Unwilted Counseling - About
MY STORY
My Journey: Why I Do What I Do
The Beginning: My journey into counseling began in 2022 while working as a counseling intern supporting teens and young adults. Early on, I noticed a gap in care many therapists treat all ages, but few focus specifically on the unique emotional and developmental needs of adolescents and emerging adults.
After graduating in 2023, I began working full-time as a mental health counselor and saw how powerful it was when young people felt truly seen and understood rather than dismissed as “just going through a phase.” In 2024, I founded Unwilted Counseling, a practice built on the belief that healing happens through safety, understanding, and space to grow. I primarily help teens and young adults who feel overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck break old patterns and move forward with confidence.
Why the Name “Unwilted”
The name reflects resilience and growth. Just as a wilted plant can recover with the right care, people can heal and thrive with the right support. You are not broken you are unwilting and rediscovering your strength.
Today Unwilted Counseling now supports teens and young adults in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and virtually across the state, helping them navigate anxiety, trauma, depression, and major life transitions.
MISSION & VALUES
My Mission & Core Values
Mission: I help young people who took on too much too early understand themselves with compassion, break unhelpful patterns, and build coping skills, healthy relationships, and meaningful futures.
Core Values:
Youth-Centered Care - Therapy tailored to teens and young adults.
Authenticity & Trust - Genuine, judgment-free connection.
Evidence-Based Excellence - Proven, research-backed approaches.
Trauma-Informed - Sensitive to past experiences; safe, respectful care.
Diversity & Inclusion - Affirming space for all identities and backgrounds.
Empowerment & Strength-Focused - Building on your existing strengths.
Confidentiality & Privacy - Your trust is protected.
Accessibility & Flexibility - Flexible scheduling, virtual sessions.
WHO I SERVE
The Young People I'm Honored to Support
Teens (13-17): Supporting teens with school stress, friendships, family challenges, identity development, anxiety, or depression.
Young Adults (18-25): Helping young adults navigate college, careers, relationships, and major life transitions with clarity and confidence.
I Often Support:
High-achieving students facing perfectionism or burnout
LGBTQ+ youth exploring identity
College students managing stress
Teens and young adults healing from trauma
Individuals experiencing anxiety or depression
Inclusive & Affirming Care: Unwilted Counseling is LGBTQ+ affirming, culturally responsive, neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed, body-positive, and committed to accessible care.
APPROACH & PHILOSOPHY
How I Help: My Therapeutic Philosophy
The Unwilted Method: My approach combines evidence-based therapy with genuine connection. Healing happens when three things come together:
A Safe Relationship: A supportive, trusting space where you feel heard, respected, and understood.
Proven Therapy Approach: I use a trauma-informed, relational approach drawing from EMDR, IFS-informed work, emotion-focused, and psychodynamic therapy tailored to your needs.
Your Active Participation: Therapy is collaborative, we work together to set goals, build skills, and create meaningful change.
What Makes My Approach Different
Specialized Focus - I work specifically with teens and young adults and understand the unique challenges of this stage of life.
Authentic & Judgment-Free - I offer honest, respectful support where your experiences are taken seriously.
Whole-Person Perspective - I consider your relationships, environment, culture, and goals not just symptoms.
Strength-Based Approach - We build on your strengths and resilience to help you grow and move forward.
MEET DESTINA, LMHC
About Your Therapist
Destina, LMHC Licensed Mental Health Counselor Founder, Unwilted Counseling, LLC
Background & Training
Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Indiana
EMDR Trained
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills
National Board for Certified Counselors
Destina has supported teens and young adults since 2019 through work in community mental health and social service settings, later becoming a licensed counselor in Indiana.
Areas of Specialization
Anxiety disorders and panic
Depression and mood challenges
Trauma and PTSD (including EMDR therapy)
LGBTQ+ identity support
Life transitions and adjustment
Self-esteem and identity development
Family and relationship challenges
Academic stress and perfectionism
Therapy Style
Destina creates a warm, authentic space where clients feel heard and respected. Her approach is:
Evidence-based and trauma-informed
Collaborative and client-centered
Strength-based and empowering
Flexible to each client’s needs
Her goal isn’t to “fix” you it’s to help you understand yourself, build skills, and recognize your own resilience.
MY IMPACT
Making a Difference: Results & Community Impact
Client Progress: Clients who work with me often notice meaningful shifts over time, including:
Feeling less overwhelmed by anxiety and overthinking
A stronger ability to set boundaries without guilt
Increased self-understanding and emotional clarity
Improved confidence in relationships and decision-making
Feeling less responsible for managing others’ emotions
Greater ease navigating transitions such as college, adulthood, or changing family dynamics
Real Impact
Academic Success: Better focus, grades, and college transitions
Relationship Improvement: Stronger family and peer connections
Evidence-Based Excellence - Proven, research-backed approaches.
Mental Health Gains: Reduced anxiety and depression, improved emotional regulation, decreased self-harm behaviors
Life Skills Development: Coping strategies, resilience, self-advocacy, and clarity of identity and goals
Every client’s experience is unique, and therapy focuses on lasting, meaningful change at a pace that feels safe and sustainable.
MY COMMITMENT TO YOU
What You Can Expect from Working with Me
My Promise:
Respect & Dignity: You are the expert on your life; I listen without judgment.
Professional Excellence: Evidence-based therapy from a licensed, experienced counselor.
Genuine Care: Your wellbeing is my top priority.
Transparency: Clear about costs, approaches, and what to expect.
Confidentiality: Your privacy and trust are protected.
Accessibility: Flexible scheduling, virtual options.
What I Ask of You:
Active Participation: Engage in sessions and practice skills between visits.
Open Communication: Share concerns, discomfort, or questions.
Patience with the Process: Healing takes time trust the journey.
Respect Boundaries: Honor appointment times and professional guidelines.
Cultural Humility: I commit to learning from your unique experiences.
Responsiveness: Prompt communication and support between sessions when needed.
Get Started with Confidence Today!
Start with a free 15-minute consultation call to see if we’re a good fit, followed by completing a quick online intake form that takes about 15–20 minutes. Next, you’ll have your first 50-minute session, where we conduct an assessment and create a personalized treatment plan. After that, you can begin therapy, build essential skills, and work toward achieving your goals.
