About Unwilted Counseling
DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE
Meet Destina, LMHC - Teen & Young Adult Therapist in Fort Wayne, IN
I'm Destina, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) specializing in teen and young adult therapy in Fort Wayne, Indiana. At Unwilted Counseling, I help clients navigate life's most challenging moments, build lasting coping skills, and rediscover their inner strength through evidence-based, trauma-informed care.
MY STORY
Why I Founded Unwilted Counseling
My path into counseling began in 2022, working as a counseling intern supporting teens and young adults. Early in my career, I noticed a clear gap in care: many therapists treat every age group, but few focus specifically on the developmental and emotional needs unique to adolescents and emerging adults.
After graduating in 2023, I began practicing full-time as a mental health counselor. I saw firsthand how powerful it is when young people feel genuinely seen and understood, rather than dismissed as "just going through a phase." In 2024, I founded Unwilted Counseling, LLC, a practice built on the belief that healing happens through safety, understanding, and room to grow.
Today, I primarily support teens and young adults who feel overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck, helping them break unhelpful patterns through individual therapy 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.
Where I Practice
Unwilted Counseling offers in-person and virtual therapy for teens and young adults in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and virtually across the state. Through the Counseling Compact, secure telehealth services are also available to residents of Ohio.
Ohio Counseling Compact Privilege Number: LPC-OH-1439 (Issued June 9, 2026)
Whether you're facing anxiety or depression, trauma, or a major life transition, therapy provides a supportive space for healing, growth, and lasting change.
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 the coping skills, healthy relationships, and meaningful futures they deserve.
Core Values:
Youth-Centered Care: Therapy tailored specifically 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: An affirming space for all identities and backgrounds
Empowerment & Strength-Focused: Building on your existing strengths
Confidentiality & Privacy: Your trust is always protected
Accessibility & Flexibility: Flexible scheduling and virtual sessions
WHO I SERVE
Teens & Young Adults in Fort Wayne and Beyond
Teens (13–17): Support for school stress, friendships, family challenges, identity development, anxiety, or depression.
Young Adults (18–25): Guidance through college, careers, relationships, and major life transitions, with clarity and confidence.
I Often Support:
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High-achieving students facing perfectionism or burnout (executive function & motivation therapy)
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LGBTQ+ youth exploring identity (self-esteem & identity counseling)
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College students managing stress (life transition counseling)
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Teens and young adults healing from trauma (trauma therapy)
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Individuals experiencing anxiety or depression (anxiety & depression therapy)
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Teens navigating impulsivity or emotional overwhelm (teen impulsivity therapy and emotion regulation counseling)
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Clients with ADHD or executive functioning challenges (ADHD & executive function therapy)
Inclusive & Affirming Care: Unwilted Counseling is LGBTQ+ affirming, culturally responsive, neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed, body-positive, and committed to accessible mental health care for all.
APPROACH & PHILOSOPHY
How I Help: My Therapeutic Philosophy
The Unwilted Method: Combines evidence-based therapy with genuine human connection. Healing happens when three things come together:
A Safe Relationship - A supportive, trusting space where you feel heard, respected, and understood.
A Proven Therapy Approach - A trauma-informed, relational approach drawing from EMDR, IFS-informed work, emotion-focused therapy, and psychodynamic therapy, tailored to your needs.
Your Active Participation - Therapy is collaborative; together we 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 life stage.
Authentic & Judgment-Free - 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 existing strengths and resilience to help you 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), State of Indiana
EMDR Trained
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
Member, National Board for Certified Counselors
Destina has supported teens and young adults since 2019 through community mental health and social service settings, later becoming a fully licensed counselor in Indiana.
Areas of Specialization
LGBTQ+ identity support
Academic stress and perfectionism (ADHD & executive function therapy)
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 individual needs
Her goal isn't to "fix" you - it's to help you understand yourself, build lasting skills, and recognize your own resilience.
MY IMPACT
Making a Difference: Results & Community Impact
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 shifting family dynamics
Real Impact by Category
Academic Success: Better focus, improved grades, smoother college transitions
Relationship Improvement: Stronger family and peer connections (relationship counseling)
Mental Health Gains: Reduced anxiety and depression, improved emotional regulation, decreased self-harm behaviors
Life Skills Development: Coping strategies, resilience, self-advocacy, clarity of identity and goals
Every client's experience is unique. 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 own 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 communication about costs, approaches, and what to expect.
Confidentiality - Your privacy and trust are always protected.
Accessibility - Flexible scheduling and virtual session 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 for 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.
QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT HAVE
Frequently Asked Questions
Destina is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Indiana and the founder of Unwilted Counseling, LLC. She specializes in trauma-informed therapy for teens (13–17) and young adults (18–25) and is EMDR trained.
Unwilted Counseling exclusively serves teens ages 13–17 and young adults ages 18–25, rather than offering general all-ages therapy. Learn more about teen & young adult counseling.
Unwilted Counseling is located at 3514 Stellhorn Rd., Fort Wayne, IN 46815, offering in-person sessions locally and virtual therapy across Indiana.
Yes. Through the Counseling Compact, Destina holds an Ohio telehealth privilege (LPC-OH-1439, issued June 9, 2026) and can provide secure virtual therapy to Ohio residents. See virtual therapy details.
Destina uses a trauma-informed, relational approach drawing from EMDR, IFS-informed work, emotion-focused therapy, and psychodynamic therapy, tailored to each client's needs.
Specialties include anxiety and panic, depression and mood disorders, trauma and PTSD, LGBTQ+ identity support, life transitions, self-esteem and identity development, and family/relationship challenges.
Getting started begins with a free 15-minute consultation call, followed by a short online intake form and a first 50-minute assessment session where a personalized treatment plan is created. Schedule a free consultation.
Good Faith Estimate: Clients paying privately have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate explaining expected costs of care. You may request this prior to scheduling.
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.
