Are You Ready to Begin Your Journey?
At Brave Guidance, we believe healing begins with safety and connection. Through a holistic and compassionate approach, we help you strengthen self-awareness, embrace change, and move forward with clarity and compassion
Start NowInsurance & Out Of Pocket Cost
Out of Pocket/Sliding Scale
$125 - $250 | Sliding scale available upon request
About BGCS
Years Of Experience:
Over 10+ Years of Experience
Therapeutic Approaches:
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavior Therapy
- EMDR
- Gottman Method
- Solution Focus Therapy
- Trauma Informed Therapy
Treatment Specialization Includes:
- Individual
- Couples
- Life Transitions
- Coaching
- Anxiety
- Depression
- General Relationship Challenges
- General Mental Health
- Marriage and Partnerships
- Trauma and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Insurance Accepted:
Empire BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, Optum (UnitedHealthCare, Oscar, Oxford, UMR)
Locations:
FL & NY - Virtual
Meet Sylvia
Sylvia N Dowers, LMHC, QS owner and operator of Brave Guidance Counseling Service. Sylvia obtained her Bachelors of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice minor in Forensic Psychology from Long Island University- CW Post and her Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Long Island University- Brooklyn. She furthered her education in Trauma Studies from the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy and is currently pursuing additional training and certification in Clinical Sexology from the Modern Sex Therapy Institutes.
She began her journey as a psychotherapist working with individuals within underserved communities and the NYC criminal justice system. She noticed the difficulty and disconnect in services for those who struggle with their mental well-being. As she searched for answers to questions surrounding the impact of trauma, quickly realizing the work had to start with her. Sylvia fell in love with the experience of processing and challenging beliefs driven by fear. She is truly passionate about growth and evolving as a person, which includes learning to cultivate compassion for yourself to overcome the barriers that stand firmly in your path.
"Be kind to yourself — it's the first step to gently moving through the obstacles in your path."
Most Commonly Treated
Depression
Depression is the number one cause of suicide in America. At Brave Guidance, we recognize how isolating and painful it can feel. Our approach focuses on building emotional awareness, re-establishing connection with self and others, and introducing practical tools for everyday healing. We work closely with clients to identify root causes and develop sustainable habits that promote long-term mental wellness.
Depression
Depression is the number one cause of suicide in America. At Brave Guidance, we recognize how isolating and painful it can feel. Our approach focuses on building emotional awareness, re-establishing connection with self and others, and introducing practical tools for everyday healing. We work closely with clients to identify root causes and develop sustainable habits that promote long-term mental wellness.
Anxiety
Anxiety can be overwhelming, often manifesting as restlessness, racing thoughts, and physical tension. Brave Guidance offers structured, supportive care to help individuals break the cycle of fear and avoidance. Through mindfulness techniques, cognitive behavioral tools, and personalized guidance, we help clients understand the underlying patterns of anxiety and empower them to reclaim a sense of calm, control, and confidence.
Trauma
Healing from trauma takes time, compassion, and a sense of safety. Whether it stems from childhood experiences, loss, abuse, or other life-altering events, trauma can deeply impact the nervous system and self-worth. At Brave Guidance, we provide a safe, judgment-free environment where individuals can begin to process and release pain. Our trauma-informed approach focuses on resilience, self-compassion, and reconnection to one’s inner strength.
Couple & Family Therapy
At Brave Guidance, we believe that strong relationships are the foundation of a fulfilling life. Our Couples and Family Therapy services are designed to help you navigate challenges, deepen your connections, and build lasting harmony within your relationships. We provide a safe and nonjudgmental space where everyone can feel heard, understood, and empowered to grow—together.
Depression
Depression is the number one cause of suicide in America. At Brave Guidance, we recognize how isolating and painful it can feel. Our approach focuses on building emotional awareness, re-establishing connection with self and others, and introducing practical tools for everyday healing. We work closely with clients to identify root causes and develop sustainable habits that promote long-term mental wellness.
Anxiety
Anxiety can be overwhelming, often manifesting as restlessness, racing thoughts, and physical tension. Brave Guidance offers structured, supportive care to help individuals break the cycle of fear and avoidance. Through mindfulness techniques, cognitive behavioral tools, and personalized guidance, we help clients understand the underlying patterns of anxiety and empower them to reclaim a sense of calm, control, and confidence.
Trauma
Healing from trauma takes time, compassion, and a sense of safety. Whether it stems from childhood experiences, loss, abuse, or other life-altering events, trauma can deeply impact the nervous system and self-worth. At Brave Guidance, we provide a safe, judgment-free environment where individuals can begin to process and release pain. Our trauma-informed approach focuses on resilience, self-compassion, and reconnection to one’s inner strength.
Couple & Family Therapy
At Brave Guidance, we believe that strong relationships are the foundation of a fulfilling life. Our Couples and Family Therapy services are designed to help you navigate challenges, deepen your connections, and build lasting harmony within your relationships. We provide a safe and nonjudgmental space where everyone can feel heard, understood, and empowered to grow—together.
FAQs
Still have questions?
No worries — you're probably not the only one. We've pulled together some of the most commonly asked questions to help you out. Take a look through the FAQs below — chances are the answer you're looking for is right there!
What should someone know about working with you?
▼My approach is tailored to meet the unique needs of each person I work with and based on warmth, understanding, and empathy. There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to being human and understanding the changes that occur in our day-to-day lives; we are complex with several layers of experience. Sessions will be a collaborative experience that will focus on the exploration of the mind and body using evidence-based approaches, including CBT, EMDR, and mindfulness, to access, unpack, and stabilize. My goal is to provide you with a safe space where you can be heard and feel understood without fear or judgment in order to accomplish a satisfying and desirable life.
What are you most excited about within the evolving mental health landscape?
▼I am most excited about the changes and views of mental health within communities of color and the accessibility of therapy. Mental health has evolved tremendously due to circumstances beyond our control (including COVID-19). Telehealth has provided many with the access to a professional without the hustle and bustle of commuting while simultaneously normalizing the process of seeking therapy through an online portal.
How do I get started?
▼The first step is scheduling a 15 minute session to assess if BGCS is a good fit for you. This includes exploring presenting concerns, scheduling, etc. For consultations longer than 15 mintues, a booking fee of $25 will apply.
Contact Me
Interested in working together? Let's connect! Fill out the form below to get started. Whether you have a question, a project idea, or just want to say hello, I’d love to hear from you.