

I’m Emily Light, a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I completed my nursing and advanced practice degrees with a focus on psychiatric and mental health care, and I’ve worked with individuals across the lifespan dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders, and life transitions.
Hello! I am a licensed clinical psychologist in Florida. I specialize in working with adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder.
I am Dr. De Jesus Rivera, medical director at Self Improvement Psychiatry. We specialize in top notch, personalized, psychiatric services through telemedicine. I do a in depth evaluation without you feeling rushed. Together, we come up with a treatment plan that you feel comfortable with. We also have a HIPAA compliant texting system for easy communication and timely responses should any problems arise in between appointments.
Dr. Jeni Allissun Upton (Groot) is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Florida and co-owner of Hope in the Gale Therapeutic Healing where she provides individual and group therapy, collaborates to curate tailored wellness services, and consults on areas related to psychology and trauma. Jeni has worked in diverse settings with youth, adults, and families as a counselor supporting clients as they strive to bolster their mental health, build resilience, and find joy in life. Jeni also has a background in military and federal service. Her 13-year military career included work as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician and Special Agent with the United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations where she specialized in crimes against children and counterintelligence. Jeni also spent ten years with the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers as a Research Psychologist, Behavioral Science Division Program Manager, and Counterterrorism Division Branch Chief.
Jeni holds Associate of Arts Degrees from the Community College of the Air Force in both Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Criminal Justice, a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science, a Master of Arts in Counseling, and a PhD in International Psychology with an emphasis in Trauma Services.
I truly enjoy helping people achieve their goals for emotional well-being. Whether you are experiencing anxiety or depression, or simply struggling with motivation, I would love to help you on your journey! I have 20+ years experience working as a therapist. I am a graduate of Northern Michigan University and University of Michigan. My professional internships were completed at Marquette General Hospital Adult Inpatient Psychiatric Ward and at the University of Toledo Student Counseling Center. Following graduate school, I worked as a counselor for foster and adopted children. I also worked as a K- 8th grade school counselor. In 2002, I joined the United States Air Force, where I spent 8 years working to improve the mental health of military members and their families. While deployed, I operated a combat stress clinic and responded to emergent mental health needs of soldiers, sailors and airmen. After separating from the USAF, I have continued working as a therapist, serving adults from various backgrounds. I embrace diversity, and welcome all people!
I provide a nonjudgmental, compassionate, and confidential space where you can express yourself freely. My priority is to create an environment where you feel heard, valued, and respected. I believe therapy is not “one-size-fits-all.” I tailor my approach based on your unique needs, experiences, and goals, using evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Strategies.
Therapy is a collaborative process, and I will walk alongside you. I empower you to set the pace, make decisions, and discover solutions that work best for you. While we address challenges, I also highlight your resilience, strengths, and personal growth, helping you recognize the progress you are making along the way.
I understand that life can be overwhelming, and I will never expect perfection from you. I approach my work with authenticity, empathy, and a sense of humor when appropriate because I believe healing happens best when we can be real.
There is no "right way" to heal, and setbacks are part of growth. I am here to support you in moments of triumph as well as struggle, without pressure or unrealistic expectations. If something isn't working for you, we can adjust. Your comfort and trust in this process matter, and I encourage open communication to ensure therapy is effective and meaningful for you.
Ultimately, my goal is to help you gain clarity, build coping skills, and create a life that aligns with your values and well-being. You are not alone, and I am honored to be part of your journey.
I’m a psychiatrist who specializes in providing integrative care to foster inner discovery and facilitate tangible change for all of my patients. To me, this means utilizing evidence-based psychotherapeutic methods with medication management as appropriate for achieving personal goals and inner wellness.


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