Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern (IMH28381)
D’Andrea Hardy
D’Andrea graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology before earning a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Rollins College. Originally from Jamaica, she migrated to Fort Lauderdale, Florida at the age of 11 and later moved to Orlando in 2016. Having personally experienced the challenges of adapting to a new culture and navigating the stigma surrounding mental health in the Caribbean and Black community, D’Andrea is passionate about creating a safe, affirming, and culturally responsive space where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered to heal.
She is dedicated to working with clients from marginalized and underrepresented backgrounds, particularly minorities, immigrants, women, children, and adolescents. She is especially drawn to supporting clients navigating identity development, attachment styles, relationships, self-esteem, life transitions, intergenerational trauma, anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation. Her professional experience includes working with adults in psychiatric hospitals, children with special needs, college students, school-aged youth, and educators. She also supports parents of children with autism, drawing from her background as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT).
D’Andrea takes an integrative, strength-based approach to therapy, drawing from person-centered therapy, play therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, behavior therapy, existential therapy, attachment-based therapy, and mindfulness. She believes in meeting clients where they are and collaborating to find approaches that fit their unique needs. Her goal is to empower clients to explore their emotions, develop effective coping mechanisms, and become the best version of themselves.
Outside of therapy, D’Andrea embraces her adventurous spirit through traveling, exploring new restaurants, outdoor activities, roller skating, the beach, theme parks, and concerts. She also values time with friends, family, her dog and cat, and enjoys watching comedy and drama series, reading, exercising, painting, and listening to true crime podcasts.