Dr. Bia Lima is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Child Centered Play Therapist in Destin, FL, who specializes in children, teenagers, individuals, couples, and families. She has a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision; a Masters in Psychology, Development, and Education; a Specialist Degree in Clinical Psychology; and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. She has served as a psychologist/counselor in schools, hospitals, child protective services, women’s centers, and non-profit organizations. This broad range of experience is the product of Dr. Lima’s passion for serving in clinical counseling, helping others, and growing professionally.

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Dr. Bia is an empathic, caring, and non-directive therapist. She believes that every person is constantly making choices, taking responsibility, and giving meaning to what happens in their lives. Dr. Lima believes that, when receiving the right kind of support and space to process feelings and emotions, everyone has the potential of overcoming difficulties and growing as a person.

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Dr. Lima has conducted several research studies in the psychology/counseling field, some of which were presented at local, national and international conferences. She is the author of published articles and research studies and has presented papers and lead workshops in various settings in the United States, Brazil, and Spain. Her most recently presentation was at the Catholic Psychotherapy Association Conference in California in 2021. Dr. Lima has taught Master’s level courses in Counseling programs at Virginia Tech, Radford University, and Houston Graduate School of Theology, and supervised the clinical work of counselors in training in both the school and mental health tracks.

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In addition to her more than 15 years of experience in the counseling field, Dr. Lima is a full-time mother, learning to balance her two passions of family and work. For a few years Dr. Lima also juggled the challenges and joys of being a military wife, moving across the country with her family and adjusting to new beginnings. She now resides indefinitely in Florida. She has a loving husband and five children in ages from 5-13 years old. She likes to say that her calling is not only to help other children, individuals, and families overcome difficulties and experience growth, but also to be a good mother and wife – by serving, loving, supporting, and enjoying her loved ones at home. Besides soccer games, church events, and piano/band recitals, Dr. Lima and her family also enjoy hikes, family trips, going to the beach, and having game/movie nights at home. 

 

She is fluent in three languages and can offer therapy in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

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Dr. Lima in licensed in Texas and in Florida and can offer services in both states.

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