Lovely Aristilde, Ed.S., Registered Mental Health Intern

Education:

Graduated from the University of Florida with a Master’s and Specialist degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.

At a Glance:

Come find out in person! I’m happy to answer any questions you

have.

Why did you become a therapist? 

I like to joke that I became a counselor due to the “butterfly” effect. I

took a psychology class in high school that opened my eyes to a

whole new world. In undergrad, I realized mental health impacts so

many other aspects of our lives. When we take the time to address

our mental well-being the same way we address different aspects of

our health, we work towards holistic wellness. Being from a

Caribbean background, mental health wasn’t something we talked

about, let alone addressed, which is something I hope to change over

time.

What can a client expect to experience in session with you? 

When working with me, clients can expect to be able to bring in all the

different parts of their identity and the freedom to show up in their

most authentic selves free of judgment. Clients can expect me to be

warm and curious and for me to use an artistic metaphor or silly joke

from time to time. I tend to work from a systems lens that values

looking at the whole picture to get the most context. I’m here to hear

your story and walk alongside you towards the ending you want.

If you could be the therapist to one celebrity, who would it be? 

Probably a musician of some sort. I love listening to music and think it

can be healing in so many different ways. From listening to great

songs, creating your own music, or even just having a dance party,

there are such ways that music can be used as part of your healing

journey.

How do you spend your free time? 

When I’m not at work or class, I spend a large chunk of my time being

a dog mom to my terrier mix, Casper! Together we love to go on nice

long walks and watch tv series. I also love to spend time with loved

ones, explore the town, create art, play video games, and

rollerskating.

What's your favorite quirk about yourself? 

Probably how connected to my inner child I am. I love showing up

authentically and doing things that make me happy.

What does social justice mean to you? 

To me, social justice means intentionally working towards challenging

and disrupting systematic harm. It means curating spaces that

promote safety and equality for the traditionally disenfranchised—at

the same time, supporting individuals from these communities to

move into positions of empowerment. It is a lifelong commitment that

will look different from person to person.

How do you believe change happens?

Change happens with time. It’s often unavoidable but happens best in

places of safety and community. When people have a support system

that they can lean on as needed, they’re able to take chances while

working towards getting what they need.