Happy Healthy Minds Counseling

At this time, we are no longer accepting new clients in Clearwater as our office will be relocating to Valrico in November. Leighann Avery, LMHC - Owner & Counselor Uses Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) in session *Leighann is accepting new clients in Valrico and virtually at this time but may have a waitlist for afternoon/evening appointments.* Leighann Avery founded Happy Healthy Minds Counseling in 2018 after years of envisioning a private practice dedicated to accessible, compassionate mental health care. As demand for counseling services increased—particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic—Leighann expanded the practice to include a team of skilled clinicians in order to better serve the community. She is deeply grateful to be able to support both clients and clinicians while increasing access to quality mental health services. Leighann specializes in working with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, and difficulty coping with life stressors. She is passionate about partnering with clients throughout their therapeutic journey and supporting meaningful, lasting change. Her clinical approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). Through CBT, Leighann helps clients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns in order to improve emotional well-being. She values ACT for its focus on helping clients align their behaviors with personal values and move toward a more fulfilling life. Leighann is also trained in ART and appreciates its effectiveness in addressing concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and relationship issues. ART utilizes eye movements while the client focuses on a problem, allowing the brain to form new connections and access internal strengths and problem-solving abilities. Leighann earned her Bachelor’s degree in Criminology from the University of South Florida and her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Saint Leo University. Her professional background includes work as a School Counselor with Hillsborough County Public Schools, as well as serving as a counselor and director within several mental health agencies throughout the Tampa Bay area. Leighann is known for providing a warm, supportive, and welcoming environment where clients feel safe sharing their experiences. She believes that even small improvements can create meaningful change and considers it a privilege to walk alongside clients as they work toward greater healing and well-being. Specialty: Children, Teens & Adults Isaiah Millstein, MFT Student Intern *Accepting new children, adolescent, adult and couple clients in Valrico office Isaiah is currently earning his Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University, a COAMFTE-accredited program with a strong emphasis on systemic and relational therapy. He is passionate about supporting individuals, couples, and families in navigating the complexities of their emotional and relational lives. Naturally empathetic and a skilled listener, Isaiah brings warmth, presence, and a coaching mindset into his work. He believes that individuals are the experts of their own lives and possess the inner strength to create the future they desire. As a therapist, he sees his role as a collaborative guide, helping clients clarify their goals, tap into their resilience, and move forward with intention. Isaiah’s clinical approach draws from Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), empowering clients to recognize their strengths and make practical, meaningful changes. He is dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and affirming space for all clients, including those who identify as LGBTQ+, as well as individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and lived experiences. Isaiah feels honored to walk alongside clients on their journey of healing and growth, offering support that is both compassionate and goal-oriented. Sierra Shannon, Registered Mental Health Therapist and Registered Art Therapist *Sierra is accepting new clients virtually and will begin seeing clients in Valrico area in the Fall 2026. Sierra sees children, teens, adults, families and couples. I believe in building a solid rapport with my clients, so they feel at ease in the therapy room and feel both heard and understood. My ultimate goal as an art therapist is to provide a creative approach to exploring challenges and strengths and to support you in your journey to healing and personal growth. I enjoy working with children and adolescents individually as well as families. I assist clients with anxiety, depression, stress and coping, interpersonal dilemmas, parenting dilemmas, relationship communication, conflict resolution, and developing greater connection and intimacy with loved ones. Art therapy can supplement traditional talk therapy providing an alternative modality of communication. I use an integrative approach to counseling using different therapeutic tools that best fit my client’s needs. I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Florida in 2019 and my Master’s in Art Therapy and Counseling from Eastern Virginia Medical School in 2022. Sharisa Masterson, Registered Marriage and Family Therapy Intern *Accepting new virtual clients Sharisa believes that therapy is meant to support and help individuals, couples, families, and groups navigate complex relationships and develop skills to have a fulfilling life. With a systems approach we will collaborate in a safe environment to find the right resources to help you to achieve the desire outcome from therapy. Together we will identify personal/system strengths to cope with obstacles in your life. Sharisa as a mother, wife, daughter, and friend feels that relationships are vital. Through her undergraduate study she developed a love for helping others enhance and change the current path of their relationships. Her graduate program provided her new insight on the importance of systems and their effect on the individual in a multifaceted way. Living in many locations for Sharisa’s husband military service has provided her with a new outlook on many individuals experiences and desire to find out what has brought people to where they are now. Her love for fast vehicles especially motorcycles has taught her skills on the importance of developing unique and individualized approach to new obstacles. Specialty: Children, Adults, Families & Couples Our office manager Carol Sterner has retired as of May 2026 She was with us for 5 years. We wish her the best in her retirement. Johnnie Avery has joined our team as our Billing Manager in June 2026. Email us at: contact@happyhealthymindscounseling.com