Cathleen Daferede (she/her)

MA
Accepting Clients

I work with emerging adults (ages 18–30), children, and adolescents, supporting them through important developmental stages with care.

Mental Health Counselor in Tampa, FL
Supervised by Dr. Charisse Diaz, PsyD LMHC

About My Clients

I have a particular passion for helping emerging adults who are late-diagnosed with ADHD make sense of their experiences. My other areas of focus are emotional regulation and self-esteem, life transitions and identity development, academic, social, and family stressors. I work best with individuals and families who are open to learning, exploring, and growing together.

My Background and Approach

I take a developmentally informed, strengths-based approach, tailoring therapy to each client’s age, needs, and goals. With emerging adults, I focus on identity, independence, and practical skills for navigating school, work, and relationships. With children and adolescents, I create a supportive, engaging environment that encourages emotional expression and growth, while often collaborating with parents and caregivers to reinforce progress at home. I believe therapy should feel safe, validating, and empowering. Sessions are structured yet flexible, allowing room for both skill-building and meaningful conversation. Clients often describe me as warm, patient, and easy to talk to. I strive to create a space where clients feel understood and accepted, whether they’re a child learning to name emotions, a teen navigating pressure and identity, or a young adult learning how ADHD impacts their daily life. My goal is to help clients build confidence, self-awareness, and skills long-term.

Insurance Plans Accepted
  • Cigna
  • Medicare
  • Oscar
  • Optum
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
  • United Healthcare
  • UMR
  • Florida Blue
  • Evernorth

At A Glance

  • Experience: 7 years of practice
  • Languages: English

Info

Email Cathleen
16502 N. Dale Mabry Hwy.
Tampa, FL 33618

Reach out to Cathleen