Phyllis Jeannestal , LCSW

Phyllis Jeannestal is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in South Florida who brings a trauma-informed perspective to her work with individuals, adolescents, and families. As an LCSW, she is a licensed mental health professional trained to provide clinical assessment, therapeutic intervention, and care coordination. She centers inclusion and self-determination, supporting people to reclaim agency over their choices and mental health while honoring each person’s lived experience.

Her professional experience includes working with survivors of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting in Parkland at a community wellness center created in response to that tragedy. There she contributed to treatment plans that emphasized holistic healing through activities such as exercise, art therapy, and peer support groups. She currently supports families in hospice settings, helping them navigate grief and loss with sensitivity and practical guidance.

Phyllis integrates trauma-informed care principles that prioritize safety, choice, collaboration, trustworthiness, and empowerment, alongside evidence-based methods like cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused therapy. She aims to provide a compassionate therapeutic environment that promotes healing, self-awareness, and resilience, and she works with clients to identify strengths and build a practical toolbox for coping with life’s challenges.

Therapeutic Approaches and Accessible Online Care

Phyllis draws from several well-established approaches to support clients in an online setting. Trauma-focused therapy concentrates on understanding and processing the effects of traumatic events, helping people reduce distressing symptoms and rebuild a sense of safety and stability. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a practical, skills-based approach that identifies unhelpful thought patterns and teaches coping strategies to manage anxiety, depression, and everyday stressors. Client-centered therapy emphasizes empathy, respect, and collaboration, creating a supportive space where clients explore goals and build self-awareness at their own pace.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with each client to assess needs, goals, and preferences and will adapt methods over time to find the best fit. This partnership helps ensure that interventions feel relevant and useful to the person seeking support.

Online therapy with Phyllis offers flexible access to care through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, maintain continuity when travel or life changes occur, and access support from familiar surroundings while working with licensed professionals and therapists.