Hello! My name is Danielle DeLuca, and I am a wife, mother, sister, dog mom, and lifelong learner. I am currently a second year graduate student at Jacksonville University working towards obtaining my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (expected graduation date is summer 2025). The graduate program at JU is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). As a student of this program, I am currently working under qualified supervisors to obtain internship hours as a counselor in training. During my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two children, watching football games, going to the beach, and reading.

I hold a Master of Special Education with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Sport Management, both from the University of North Florida. In 2016, I obtained my certification as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. This certification enables me to practice applied behavior analysis. I have experience working with children and young adults who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, and other developmental disabilities. I have enjoyed working with these individuals and their families. I have experience in various settings including schools, homes, clinics, and community centers.

My goal as a counselor in training is to help you explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a safe space where you feel comfortable opening up about your life struggles and deep issues. It is important to me that you feel empowered and supported. I firmly believe that the therapeutic relationship between client and counselor is fundamental to a successful counseling experience. I consider a healthy therapeutic relationship to be a vital component of effective change, progress, and healing for the client. It is important to me that clients feel that a counselor is the best fit for them.

As a counselor-in-training, I am developing my therapeutic skills as I learn the best ways to support you. I work from a Person-Centered approach in which I integrate empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard for you throughout the therapeutic process. Building on my background in applied behavior analysis, I also operate from a cognitive behavioral approach, focusing on identifying unhelpful thought patterns and helping to develop new behaviors to lead a more genuine and fulfilled life.

The benefits of counseling can include solutions to certain problems, healthier relationships, reductions in feelings of distress, more self-awareness, and improved self-acceptance. It can increase feelings of self-worth and lead to a better quality of life. There are no guarantees of what this experience will be like for you. I cannot promise you the desired results, but I can promise that I will work alongside you to help you on your journey towards your goals. Although it can be a painful emotional journey at times, I believe that the benefits of counseling far outweigh the risks if you are willing to fully commit to therapy. I would be honored to walk alongside you. I invite you to come as you are, and I will meet you where you are on your journey towards growth and healing.