Meet The PRACTITIONER

Dr. Verbenia Sousa

Academic Degrees

  • DFM – Doctor of Functional Medicine
  • PhD – Doctor of Clinical Psychology (Christian Worldview)
  • ThD – Doctor of Theology in Counseling Psychology

Professional Credentials & Certifications

  • Forensic Specialist – Florida DCF
  • Certified in Neuroscience
  • Certified Naturopathic Practitioner
  • Certified Orthomolecular Adviser
  • Certified Mental Health Nutrition & Medicine Provider (CMHNMP)
  • Certified Micronutrients Advisor
  • Functional Nutrition Specialist
  • Dietary & Supplements Advisor
  • Culinary Medicine Certification
  • Christian Counseling Services
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Practitioner

Specializations

  • Integrative Health & Medicine (University of Minnesota Alumni)
  • Christian Counseling & Therapy Services specializing in Life Issues

Connect & Book

Website: High Level Health Center
Natural Pharmacy: Dr. Verbenia Supplements
Book Your Appointment: Practice Better Portal
Academic Institution: Sofia Christian University
Phone: 407-668-6025 / 407-984-1010

The Importance of Integrative Medicine

Integrative Medicine is an approach to health and wellness that goes beyond treating symptoms. It recognizes the human being as a whole — body, mind, and spirit — and seeks to restore balance by uniting conventional medicine with evidence-based natural therapies.

Spiritual Dimension

Health is not only physical but also spiritual. Integrating faith and spirituality into care brings meaning, hope, and resilience. It allows individuals to connect their healing journey with their deeper values and beliefs, promoting peace and inner strength.

Psychological Care

Mental health directly impacts physical health. Counseling, therapy, and stress management help address emotional wounds, trauma, anxiety, and depression. By caring for the mind, integrative medicine reduces the risk of chronic illness and improves overall quality of life.

Nutritional Support

“Food as medicine” is at the heart of integrative care. Balanced nutrition, guided by science, supports mental clarity, emotional stability, and physical vitality. Personalized nutritional strategies strengthen the immune system and help prevent disease.

Naturopathy

Naturopathy emphasizes natural therapies and the body’s inherent ability to heal itself. Through the use of vitamins, supplements, herbal medicine, and lifestyle changes, it encourages healing without unnecessary invasiveness, respecting the wisdom of nature and the individual’s unique needs.

A Holistic Vision

By integrating spirituality, psychology, nutrition, and naturopathy, integrative medicine provides a comprehensive path to healing. It does not separate the parts of a person but unites them, aiming not only to treat disease but to promote abundant life and lasting wellness.

Dr. Verbenia Sousa

Welcome

Hello friends, my name is Verbenia Sousa. Welcome to my Wellness Ministry. I am the General Director of High Level Integrative Health & Wellness Center, and my husband, Celio da Cruz, is the CEO. Together, we are passionate about seeing people’s transformation. Our team loves to care for and love people.

I am also the founder of Fire and Glory International Ministries and have served as an ordained pastor since 2002.

Academic Background

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Theology, Major in Psychology
  • Master of Arts in Christian Clinical Psychology (Brazil)
  • Doctor of Theology – Counseling Psychology Concentration
  • PhD in Clinical Psychology (Christian Worldview), 2018–2025
  • Doctor of Functional Medicine (DFM)
  • Specialization in Integrative Health & Medicine – University of Minnesota

Biography

Verbenia Sousa, Wellness Practitioner, CMHNMP
Born on August 27, 1975 — Brazilian, married to Rev. Celio da Cruz, and mother of three: Alex, Sophya, and Deborah.

Beliefs & Philosophy

My passion for Christian Psychology and Natural Medicine is deeply rooted in my desire to understand human happiness and to integrate my faith with a holistic view of God’s creation. With over 18 years in private practice, I believe in the benefits of a life spent helping others. I am committed to cultivating empathy and compassion, promoting healthy living, and using my professional training to work with the integrity of the human being: Spirit, Soul, and Body.

I help people release the past, overcome limiting beliefs, and embrace the present with trust in God as their Master Helper. My focus is on results, not diseases.
“I believe that happiness is a reality.”

Higher Degrees

  • PhD in Clinical Psychology – Christian Worldview (in progress)
  • Doctor of Functional Medicine (DFM)
  • Doctor of Theology (ThD) – Counseling Psychology
  • Specialization in Integrative Health & Medicine – University of Minnesota
  • Master of Arts in Christian Clinical Psychology
  • Bachelor of Arts in Theology – Pastoral Psychology
  • Bachelor of Science in Psychology – Christian Orientation

Diplomas & Certificates

  • Nutrition and Integrative Medicine for Mental Health Professionals
  • Culinary Medicine
  • Mental Health Studies
  • Dietary Supplements Advisor
  • Keto Dietary Advisor
  • Professional Aromatherapy
  • Innovate Clinical Practice 2.0
  • Advanced Christian Counselling Skills and Techniques
  • Professional Relationship Counselling
  • Depression Counselling (Advanced Level)
  • Sports Massage & Metameric Massage
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Practitioner
  • CBT for Depression, Anxiety, and Phobias
  • Professional Life Coach Practitioner
  • Advanced Psychology Studies
  • Psychology and Therapy for Addictions
  • Personality Disorders: Symptoms & Psychotherapy Techniques
  • Stress and Medical Problems
  • DSM-5 Comprehensive Overview Clinical Course
  • Mental Health First Aid
  • HIPAA Certification – Awareness for Mental Health

Professional Memberships

  • Florida Counseling Association (FCA) – Professional Member
  • American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) – Presidential Member
  • Society of Christian Psychology (SCP) – Professional Member

Practice Specialties

I work with individuals, couples, and families, always under a Christian perspective.

  • Abuse & Trauma
  • Bilingual Christian Counseling (English, Portuguese, Spanish)
  • Life Coaching & Executive Coaching
  • Christian Divorce Counseling
  • Spiritual Conflict Counseling
  • Couples Counseling
  • Divorce Recovery
  • Domestic Violence Counseling
  • Marriage and Family Counseling
  • Premarital Counseling
  • Personality Disorders
  • Stress, Anxiety, and Depression Counseling
  • Teen Counseling
  • Children’s Grief and Loss
  • Play Therapy

Issues Addressed

  • Anger Management
  • Emotional Disturbance
  • Life Transitions
  • Relationship Issues
  • Self-Esteem
  • Spiritual Issues & Spirituality

Ages Treated

  • Adults
  • Adolescents
  • Children

Session Formats

Individual, Couple, and Family sessions available in-person or online via the Practice Better Patient Portal.

Treatment Approaches

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Interpersonal and Developmental Models
  • Emotional Life Coaching
  • Christian Counseling
  • Holistic Counseling
  • Functional Medicine & Nutrition

Client Focus

  • Ethnicity: American, Hispanic, Latino
  • Languages: English, Portuguese, Spanish
  • Religious Orientation: Christian
           
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