Our Clinicians

Shantala’s passion to help others started at the young age of six when she and her family were on the mission field in Asia. She realized very early on the meaning of impoverishment, loss and despair within these cultures so far from home. She became aware that she felt her happiest when she was able to provide people hope, if only with a smile or a fresh drink of water.

Shantala has over 20 years experience working with individuals, families and children, and has worked as a guidance counselor and mental health counselor for Orange County Public Schools for 14 years. As she expanded her experience with children and families, she extended her expertise towards working with teenagers, adults, and couples.

Shantala offers several different treatment approaches fitted to address the rising trend in depression and anxiety, behavioral concerns, parenting, relational issues, grief and loss, social and financial strain, and adjustment disorders. These treatment types include the following multi-systems approaches: psychotherapeutic techniques, solution focused therapy, cognitive therapy, psychosocial analysis, behavioral analysis, and play therapy.

She received her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Liberty University in 2000 and her Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Palm Beach Atlantic University in 2004. She became a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Registered Play Therapist in 2006. Shantala is also a State Board qualified supervisor for mental health counselors.

James Beller has a masters degree from the University of Central Florida in the field of Counselor Education and has been licensed as a mental health counselor in the state of Florida since 2001.  He has a background of working in a combination of private practice, agency work and with the public school system.

His foundation is that of a Person Centered Counselor.  Important aspects of this include the use of empathy, unconditional positive regard and warmth.  He also relies heavily on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.  He applies reasoning and logic in the counseling process to help clients make positive change.

James is a trained hypnotherapist and incorporates this at times in practice.  This can be particularly helpful to address issues of trauma, anxiety and addiction.

His areas of specialty include anxiety, depression, trauma, anger management, addiction and couples.  James specializes with adolescents, adults, and couples.