Today we’d like to introduce you to Orianna Torres.
Hi Orianna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story really begins when I was 13 years old, navigating all the messy, overwhelming, beautifully confusing parts of being an adolescent in a complicated world. My parents recognized that I needed a little extra support and connected me with an incredible therapist; someone I could trust, someone who listened without judgment, and someone who made me feel truly understood.
Working with her opened the door for me to explore who I was, where my behaviors and thoughts were coming from, and how my emotions were shaping my experiences. And as a teenager who constantly felt like I wasn’t good enough, her guidance was truly invaluable.
That experience set off a domino effect. I followed the calling it sparked in me: I went on to study psychology, earn my master’s degree, and dedicate myself to becoming an advocate for children and teens who sometimes feel like they don’t have a voice. Because the truth is, those tiny voices often carry the biggest truths, the greatest lessons, and the deepest needs. And in our busy lives, we can easily forget how powerful it is to simply listen, to be present, to be empathetic, and to show up.
That early experience shaped everything for me. It’s what brought me into this field, and it’s what continues to fuel the passion behind the work I do today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest struggles I faced was during the time I was studying psychology while also dancing professionally with the Siudy Flamenco Dance Company. I was young and full of ambition, and I genuinely believed I could do everything at once. But trying to juggle both worlds created a massive amount of anxiety.
Eventually, my body made the decision for me. I got severely sick, and that became a real turning point. It forced me to pause and recognize that I needed to take care of myself. I needed rest. I needed to prioritize my emotional, mental, and physical well-being; not just keep pushing because I thought I “should” be able to handle it all.
One of the hardest lessons for me was accepting that I didn’t have to do everything, and that not doing everything didn’t make me any less capable. It simply made me human. I learned that we aren’t built to run like machines at 100% all the time, and that honoring our limits is essential.
That chapter, as painful as it was, became one of the most important parts of my journey. It reminded me of the value of slowing down, listening to my body, and practicing the very things I now teach my clients.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Therapy with Bright Minds?
My name is Orianna Torres, and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor specializing in working with children, adolescents, and their parents. Therapy with Bright Minds was created as a safe, nurturing space where children, teens, and families can feel seen, supported, and truly understood as they navigate the challenges of an increasingly complicated world.
I work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral concerns including anxiety, depression, selective mutism, trauma-related symptoms, and anxiety disorders. But what really sets Therapy with Bright Minds apart is our approach. We don’t believe in cookie-cutter formulas or one-size-fits-all treatment plans. Every child, every teen, and every family has their own story, and I always meet clients exactly where they are. From there, we build a plan together that is thoughtful, intentional, and tailored to their unique needs. And when possible, I always go above and beyond to make sure the work we do covers the full picture of what they’re experiencing.
One of the things I’m most proud of brand-wise is the level of care and attentiveness that defines the entire experience. From the moment someone calls us, to the moment they walk out of a session, and even long afterward, we prioritize connection, compassion, and support. We truly care about our clients as people, not just cases.
I also want readers to know that our work is grounded in evidence-based treatments that help children, teens, and families thrive emotionally. Our approach integrates modalities such as Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and other effective, research-backed methods. But beyond the modalities, what matters most is creating a space where each child or teen feels empowered to grow, express themselves, and gain the skills they need to navigate life with confidence.
At the heart of Therapy with Bright Minds is the belief that every young person deserves to be heard, supported, and given the tools to shine and that’s exactly what we aim to provide.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I truly believe that over the next 5–10 years, we’re going to see mental health become an even higher priority for families. People are becoming more aware of how important emotional well-being is, not just for adults but for children and teens as well. My hope is that we continue moving toward a world where kids feel supported, where parents feel empowered, and where we’re using our knowledge and resources in helpful ways.
I think one of the biggest shifts we’ll see is a continued reduction in the stigma surrounding therapy. More families are already beginning to understand that seeking help is a sign of awareness, and care. And as that stigma continues to fade, I think we’ll see an increase in early intervention, more open conversations, and a greater emphasis on emotional education and preventative care.
Overall, I’m optimistic. I see the field moving toward more acceptance, more accessibility, and more understanding and that shift is going to make such a meaningful difference for the next generation.
Pricing:
- Intake Session: $200
- Individual Sessions: $150
- Specialized Exposure Sessions: $175
- Fading Sessions: $200
- Accepted Insurances: Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealth, Carellon, Optum, & Oscar
Contact Info:
- Website: https://therapywithbrightminds.com/
- Instagram: @therapywithbrightminds
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/therapy-with-bright-minds-davie
Image Credits
Pictures by Trendy Experiences Photographer – Oriana Vidal
