Hi there! My name is Rachel Pugliese and I am a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern.

Let me be the first to say, I am happy you’re here. We have come a long way with the stigma towards counseling, but there can still be a great deal of vulnerability in taking initial steps to start your counseling journey and I’m grateful for your leap of faith. 

I am a firm believer that counseling is most effective when the client feels as though their counselor is a good fit for their needs and hopes in terms of what they would like to get out of their time in counseling. At first it can feel strange to share with someone who is a complete stranger, so here is a little bit about myself to give you a general frame of reference of who I am.

Prior to living in Florida throughout my adult life, I was born and raised in a small town in Connecticut. I experienced a wide range of unexpected deaths and life challenges throughout my childhood which led me to quickly become familiar with grief. From a very young age, I was lucky to have had an expressive outlet in dance which became my career focus as I trained at a performing arts high school, summer intensives, and went on to pursue it as a major in college. However, due to several devastating injuries I pivoted my career path upon graduating college. I took time to explore other passions through different jobs post college and then a few years later I felt called to pursue my Masters in Mental Health Counseling. 

Right around the last semester of my undergraduate, I experienced a life changing event that left me feeling powerless and lost. At this point I gave up on resisting help and decided to go to counseling. This was a big deal since I grew up with the idea that grit and persistence in my own strength would get me through life, but this old narrative was no longer serving me. As many people do, I went into counseling for help with one specific area and left with a greater understanding of so much more about myself/my life. I felt freedom by learning that I did not need to white knuckle my way through life anymore.



I deeply yearn to help others navigate the hardships of their life and to hopefully shed light on the purpose to your pain. I believe that counseling is best served through an unhurried, yet intentional process. My hope is that that our time together will offer the gift of time to slow down and be present. Similarly to hiking a up a mountain there will be challenges along the way, but there is so much beauty to witness/notice during the journey and a great deal of felt accomplishment when you look down to see how far you have come.

When I am not counseling, I spend my time coaching group fitness classes, soaking up the sun at the beach, hanging out with friends, practicing yoga, or traveling. Hopefully this introduction gives you some comfort in knowing a little bit more about me prior to meeting, or helps you seek another provider that better fits your needs. It is certain that we will face challenges and obstacles in life, but you do not have to do it alone. 

Give us a call at (321) 757-4015, or send us a text at (321) 286-7033 to start your journey with us at Coastal Wellness.