As a mental health therapist licensed in Florida and New Jersey, my path into counseling began with a deep desire to understand people. Growing up, I witnessed the emotional impact of anxiety, depression, and communication breakdowns within my own family. I often took on the role of confidante and helper—while not always healthy—showed me just how much I cared about helping others. By high school, I knew I wanted to major in psychology.
About
Why I Became a Therapist
My Personal Journey Into Counseling
During my graduate training, I experienced firsthand how transformative therapy can be. It helped me understand how early experiences shaped my identity—and that I had the power to make different choices. I also attended a graduate program that integrated Christian counseling into the master’s curriculum, which deepened my ability to support clients who want faith woven into their counseling journey. That clarity shaped not only my personal growth but also my approach as a therapist: empathetic, insight-driven, and action-oriented.
Hilary Akman, LPC, LMHC
- Florida-Licensed Mental Health Counselor #MH16126
- New Jersey-Licensed Professional Counselor #37PC00285700
- Master’s Degree in Counseling (graduate program with integrated Christian counseling training)
- Certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- ADHD Clinical Services Provider (CCSP)
- Member of National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists (NACBT)
- Christian counselor in my church’s counseling ministry
I believe in a whole-person approach to therapy. Your mind, body, and spirit are all impacted by the changes we can make together. When we talk about creating a healthy life, I truly want to consider your emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being because without health in all of these areas, you may not feel like you’re standing on solid ground. Think of the mind, body, and spirit connection as a three-legged table. If one of the legs has a crack, the others take on added pressure. This shift impacts the stability of the entire table. Even if it still looks pretty sturdy from the outside, setting down one more book on that table may cause the whole thing to topple. Through a whole-person approach to therapy, we can work together to develop strong spiritual, emotional, and physical health to support you.
Who I Help
I provide therapy for adolescents and adults in Florida and New Jersey facing anxiety, depression, and ADHD, and family conflicts.—both in-person and via secure online sessions. My approach is structured, collaborative, and results-focused. Together, we break big goals into manageable steps. Clients receive practical tools, personalized coping strategies, and helpful exercises between sessions to maintain momentum and reduce overall time in therapy.
Christian counseling can be integrated into the counseling process for those that prefer and request this approach.
My Approach
- Evidence-based practices like (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Gentle homework in between sessions to guide and solidify your progress
- Optional integration of Christian counseling, based on client preference
- Online therapy available for residents of New Jersey
- Office based or Online Counseling for residents of Florida