Practical therapy that meets you where you are.
Learn how our experience, professionalism, and values set us apart.
Meet Mary Gavin Cantillo, LMHC
Mary Gavin Cantillo is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) who specializes in working with school-aged children and their families, particularly gifted children. With over 20 years of experience working in both school and clinical settings, Mary is intimately aware of the challenges facing gifted children and their families, as well as the academic demands and social-emotional needs that may arise.
Mary began her career teaching elementary school, before receiving a Master's in Counseling Education and Mental Health from the University of South Florida in 1997. She then worked as a school counselor at various Sarasota schools over the course of 23 years, including the Pine View School for the Gifted. She holds several professional certifications in education, counseling, and more.
In 2016, Mary founded her private practice, Skills Based Counseling, using her plethora of experience to offer reliable therapy services to the Sarasota FL community. Using her knowledge as a teacher, Mary brings a unique approach to the table, melding her knowledge of instruction with prime therapeutic techniques. Since then, Mary has been making an impact on Sarasota children and families.
A practice built on collaboration & care.
We understand the joys and challenges of raising children. Balancing academic demands, extracurricular activities, household responsibilities, relationships, and unsettling times can be exhausting. We understand the toll such stress can take.
We help you and your family navigate emotional times, family changes, and school or behavioral problems in a relaxed, judgement-free, therapeutic setting. If your child is struggling with academic, emotional, or behavioral challenges—please call us today for a consultation.
Our mission is to support children, adolescents, and families by providing developmentally appropriate and evidence-based therapies to support the academic and social-emotional well-being of the individual, both at home and in school.
Extensive Experience
Over 20 years of work in school and clinical settings with clients of all ages.
Unique Approaches
We use a variety of therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and others.
Personalized Treatments
We create treatment plans tailored to each individual and according to their specific needs.
Supportive Care
Our practice is a private, judgement-free zone where we can work through your concerns together.
Helping you put the pieces in place.
Similar to our logo, we believe therapy is like putting together a puzzle: sometimes scattered, sometimes challenging, but always meaningful. In our eyes, therapy helps you make sense of different pieces so your life story feels more complete. Here's why we believe in a 'puzzle-building' approach:
Self-Understanding & Integration
Like a puzzle, each piece reflects part of who you are: thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and more. Therapy helps you examine these parts and understand how they fit together.
Uniqueness & Individual Fit
No two puzzle pieces—or people—are alike. Counseling honors your unique experiences and values, helping you find what truly fits for you.
Creating a Bigger Picture
Everything may feel disconnected now, but over time, therapy helps you recognize patterns and connect meanings. This helps you build a fuller picture of who you're becoming.
