Florence M. LaPorte is a Psychotherapist, Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC), Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC), Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS), Certified Mindfulness practitioner, Certified EMDR practitioner and Trauma Informed Care Specialist.
Florence completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Social Work at Eastern Connecticut State University. She graduated as a National scholar as a charter-member of Omicron Delta Kappa National Honor Society. She earned this distinguished honor for creating a story book that allowed children that had been physically abused to disclose abuse without coercion. Florence continued her work in this field earning her certification as a sexual assault and domestic violence counselor. She offered her services to Parole and Probation doing groups with violent offenders, which created a clearer understanding of the cycle of violence that occurs in unhealthy relationships. Florence has also coordinated PHP and IOP programs facilitating groups that consisted of the following topics; eating disorders, substance use disorders, mood disorders, recovery and sobriety, social skills, positive parenting and healthy relationships.
Florence earned her Master of Science at Southern Connecticut State University. She completed her field placement at an elementary school. Florence created a mentoring program that placed 5th grade gifted students working in teams with 6th grade learning disabled students. This program increased self-esteem in its participants and a supportive team environment of respect and understanding of differences. Florence is also a licensed soccer coach. She coached the middle school girls’ team to their championship. She also donated her time helping create and coach a soccer league in her hometown for all ages and genders to participate.
Florence changed venues in the Mental Health Field earning her LADC, AADC and CCS. She supervised Medication Assisted Treatment Programs in Rhode Island and Connecticut. She has worked in a variety of treatment settings which included; inpatient detox, Intensive Outpatient, individual therapy, and group therapy. Florence utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET), Seeking Safety, Solution Focus, Mindfulness practice, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy. Her interests and focus include working with adults, adolescents, families and co-occurring disorders.
Areas of Clinical expertise:
- Pervasive developmental disorders
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorders
- Attachment disorders
- Substance related disorders
- Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
- Mood disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorders
- Eating disorders
- Impulse control disorders
- Somatoform disorders
- Adjustment disorders
- Personality disorders
- Gender issues
“I am here to offer support to you. I will meet you on your terms and where you presently find yourself. I will offer guidance and lead you to reach your attainable goals in your treatment. I can offer you treatment models that will enhance and improve the quality of your life.”
Florence believes in the importance of therapeutic communication. A person centered technique that prioritizes the mental and the emotion well-being of her patients utilizing their experiences to strengthen themselves.
Florence is currently accepting clients at the Farmington location as well as via Telehealth Video sessions. She is a preferred in-network provider with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna and Husky. She also accepts self pay and out of network plans.