Dr. Biondoletti contracts with Wellness Psychological Services to offer services in both our Tampa and St. Pete offices.
Welcome! I am Dr. Nicole Biondoletti, although most call me Dr. B. I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist.
I have a particular interest in serving those who serve, and therefore am passionate about working with active-duty personnel, veterans, and first responders. I am committed to helping these individuals overcome mental health difficulties, particularly trauma- and anxiety-related disorders. My main interest is in helping individuals recover from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD.) I also work with those dealing with symptoms related to generalized anxiety, panic, and depression. It is also important to recognize the myriad of other difficulties these high-stress careers can cause, including depression, health problems, and family/relationship discord. Therefore, I also offer stress and health behavior management.
I am well attuned to the importance of holistic health that encompasses mind, body, and brain integration. My approach to psychotherapy is grounded in the assumption that early relationships shape our views of self and others. With that basic assumption underlying my practice, I tailor my application of various approaches to each individual. I often use a combination of Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based approaches. Each of these therapies offer concrete strategies that can help you live a balanced and value-driven life.
Acronyms aside, research tells us that, above and beyond, a strong therapeutic alliance is imperative to positive outcomes. Therefore, my priority is to create a safe space in which a genuine and nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship can develop. No matter what your current struggle, be it anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship problems, trauma, or just feeling “stuck” in adjusting to inevitable life changes, we can work together in formulating a plan to help you move forward in a meaningful way.
TRAUMA & PTSD SPECIALIZATION
“A dark, endless, inescapable hole.” That is how a Veteran once described how they felt after experiencing trauma. Since the very onset of my educational and training journey, I have been fascinated with how traumatic experiences impact human beings, and how recovery is either achieved or hindered. However, what I have learned and continue to learn every day that stands out above the rest is how resilient we truly are.
I have had the opportunity to work with a variety of populations who have experienced trauma throughout my training and work, including Veterans, active duty personnel, survivors of natural disasters, survivors of sexual abuse and their families, and physical trauma, such as traumatic brain injuries and chronic medical conditions. The first thing I communicate to any individual who has endured a traumatic event is that recovery is possible. You have the ability to rise out of the dark seemingly endless hole and get your life back. I use a combination of evidence-based therapies for trauma that fall under the category of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), focusing on exposure-based techniques that are scientifically proven to alter brain structures so that trauma-related symptoms reduce. The goal of any trauma-focused treatment is tailoring therapy to the individual so that exercises are goal-driven and relevant to you.
ANXIETY SPECIALIZATION
I specialize in working with a wide spectrum of anxiety and anxiety-related disorders including mild worry to Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Social Phobia, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Anxiety is a normal part of the human experience and it helps us make important decisions. Unfortunately, anxiety can also take a dark turn and impede our ability to function as we used to. Sometimes this happens quickly in response to a stressor, and other times it is a slow process that is hard to recognize until you suddenly notice it’s out of control. You might notice you are more forgetful, quick to anger, disconnected from others, not able to control your worrying, and have a general sense of physical unwellness. If anxiety is new to you or it has been a life-long struggle, there are tools that can help. Therapy can help teach you a process of facing your fears, revaluating the thoughts that impact your anxiety, and then changing your behaviors. The goal is to help you become your own therapist so that when life throws it challenges at you down the road you are prepared! Even in cases of more intense anxiety, like panic attacks or OCD, we can take a team approach in beating your anxiety and improving your quality of life.
WELLNESS & HEALTH BEHAVIOR CHANGE SPECIALIZATION
Do you have health and wellness goals that you’ve been struggling to meet? If so, you are not alone. We’ve all been there… sometimes for years! Wellness does not mean the absence of problems, but instead the ability to adapt to challenges in a healthy and meaningful way. Maybe these are health challenges, such as sleep problems, lack of exercise, or eating a balanced diet. Or maybe you are experiencing relationship challenges, like the loss of a relationship or difficulty connecting with others. Maybe you’ve just noticed yourself feeling more down and less motivated and you’re not quite sure what to do about it. Whatever your goals, I can help you learn skills that foster a more balanced, values-driven life.
OTHER ADULT THERAPY SPECIALTIES
- Depression
- Relationship Problems
- Interpersonal & Emotion Regulation Training
- Assertive and Effective Communication Skills
- Bereavement
- Adaptive Coping Skills
THERAPY CONSULTATION
Dr. Biondoletti is available for brief phone consultation to determine if an appointment is the right choice and to discuss a plan for treatment.