Lisa Saponaro is licensed by the state of Florida as a clinical psychologist (PY7494). She provides individual, couples and family psychotherapy as well as psychological testing in her private practice. She has worked in private practice since 2004 and maintains her own practice in her hometown of Plantation, Florida.

Dr. Saponaro has worked in the field of mental health for more than a decade and holds a doctorate degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Memphis and a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. In addition to her work in private practice, she serves as an adjunct faculty member at Nova Southeastern University teaching master’s students in the mental health field. She also runs the guidance program at St. Bernadette Catholic School, consults with local school and community mental health agencies, and provides psychological testing and counseling services to several government organizations.

Dr. Saponaro works with a wide variety of presenting issues. Her areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, trauma resolution, substance abuse, parenting, family issues, child behavior and emotional problems, LGBTQ issues, career development, ADHD, and diagnostics and testing.

Dr. Saponaro has presented at national conferences and to general audiences on topics including women and substance abuse, teen pregnancy prevention, HIV risk and counseling approaches, Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficit Disorder, family strengthening, evidence-based treatment approaches, and positive psychology.

Dr. Saponaro utilizes a variety of treatment approaches when working with patients. She takes time to get to know each patient and understand their unique strengths and weakness as part of a thorough treatment planning process which is collaborative in nature. Dr. Saponaro relies on research to drive her clinical choices and works with each client to help them achieve their treatment goals. She is supportive and provides useful feedback which helps clients to see change and resolve long-standing patterns of dysfunction. She incorporates cognitive-behavioral approaches along with existential and humanistic perspectives to provide well-rounded care to each client. By facilitating an understanding and supportive environment, Dr. Saponaro helps clients identify their strengths, overcome obstacles in their path, and reach their potential for personal growth.

Education

• 2002, Doctor of Philosophy, Counseling Psychology, University of Memphis
• 1997, Master’s of Science, Mental Health Counseling, Nova Southeastern University
• 1994, Bachelor of Arts, Major – Religion, University of Florida

Additional Training

• Family Mediation

License, Certifications & Awards

• CPR/First Aid

Professional Activities and Memberships

• APA Member since 1997
• Council for the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology