About Adam Woodard | Licensed LMFT & LMHC in Pinellas County
Licensure & Education
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Dual-Licensed: Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) & Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) — Florida
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University of Florida: Master of Science (M.S.) & Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Marriage and Family Therapy
Clinical Specialized Training
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Certified Clinical Adventure Therapist (CCAT): Specialized credential in experiential and nature-based therapy (2023–2026).
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UF Center for OCD, Anxiety, & Related Disorders (COARD): Advanced training in Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD.
The Philosophy Behind the Practice.
You are the expert on your life; I am the guide for your journey.
I believe that therapy is a collaborative and values-driven process. My role isn’t to provide the answers, but to offer the framework, perspective, and support you need to discover them for yourself. My philosophy is simple: We do what works, and we stop doing what doesn’t.
My path as a therapist has taken me from high-intensity clinical environments to the most serene natural settings.
I began my career at the UF Health Psychiatric Hospital, working in their Baker Act receiving facility with individuals at their most vulnerable moments. This experience taught me how to stay grounded in a crisis and how to find the path forward when things feel most dire. I further specialized my clinical skills through advanced training at the UF Center for OCD, Anxiety, & Related Disorders (COARD), one of the nation's premier centers for Exposure Response Prevention (ERP).
Today, I balance that clinical foundation with my work as an adjunct professor for Prescott College and the University of Tampa, where I help train the next generation of mental health professionals.
While the majority of my work takes place in a traditional office setting, I believe in the power of stepping beyond the four walls.
For clients who feel "stuck" or find a couch limiting, I offer Adventure Therapy—using the natural beauty of Florida’s trails and waterways as a dynamic space to break through stagnation and build real-time resilience. Whether we are in the office or on the trail, my approach is Systemic and Solution-Focused.
Success in therapy means you no longer need me.
We look at the patterns and relationships of your entire life to find what is actually functional. We use your personal values as a compass to establish healthy boundaries and new ways to confront challenges. Ultimately, my job is to work myself out of a job. I am honored to help my clients gain the tools they need to face their daily lives with confidence, long after our final session.
Academic Appointments
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Adjunct Professor: University of Tampa
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Adjunct Professor: Prescott College
Beyond the Office
While my professional life is dedicated to the 'in-between' moments of others, my personal life is where I find my own balance. I believe that to be an effective guide, I must stay connected to the same principles of curiosity and movement that I recommend to my clients.
Where you’ll find me:
When I’m not in the office or the classroom, I am usually leaning into the same 'adventure therapy' I value in my practice. I am an avid traveler and hiker, always looking for the next trail or coastal landscape to explore. Locally, you’ll find me kayaking the Weedon Island Mangrove Trail, finding a quiet spot to fish along the Bay, or enjoying our beautiful Gulf Beaches.
The Creative Process:
As a professional artist, I’ve always found that the act of creating—whether through painting, drawing, photography, or writing—is the best way to break through 'stuck' moments. My background in Philosophy deeply informs how I see the world; I don’t just see a diagnosis, I see a complex, evolving story. I bring this same appreciation for perspective and the 'real world' into our sessions.
The Educator's Edge:
Sharing the latest research and clinical theories with my students at The University of Tampa and Prescott College keeps my approach sharp and evidence-based. It allows me to bridge the gap between high-level academic theory and the practical, 'do what works' reality of our sessions.
Why I Pursued Therapy:
I didn’t always know I wanted to be a therapist. After completing two degrees at USF, I found myself searching for a path that utilized my natural knack for helping people while providing the deep fulfillment I knew I needed. At the time, nothing seemed to fit quite right: Psychology felt too cold, Sociology too opinionated, and Philosophy felt like a dead-end.
Seeking a way to help, I initially explored school counseling. I even built my own internship at Jesuit High School’s counseling center and worked in after-school programs. While that experience taught me that the school system wasn't my final destination, it led me to the world of Marriage and Family Therapy.
My drive for this profession was personal. Seeing so many people I love deeply impacted by divorce sparked a desire to understand the 'system' of relationships. As I worked through my advanced degrees, I discovered a parallel passion for individual, one-on-one work.
Several years later, I can confidently say I’ve found the perfect fit. People often ask me what the best part of this work is. For me, it’s that 'ah-ha' moment—that second of clarity when a client sees a new path forward. I still get goosebumps every single time.
