Bayside Breakthrough Psychology

Welcome to Bayside Breakthrough Psychology

The first step is always the hardest. If you’re curious about starting on your path toward well-being with a trauma and anxiety specialist, you’re in the right place.

Welcome to Bayside Breakthrough Psychology

The first step is always the hardest. If you’re curious about starting on your path toward well-being with a trauma and anxiety specialist, you’re in the right place.

Hello, I am Dr. Nicole Biondoletti, although most call me Dr. B.

First and foremost, research tells us that above all other factors, a strong therapeutic alliance is imperative to positive outcomes. Therefore, my first priority is to create a safe space in which a genuine and nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship can develop. My style can be described as collaborative, authentic, and straightforward.

On a personal note, I am a born and raised Florida native. I grew up in the beautiful Florida Keys and attended the University of Central Florida for my undergraduate degree. I then spent 4 years in Melbourne, FL at Florida Institute of Technology where I got my Doctorate in Psychology. This was followed by 2 years of training with the Department of Veterans Affairs which led me to settle in the lively and eclectic Tampa Bay area. I enjoy being with family and friends, time on the water, reading, and watching football.

Areas of Specialization

I specialize in implementing exposure-based therapy for trauma, OCD, and anxiety-related disorders (e.g. phobias, social anxiety, panic.) This is a specific form of treatment under the umbrella of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy that is evidence-based and widely accepted as the gold standard of treatment for these disorders. It requires specialized education, training, and experience to use effectively. There are different variations of exposure therapy, together we’ll discuss an implementation strategy that best fits your symptoms and goals.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is well supported by research as a highly effective strategy for reducing OC symptoms. My belief is that your understanding of OCD and ERP is crucial to successful outcomes. We’ll spend a lot of time in the beginning making sure you understand the how, when, and why of the process. This process is very collaborative. My goal is to guide and coach you into gaining more control over OC symptoms and your life.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

My interest in doing trauma work goes back to my earliest years of education. Throughout my training, I’ve had the privilege of working with Service members, Veterans, and first responders, which has only reinforced my passion for this work. Most of us will experience some form of trauma during our lifetime; it can be confusing, overwhelming, frightening, and completely upend our worldview. The good news is that although pain is inevitable, suffering is not. We’ll work together to better understand your post-traumatic symptoms and explore which strategies and tools fit your needs best.

Phobias

Exposure is the primary tool for addressing phobias. More specifically, gradual exposure therapy. Yes, this means what it sounds like, facing your fears. My approach to treating phobias is that first and foremost, I will never ask someone to do something uncomfortable or frightening without full confidence they understand why it’s necessary. Similar to OCD, education is essential. I will also ensure someone has learned the appropriate grounding and physiological regulation tools before beginning exposures. You set the pace, I’ll guide and direct as needed.

Generalized Anxiety

Not all anxiety is created equal. In working with generalized anxiety, the first priority is to accurately identify what exactly makes you anxious. How do you know you’re anxious? How does it affect your thoughts, body, and behaviors? Are your coping skills actually reducing your overall anxiety, or just providing temporary relief? I rely on a combination of CBT, mindfulness, and behavior modification strategies to help improve self-awareness and implement coping mechanisms that not only reduce overall anxiety levels but also provide a new framework for how you understand and relate to anxiety.

Areas of Specialization

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Phobias

Generalized Anxiety

Other Areas of Focus

Relationship
Challenges

This is a very common area of focus that accompanies trauma and anxiety work. Depending on your needs, we may focus on exploring early relationships and attachment style and/or improving communication, social, assertiveness, and boundary implementation skills.

Depressive
Symptoms

People often see Depression as distinct from other conditions. However, things like OCD and trauma can be so encompassing and limiting to one’s life that depressive symptoms are an understandable side-effect. By tackling these head-on we often see a reduction in depressive symptoms along the way.

Health
Behaviors

Together we’ll explore barriers to good sleep hygiene, adequate physical activity, & self-care. (Please note I am not a treating provider of eating disorders or addictions.)

My Approach to Psychotherapy

My approach to psychotherapy is grounded in the assumption that early relationships shape our views of self and others. With that assumption in mind, I use evidence-based practice to tailor treatment to each individual’s unique needs and goals. More specifically, I integrate mindfulness skills into the application of exposure therapy while also pulling from other approaches to best meet each person’s needs.

The disorders I specialize in don’t occur in a vacuum; there are often depressive symptoms, relationship challenges, and/or unhelpful health behaviors that tag along. Therefore, I believe it’s imperative to consider a holistic approach to psychotherapy that encompasses mind, body, and brain integration. Together we will create time and space to explore all areas for growth.

Treatment Approaches

Here's a Little About the Telehealth Services I Provide

I provide individual psychotherapy via telehealth (video sessions). I began using telehealth at a time when things changed for all of us, March of 2020. Although skeptical at first, my clients and I have found it to be both effective and exceedingly convenient. I am happy to talk through any questions you might have about what virtual therapy is like. In fact, research is showing that virtual exposure therapy for OCD is at least as effective, if not more effective, as in-person therapy. Learn about the advantages of virtual therapy for OCD: National Library of Medicine and NOCD.

What My Clients Have to Say
About Their Experience

What My Clients Have to Say About Their Experience

"Dr. B was the first time I tried virtual therapy. She was so warm and welcoming. After the first time nerves, I was at ease with her. I felt heard by her. Since starting my therapy sessions with Dr. B my life has changed for the better... I have been able to work through some of my past (still a work in progress), I've been sober for 1 year and 8 months, improved my relationship with my husband and myself, and more. I'm more self-aware of my actions which has helped me even in my professional life. I couldn't thank Dr. B enough and am always so glad I found her. She's the first therapist that gave me tools to help myself actually work through the issues I've always dealt with. She is patient, kind, and understanding but she will challenge you to get to the root cause of the issues. She's the best! I highly recommend her to anyone wanting a therapist that will actually listen AND help you from the inside out. I will forever be grateful for her help."

"I had my first appointment with Dr. Biondoletti on 04/19/2021; following a four-month struggle with panic attacks for the first time in my life. It was terrifying period in my life. Since my first appointment, Dr. Biondoletti has taught me what anxiety, panic attacks and trauma are, and how they affect my body and mind. More importantly, she has given me the tools to address past trauma, diffuse anxiety, stop my panic attacks and regain my resilience. My work with Dr. Biondoletti has truly changed my life for the better and given me a whole new perspective on who I am as a human."

"From the beginning of our time together, Dr. Biondoletti has been nothing short of excellent. She sets a therapeutic environment where it's okay to say whatever you're feeling and she lets you know that there's no judgement. She's very receptive and finds new ways to challenge your way of thinking so you can gain perspective. I've definitely grown and learned a lot during our time together and am thankful for all of her help."

"Dr. Biondoletti has worked with me over the past year and I have benefitted greatly. I am very comfortable with her approach and she is very experienced in working with people with trauma. She always has good insight, and has let me come to some of these realizations in my own time. I appreciate her suggestions and advice, her moments of silence and her empathy. I have really made great strides this year with her help and I feel stronger and more resilient."

"Dr. Biondoletti is absolutely phenomenal and I’ll forever be grateful that she was the catalyst to the complete transformation I was able to accomplish in my life. I strongly recommend her for anyone struggling with PTSD."

"A couple of years ago, I found myself at the bottom of an abyss that I felt I could never climb my way out of. I was treading water every moment of every day and still barely keeping my head above water. I was exhausted and convinced that I’d never be able to break this cycle – that I’d spend the rest of my life having to mask my anxiety, which was also now negatively impacting my ability to foster meaningful relationships. Thanks to Dr. B's guidance, I was able to learn about the psychology behind anxiety, which led me to better understand how to address it. I recognize that I will never fully be rid of anxiety, but working with Dr. Biondoletti has equipped me to better handle challenges as they arise and my quality of life has vastly improved as a result."

Check Out Recent Blog Posts

OCD is fascinating in that it is very simple in definition but extraordinarily varied in presentation. This blog briefly discusses the basics of OCD and some common misconceptions.

Insurance

I am in-network with Aetna & United Healthcare (UHC, Oscar, Oxford)
Email or call for information on self-pay options

Send Me a Message

Call or email me to schedule an appointment or free phone consultation.

Phone Number

(727) 496-8480

Email Address

drb@baysidebreakthrough.com

Welcome to Bayside Breakthrough Psychology

Welcome to Bayside Breakthrough Psychology

Hello, I am Dr. Nicole Biondoletti, although most call me Dr. B.

Areas of Specialization

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Phobias

Generalized Anxiety

Areas of Specialization

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Phobias

Generalized Anxiety