Therapist profile
Dr. Wendy Petzel, LMFT
Florida
LMFT - Relationship and Trauma concerns
Continue with WendyWhere Wendy stands
- Credentials
- LMFT
- License
- LMFT, Florida / MT3481
- NPI
- 1083649503
- Experience
- 31 years
- Languages
- English
- Location
- Florida
About
- Attachment work
- CBT methods
- Gottman techniques
About Wendy
Dr. Wendy Petzel is a Florida licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) with 31 years of clinical experience. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, relationship struggles, trauma and abuse, grief, and depression. Her practice also addresses attachment issues, caregiver strain, codependency, communication problems, and related concerns.
She approaches therapy with the belief that each person knows their life best and brings strengths to the work. Sessions are practical and grounded. She listens to the immediate problem and looks for patterns that keep the same issues repeating.
Dr. Petzel uses a mix of methods that focus on how relationships and early experiences shape current behavior. She draws on Attachment-Based ideas to look at how close bonds affect coping. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to spot and change unhelpful thoughts and actions. Psychodynamic perspectives help uncover long-standing patterns that show up in present-day relationships.
When relationships are central to the concern, she integrates approaches like the Gottman Method and Imago Relationship Therapy to address communication and recurring conflicts. These approaches include concrete exercises people can try between sessions to practice different ways of relating.
People who come to her often want clear steps and explanations. She helps identify patterns such as people-pleasing, trouble saying no, or prioritizing others at personal cost. The aim is to increase awareness and build everyday skills that make it easier to set limits and stay connected to one’s own goals.
How sessions work
How her approaches translate to online sessions
Dr. Petzel commonly uses Attachment-Based Therapy to look at how early and close relationships shape current responses; this helps when people feel stuck in repeating relationship patterns. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can help with anxiety, low mood, and stress. The Gottman Method and Imago Relationship Therapy focus on communication skills and specific exercises to reduce recurring conflict and improve understanding.Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. The therapist and client review goals, preferences, and what feels most useful. They decide together which methods to emphasize and adjust the plan as progress and needs change.
Because session formats are not specified in the source biography, confirm current session options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit meetings into a busy day, reduce commute time, and allow for shorter check-ins when a full session is not needed. Some formats also use less bandwidth or do not require being on camera, which can help with practical constraints. Licensed professionals can adapt exercises and between-session tasks so the work continues effectively across sessions.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
31+ years
Listed in
Florida
Languages
English
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship struggles, trauma and abuse, grief, and depression, and related areas such as codependency and caregiver stress.
How does she approach therapy?
She uses practical, relationship-focused methods and mixes Attachment-Based work, CBT, psychodynamic ideas, and relationship techniques to address patterns and communication.
How much experience does she have?
She has 31 years of professional work experience as a clinician.
What credential and location apply?
She is a Florida LMFT and practices in Florida.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions paid for?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Click the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe at home, use the crisis and helpline numbers.