Patricia Zander, MA,RMHCI
Hi, I’m Patricia…
I work with women in Florida who are tired of overdoing, overthinking, and overgiving; blending grounded talk therapy with EMDR and body-based work.
My style is warm, honest, and collaborative. I pay attention to the relationship we build because healing doesn’t happen through advice, it happens through safe, steady connection and meaningful change over time.
My goal is to help you feel more steady in your body, clearer in your choices, and more honest in your relationships…
Without losing your kindness.
What I believe about healing
I believe healing is less about “becoming a new you” and more about returning to what’s true…
The parts of you that have been quieted by pressure, caretaking, fear, or constant self-monitoring deserve attention, not criticism.
A lot of our work involves noticing the roles you’ve been living in and loosening what no longer fits. Not to blow up your life, but to make it more honest and more whole.
How I work
I blend:
talk therapy to gain clarity, meaning, and practical change
EMDR for when you’re stuck in old reactions
body-based work, because your body is part of your story
And we’ll pay attention to relationships; familial, romantic, platonic, work, and the relationship you have with yourself… because that’s where patterns tend to show themselves most clearly.
What you can expect from me
Steady presence, clear language, and a pace that respects your nervous system that involve practical steps that suit your lifestyle.
What Others Have to Say
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Patricia is a compassionate, intelligent, authentic therapist. Creative and driven, she stays current with evidence-based practices and is dedicated to her clients' well-being. A truly caring and knowledgable professional that helps clients grow.
Gertie Mallard-Teal, Counselor, MS, LMHC, C-DBT
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Patricia embodies deep wisdom and takes a holistic, integrative approach to therapy. She fosters radical self-compassion and creates a healing space rooted in understanding rather than pathologizing.
Shaundra McGuire, Counselor, MA, Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern
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Patricia is a trustworthy colleague and clinician. She is warm, friendly, compassionate, and educated which shows in her work with her clients.
Julia Monte, Counselor, MA, LMHC
Request a Free 15-Minute Phone Consultation
patricia@zanderpsychotherapy.com
(317) 516-7531
475 Central Ave, STE 300B
St. Petersburg, FL, 33701
FAQ’s
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Our first session, known as the intake session, is 90 minutes and $225. Every 50-minute weekly session after the initial intake is $150. I do reserve some spots on my caseload for sliding scale fees, we can discuss your needs during our consultation call.
I know starting therapy is both an emotional and financial investment, and it’s completely normal to have mixed feelings about that. My goal is to make sure you feel that the time and space we create together are truly valuable; a place where you can grow, find clarity, and build lasting change.
Therapy isn’t just about problem-solving; it’s about building a supportive, consistent relationship that helps you feel understood and capable in new ways. I’m happy to talk through any questions you have about cost, frequency, or what this process might look like for you. We’ll always make decisions together, with your comfort and needs in mind.
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Many specialty providers, myself included, do not participate in insurance plans. Things can get a bit tricky with privacy, confidentiality, and flexibility when insurance gets involved. Insurance companies also require a written and recorded diagnosis which will stay with your file forever, and has the potential to raise your premiums.
However, if you’d like to use your benefits, there are some ways we can still work together:
I accept FSA/HSA cards as forms of payment
You can check your out of network benefits by calling your insurance provider at the number on the back of your insurance card to see what your reimbursement rates would be
I can provide you with a receipt to submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement
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I will provide you with a receipt known as a superbill on the first day of each month that you can provide to your insurance provider for reimbursement. Best practice is to call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask the following questions:
Do I have out-of-network outpatient mental health coverage? Am I able to use these benefits for telehealth?
What is my out-of-network deductible?
How much of my deductible has been met this year?
Do I need a referral from an in-network provider to see someone out-of-network?
What percentage of outpatient psychotherapy sessions are covered per session?
How do I submit claim forms for reimbursement?
How long does it take for me to receive reimbursement?
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There’s no set timeline for therapy because everyone’s journey looks a little different. The pace of healing depends on many things like: what brought you here, what’s happening in your life outside of sessions, and the kinds of support you already have around you.
Some people find that a few months of weekly sessions help them feel more grounded and confident, while others choose to continue for a year or longer as they keep growing and deepening their self-understanding. There’s no “right” length of time, it’s really about what feels most supportive and sustainable for you.
We’ll talk openly about your goals and progress along the way, so you’ll always have a clear sense of where you are in the process. When you reach a place where things feel more settled and you’re ready to take what you’ve learned into daily life, we’ll decide together how to wrap up. That ending is a meaningful part of therapy too, it’s a time to reflect, celebrate growth, and make sure you feel equipped moving forward.
My goal is for therapy to feel like something you choose because it’s helpful, not something you’re stuck in. We’ll move at a pace that feels steady, intentional, and truly yours.
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In the beginning, sessions are usually held once a week. Meeting regularly helps us build a solid connection and create the consistency that makes therapy effective. It gives us space to really get to know each other and to stay connected as you begin to notice changes and patterns in your life.
That said, therapy isn’t “one-size-fits-all.” Some weeks may feel heavier or more emotional, while others might be quieter or more reflective. Both are normal and valuable parts of the process. If weekly sessions ever start to feel like too much, we’ll talk about it together. The goal is always to find a rhythm that feels supportive, not stressful.
Over time, after about 4-6 months, as you begin to feel more grounded and confident, we may decide together to meet less often, perhaps every other week or monthly, until you feel ready to wrap up. We’ll move through those transitions intentionally and at a pace that feels right for you.
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At this time, I’m only offering virtual sessions to clients throughout Florida. I know online therapy can feel a little unfamiliar at first. Some people wonder if it will feel the same as meeting in person or if it might be harder to connect. What most clients find, though, is that once we settle in, it feels surprisingly natural and personal.
Meeting virtually allows you to join from a space where you feel comfortable; your couch, a quiet corner, even your parked car between commitments. It removes travel time, makes scheduling easier, and gives you more freedom to fit therapy into your real life.
What matters most isn’t the physical setting, but the sense of connection we build together. My focus is on creating a space that feels safe, warm, and genuinely supportive, even through a screen. Many clients actually find it easier to open up from the comfort of their own environment, which can make our work together even more meaningful.
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In most cases, I don’t provide formal diagnoses unless it’s truly necessary. For example, if you need one for certain resources, referrals, or a higher level of care. My goal is to understand you as a whole person, not to define you by a label.
I know that the idea of being “diagnosed” can feel uncomfortable or even scary for some people. You might worry it means something is “wrong” with you, but that’s not how I see it. I believe many of the patterns or responses we develop are actually creative ways we’ve learned to cope with difficult experiences. In our work together, we’ll explore those patterns with curiosity and compassion, not judgment.
If at any point a diagnosis could be helpful for your care or access to services, we’ll talk about it openly and decide together what feels best. My focus is always on understanding your unique story and supporting your healing in a way that feels safe and empowering.