Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) | Adolescents, Adults, & Families

Hi, I’m Jodi McKinniss, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to helping adolescents, adults, and families navigate life’s challenges, transitions, and emotional struggles. I specialize in supporting clients who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about how to move forward and want to create meaningful, lasting change in their lives.

I am intensively trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and utilize an integrative, client-centered approach tailored to each individual’s unique needs and goals. My work focuses on helping clients better understand their emotions, strengthen relationships, build effective coping skills, and develop practical strategies for managing life’s difficulties. Together, we work to identify personal values, clarify goals, and create sustainable changes that lead to greater fulfillment and well-being.

My Education

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida Atlantic University and my Master of Social Work degree from the University of West Florida.

Before becoming a therapist, I spent nearly 20 years as a high school science and mathematics teacher. Throughout my career in education, I was continually drawn to the meaningful relationships I built with students and families. I found great fulfillment in helping people better understand themselves, overcome obstacles, and develop new ways of approaching challenges. Those experiences not only shaped my understanding of human growth and resilience but ultimately inspired my transition into the mental health field.

What Led Me to Become a Therapist?

What led me to become a therapist was witnessing how often people struggled not because they lacked insight, but because they had difficulty translating awareness into action. I frequently observed students, parents, and families misunderstanding one another despite having the best intentions. I became passionate about helping people make sense of their emotions, recognize patterns in their behaviors, and communicate in ways that foster understanding and connection.

I found that when people are given the right tools and support, they are capable of making remarkable changes in their lives. Helping others bridge the gap between knowing what they want and learning how to achieve it continues to be one of the most rewarding aspects of my work as a therapist. 

A Little About Me

I grew up in Ohio and moved to Florida in 1998. I am married and share my home with a dog and two cats. I’m currently working toward having my dog  Lyric trained as a therapy dog, which combines two things I care deeply about—animals and emotional healing.  Fun fact, my husband and I  named her after the love we have for music and writing lyrics and lyrical poetry.

When I’m not working, I enjoy traveling with my husband, listening to audiobooks, spending time with family and friends, and tackling complex LEGO builds. These activities help me stay grounded, curious, and connected to the importance of balance and enjoyment in everyday life.

What Can You Expect From Our Sessions?

During our first session, my goal is to get to know you, understand what brings you to therapy, and learn what you hope to gain from the therapeutic process. Finding the right therapeutic fit is important, and I view therapy as a collaborative partnership built on trust, respect, and open communication.

I strive to create a supportive, nonjudgmental, and authentic environment where clients feel safe to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. At the same time, I believe growth often requires us to step outside our comfort zones. My role is to help you develop insight, learn practical skills, and challenge unhelpful patterns so that you can live more intentionally, build stronger relationships, and move toward the life you want to create.

Whether you are facing anxiety, emotional overwhelm, relationship difficulties, life transitions, or simply seeking greater self-understanding, I look forward to supporting you on your journey toward growth and healing.