Cassandra Astolis MS, MSW, CCHt
Master’s of Science in Counseling
Master’s of Science in Clinical Social Work
Advanced Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist
Cassandra Astolis is a seasoned mental health professional with over two decades of experience. She holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Florida State University and a Master’s degree in Counseling from Longwood University. In 2010, Cassandra completed 350 hours of extensive, in-person training through the Florida Institute of Hypnotherapy in Gainesville. She is certified in Clinical and Advanced Hypnotherapy as well as Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP).
Highly regarded by her peers, Cassandra is recognized for her expertise in hypnotherapy and the workings of the subconscious mind. In addition to her clinical work, she lectures on spiritual topics and offers small-group classes when available. She is also a published author.
Cassandra’s mission is to support physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being for individuals and families alike. Her work is grounded in a whole-person approach, with each session thoughtfully structured to address the unique needs and goals of the client. Using integrative tools such as clinical hypnotherapy, cognitive-based techniques, NLP, and, when appropriate, spiritual counseling, Cassandra helps clients move toward meaningful and lasting change.
Since 2009, Cassandra has helped hundreds of clients and is known for her high level of success and deep commitment to service. Her areas of experience include weight management, smoking cessation, stress reduction, performance enhancement, grief support, personal growth, and navigating the effects of past life challenges. She is especially passionate about empowering women to move beyond past experiences and create confident, fulfilling futures.
Cassandra offers a unique blend of skill, compassion, and insight. Clients receive a personalized, integrative program that may include hypnotherapy, NLP, guided imagery, meditation, spiritual exploration, and life mastery practices—designed to support clarity, resilience, and personal transformation.
“Cassandra’s knowledge of hypnotherapy and the subconscious mind are unsurpassed. She has helped me more than any other therapist I worked with including a psychologist I saw for 3 years. I cannot stress enough how good she is at her job.” – Debbie T. Havana, FL
Candance Gilberstadt MS, MSW, LCSW
Master’s in Psychological Sciences Master’s in Clinical Social Work Licensed Clinical Social Worker EMDR Specialist
Candy is an EMDR specialist with over 20 years of experience in working with individuals in a variety of capacities, the last six of those being in a clinical setting. Candy helps individuals get to that place of healthy balance, with a goal of remaining there, she has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a focus on Developmental Psychology, a Master’s in Psychological Sciences with a focus on General Psychology and Research, and a Master of Social Work with a focus on Clinical Counseling. Together, you and Candy will identify your strengths and challenges and find solutions for managing your difficult thoughts and emotions. Candy will use a person-centered and strength-based approach, exploring past and present experiences as they relate to your current state of overall well-being, as well as integrating mindfulness techniques to help you develop a stronger more balanced state of being.
In general, Candy will use CBT, or Cognitive Behavior Therapy to assist you in understanding how your day to day thinking patterns can influence your overall functioning. It has been Candy’s professional and personal experience that CBT coupled with some mindfulness techniques can and will create a sense of hope and relief to allow you to achieve and remain in a healthy, more balanced state of being. On a more specialized level, Candy will incorporate TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy) and EMDR, with clients who have experienced traumatic events. Using TF-CBT, and EMDR can helps clients understand how their experience with trauma can affect day to day functioning, and how learning and using healthy coping skills can mitigate the negative effects of trauma on overall functioning.
Whether you are dealing with circumstances, thoughts or feelings that are overwhelming, Candy wants to help. Reaching out for help can feel uncomfortable or seem scary, but you are making the right choice. During your sessions with Candy, you can expect to be met with genuine compassion while using evidence-based techniques to help you achieve and remain in a healthy, more balanced state of being.
You can reach Candy at (904) 303-3885.
Dan Knippel, LCSW
Experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a demonstrated history of working in government, higher education, mental health, and social services. Skilled in Group Therapy, Psychotherapy, Family Therapy, Case Management, and Mental Health. Strong community and social services professional who graduated from Florida State University and the University of Florida. Dan is also a Qualified Supervisor.
