for hours! I'm looking forward to working with you and your family.
Xavier Kelly
Xavier is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern who is dedicated to empowering his clients to reach their personal goals and improve their overall well-being.
He specializes in cognitive-behavioral therapy, existential therapy, and mindfulness techniques to help individuals manage anxiety, depression, and other forms of stress. He holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from the University of Central Florida and is committed to providing holistic and evidence-based therapy in a supportive environment.
With experience providing services in child sleep testing, corrections, substance abuse, and hospital settings, Xavier is happy to work with clients of any age with any problem. Whether it be stress as a result of a medical diagnosis, relationship struggles, behavioral issues, or everyday stress, Xavier will be there to help you through it.
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!
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: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Tue: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Wed: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Thu: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Fri: By appointment only
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