Welcome to my practice! I’m Dr. Ari Bendit, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in the beautiful state of Florida. I’m here to guide you in relating to yourself with compassion, identifying unhelpful patterns, and dismantling limiting beliefs that hold you back from living your best life.
My mission is to create a safe and collaborative space where you can reclaim your authenticity and express yourself freely and without fear. I believe in empowering my clients with practical tools and strategies that extend beyond our sessions.
I work with preteens, teenagers, and adults, offering support and guidance for a wide range of concerns. My expertise shines in my work with anxiety-related concerns, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), self-esteem issues, and particularly, in assisting gifted and high-achieving individuals in their journey to wellbeing. I invite you to explore how my expertise aligns with your distinct needs.
Beyond Therapy
Outside of my therapeutic endeavors, I find immense joy in the company of my family and loyal canine companions. I often gravitate towards the beach, enjoy experimenting with new culinary recipes, or delving into the pages of a captivating book. As an alum of the University of Florida, I am loyal to Gator football.
My Professional Background
I bring over a decade of counseling expertise, gained through diverse experiences across various settings. These include intensive Anxiety and OCD clinics, community-based centers, and K-12 schools. Before establishing my private practice, I dedicated six years to providing therapy to FAU High School and college students at FAU’s Counseling Center. Additionally, I completed a year-long postdoctoral fellowship with FAU’s Counselor Education Program and I am currently an Assistant Professor in the Clinical Mental Health Program at Capella University.
I hold both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Florida. My academic pursuits culminated in a Ph.D. in Counseling from Florida Atlantic University (FAU), where my research was dedicated to nurturing the social-emotional development and mental health of high-achieving and gifted students in accelerated curriculum. My studies also delved into areas like perfectionism, self-compassion, and the art of seeking help.
Therapeutic Approach
My therapeutic philosophy thrives on the relational. It is a warm, empathetic, and inviting approach, aimed at fostering an inclusive environment where individuals from all backgrounds, cultures, and identities feel welcome and respected. Your wellbeing is not just a professional commitment for me, but a genuine personal concern. I deeply value the courage it takes to seek therapy, and I’m committed to providing you with the support and understanding you deserve.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Relational Cultural Therapy
- Compassion Focused
- Exposure Response Prevention
- Strength-Based
- Interpersonal