Meet Dr. Renae Lapin of Ask Dr. Renae in Boca Raton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Renae Lapin.

Renae, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have been blessed with immeasurable gratification and success in my career as a Family Therapist over the past 38 years. Thousands of individuals and families have honored me with their trust, supporting them to identify and achieve their goals. I invite clients to allow me the privilege to steer them towards a more satisfying life with greater fulfillment in their relationships and less stress as they navigate your day-to-day life experiences. By unlocking their own wisdom and strengths, I challenge clients to think differently, inspire them to feel differently, and support them in taking new actions as they move forward in their lives. “I truly feel that I have won the lottery each day as I wake up with my health, family and friends and a great career!”

Dr. Lapin earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Master’s Degree in both School Counseling and Family Counseling at the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1980. She later earned her Clinical Psychology Degree, Psy. D. at California Southern University in 2006. Dr. Lapin began her career working for six years as a Family Therapist for a residential children’s home, providing home visits for families in crisis, discharge planning and aftercare for struggling teenagers.

“I was astounded how small changes led to big changes in the system of the family. With the addition of hope and trust, families were able to stabilize, resetting their compass in a positive direction.”

Dr. Lapin continued to work in community agencies as a consultant developing programs and providing direct service to families, adults, adolescents, children and schools in both New York and Florida. As a Clinical Fellow with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, Dr. Lapin is known as a dynamic speaker, presenting workshops locally, statewide and nationally for professionals and the community. Dr. Lapin maintains a Florida license as a Marriage and Family Therapist, and a Florida Professional Educators Certificate in Guidance and Counseling. In addition, she was awarded the prestigious National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and was granted Florida Supreme Court Subject Matter Specialist for Family Mediation Training Programs. Publications include a teen monthly advice column, “Ask Dr. Renae” in the Parklander Magazine and book: “School Days And The Divorce Maze – A Complete Guide For Joint Custody Parents In Managing Your Child’s Successful School Career”.

During her 28 years serving the children and families of the Broward County School District as a Family Therapist, Dr. Lapin was honored to earn the respect and admiration of her colleagues and graced with the opportunity to support families and children from a wide variety of cultures and ethnicities to reach their goals. Dr. Lapin established six new Family Therapy programs in elementary, middle and high school, treating over three thousand children and families. Being integrated a valuable member of the school culture provided the unique opportunity to observe children in their day-to-day school setting yielding a wealth of experience. Dr. Lapin’s astute ability to distinguish the difference between typical versus troubled childhood developmental issues has been a comfort to families providing reassurance and confidence to parents.

“I continue to be awed by the resiliency and strength of families as they demonstrate grace, dignity, perseverance, creativity and a sense of humor in the midst of the most difficult struggles. My admiration of thousands of families overcoming obstacles with limited support continuously fuels my passion as a Family Therapist.”

“I read Ann Lander’s advice column while I was growing up and dreamed of being a therapist. Now, I am “Ask Dr. Renae” living my dream – imagine that!!!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I had to learn early in my career the importance of self care: physically, mentally and spiritually. Clients need to see their therapist, “walk the talk” in order to know how critical self care is in their journey through life.

My biggest struggles have also been my greatest joys: parenting! All parents feel unsure, confused and completely overwhelmed at some point in their children’s development. Therapists, no matter how skilled and well trained are no exceptions!

So, as you know, we’re impressed with “Ask Dr. Renae” by Dr. Renae Lapin, LMFT, LLC – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I have provided therapy services to over three thousand families, trained and supervised dozens of therapists, written a book and presented training programs locally, statewide and nationally. However, my achievement which holds a special place in my heart, is the work I do as a community service with no monetary compensation – the “Ask Dr. Renae” column published monthly for the past ten years in The Parklander Magazine, a free monthly publication distributed to families and businesses in the Parkland and Coral Springs community.

Teens volunteer their services by writing responses to questions posed by other teens regarding everyday and serious life issues they face. The column consists of a question, four or five responses from volunteer teen peer counseling writers, and my response with professional advice. Teens often take advice from their peers rather than the adults in their lives so the advice written in their own words is not edited but kept in the language teens communicate with. I receive compliments from those in the community, especially when the topics arouse conversations between parents and their teenage children. I am honored to inspire parents and teens to interact with each other, discussing relevant topics of our times. Teenagers today are overwhelmed with a disturbing amount of confusing messages from the media. Being able to discuss their perceptions, feelings and struggles with their parents is a necessary support in their development of habits, goals and values. I am deeply proud to enhance family communication with the “Ask Dr. Renae” column.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I recently retired from the School Board of Broward County where I proudly served as a Family Therapist for 28 years! My part time private practice gives me the opportunity to continue to serve families, with the skills, training and experience I have amassed over the years.

I have used my retirement to enjoy daily exercise, healthy cooking, traveling and spending more time with friends and family.

Traveling during non peak times is more enjoyable with fewer crowds. I love the National Parks and recently obtained a Senior Park Pass!

Contact Info:

• Address: 5550 Glades Road, Suite 500
  Boca Raton, Florida 33431
• Website: www.askdrrenae.com
• Phone: 561 271-3817
• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: facebook.com/askdrrenae

Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.