Tampa Therapist Specializing in Women's Mental Health, Chronic Illness & Life Transitions
Annie Mowbray, MA
Specialized training in treating invisible disabilities, chronic health conditions, and family adjustment to disability
Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern
About Annie
Annie is dedicated to supporting women through life's challenges. Understanding the vulnerability of seeking help, Annie prioritizes creating a safe, non-judgmental space for open dialogue and genuine connection. With a person-centered philosophy, she meets clients exactly where they are, guiding them step by step toward healing and personal growth. Her approach is authentic, empathetic, and tailored to each individual.
Credentials & Education
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern — Florida | License #IMH28330
M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling and Disability Sciences from the University of South Florida
Trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) & Gestalt Therapy
Specialized knowledge in chronic illness, invisible disabilities, and health-related psychological support
Video Introduction
Who Annie Supports
Annie works with:
Women navigating life transitions — career changes, relationship shifts, identity exploration, motherhood, or major life adjustments
Individuals living with chronic illness or invisible disabilities — addressing the psychological and emotional impact of chronic pain, autoimmune conditions, or health challenges
Adults experiencing anxiety and depression — managing worry, low mood, and emotional overwhelm
Individuals processing trauma — healing from past experiences impacting current functioning and relationships
Loved ones supporting family members with disabilities — navigating caregiver stress, adjustment, and family dynamics
Women working through relationship challenges — improving communication, setting boundaries, and building healthier connections
Tampa clients value Annie's authentic, non-judgmental approach and her unique understanding of the challenges faced by women and individuals living with chronic health conditions.
Annie’s Approach to Therapy
Annie integrates person-centered, trauma-informed care with evidence-based modalities. Her sessions are compassionate, collaborative, and focused on meeting clients where they are while supporting meaningful growth.
She focuses on:
Creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel heard, validated, and empowered to explore their experiences
Using person-centered therapy to honor each client's autonomy, wisdom, and capacity for self-actualization
Addressing thought patterns and behaviors with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to improve emotional regulation and reduce distress
Emphasizing present-moment awareness through Gestalt therapy—focusing on personal responsibility and the here-and-now experience
Providing trauma-informed care that recognizes how past experiences shape current responses and relationships
Annie believes in guiding clients step by step, honoring their pace, and empowering them to discover their own paths toward healing and growth.
What Annie Helps Clients With
Annie supports Tampa clients experiencing:
Life transitions and adjustment challenges
Chronic illness and invisible disabilities
Anxiety and panic
Trauma and PTSD
Interpersonal relationship difficulties
Women's mental health concerns
Caregiver stress and family adjustment to disability
Body image and self-esteem struggles
Annie’s Background & Training
Annie brings diverse experience working with clients of all ages and backgrounds across various therapeutic settings.
Her professional experience includes:
Providing specialized care for individuals with chronic illnesses, invisible disabilities, and health concerns
Working with eating disorders and disordered eating
Supporting families navigating disability and chronic illness
Her advanced training includes:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for anxiety, depression, and behavioral change
Gestalt Therapy emphasizing present-moment awareness and personal responsibility
Trauma-Informed Care ensuring safety and sensitivity for diverse populations
Person-Centered Therapy creating non-directive, compassionate therapeutic relationships
A Message From Annie
"Seeking help takes courage, and I want you to know that this is a space where you can show up exactly as you are—without judgment, without pressure. Whether you're navigating chronic illness, working through a difficult transition, or simply trying to feel more like yourself, I'm here to walk alongside you at your pace."
Ready to work with Annie?
We invite you to schedule a FREE CONSULTATION with us to begin your healing journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is person-centered therapy and how is it different from other approaches?
Person-centered therapy (also called client-centered or Rogerian therapy) is an approach where the client leads the conversation and the therapist acts as a compassionate facilitator. Unlike CBT, which focuses on changing thoughts and behaviors, or psychodynamic therapy, person-centered therapy trusts that you have the answers within yourself and creates the conditions for you to discover them. The therapist provides unconditional positive regard and empathy, allowing you to explore your experiences without judgment or an agenda. This approach is particularly effective for people seeking self-discovery, autonomy, and personal growth.
How does therapy help with chronic illness or invisible disabilities?
Chronic illness and invisible disabilities create psychological and emotional challenges that often go unaddressed, such as grief over lost abilities, identity shifts, isolation, medical trauma, frustration with being misunderstood, and the constant stress of managing symptoms. Therapy provides a space to process these experiences, develop coping strategies for pain and fatigue, address anxiety and depression related to health challenges, and rebuild a sense of identity and purpose beyond illness.
What's the difference between eating disorders and disordered eating?
Eating disorders (like anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder) are diagnosable mental health conditions with specific clinical criteria. Disordered eating refers to a broader range of irregular eating behaviors that may not meet diagnostic thresholds but still cause distress, restrictive eating, obsessive calorie counting, using food to cope with emotions, chronic dieting, or negative body image impacting daily life. Both deserve therapeutic support. Therapy addresses the underlying emotional, psychological, and relational factors driving unhealthy relationships with food and body image.
Can therapy help if I'm not sure whether to leave a relationship or stay?
Yes. Therapy can provide clarity when you're feeling stuck in relationship ambivalence. Rather than telling you what to do, person-centered and Gestalt approaches help you explore what you truly want, what's keeping you stuck, what fears or beliefs are influencing your decision, and what a healthy relationship looks like for you. The goal isn't to push you toward a decision but to help you access your own wisdom and make a choice that aligns with your values and wellbeing.
Do you work with family members or caregivers of people with disabilities?
Yes. Supporting a loved one with a chronic illness or disability creates unique emotional, relational, and practical challenges, caregiver burnout, grief over changed family dynamics, navigating medical systems, balancing care responsibilities with personal needs, and managing guilt or resentment. Annie provides support for family members and caregivers, helping them process these experiences, develop healthy boundaries, and find sustainable ways to care for themselves while supporting their loved one.
How does Gestalt therapy work?
Gestalt therapy focuses on present-moment awareness, personal responsibility, and the whole person (mind, body, emotions, environment). Rather than analyzing the past or planning the future, Gestalt emphasizes what's happening right now, your thoughts, feelings, body sensations, and patterns. Techniques might include exploring "unfinished business," noticing how you avoid certain emotions, or using creative exercises to increase self-awareness. The goal is to help you become more aware of how you're showing up in life and make conscious choices rather than operating on autopilot.