Mind Kokoro Counseling, PLLC
-Where Eastern and Western approaches meet Neuroscience-based treatment for Trauma, Anxiety, and Performance
“Neurobiology of Trauma recovery helps you to learn how to move out of hopelessness, increase your capacity to feel empowered, and recognize that you are capable of living the life you want and deserve”
- Dr. Arielle Schwartz
About me
Hi, I’m Shoko Spagnoli (LCMHC, LMHC), founder of Mind Kokoro Counseling PLLC. I offer holistic, trauma-informed therapy for individuals ages 6 and up, specializing in trauma recovery, anxiety management, and performance enhancement for athletes and performers.
With over 15 years of experience and master’s degrees in both Clinical Psychology and Sport & Exercise Psychology, I take an integrative, neuroscience-based approach to mental wellness. My background includes more than eight years in progressive clinical and leadership roles within a nonprofit behavioral health organization, as well as experience in residential and private practice settings. I've supported vulnerable populations—including children/adolescents, chronically homeless adults, and individuals with severe trauma and addiction—through evidence-based interventions and compassionate care.
I'm a certified EMDR therapist and have completed RYT-500 yoga teacher training along with extensive study in mindfulness-based practices. These tools are central to my work, helping clients regulate their nervous systems, restore emotional balance, and foster personal empowerment.
Originally from Japan, I’ve received clinical training in both Japan and the United States. My cross-cultural perspective informs a respectful integration of Eastern and Western healing approaches. Whether you're recovering from trauma, managing chronic anxiety, or striving to perform at your best in high-pressure environments, I offer a grounded and compassionate space for growth, healing, and transformation.
It’s been a privilege to work with people from all walks of life—including professional and collegiate athletes—and I’m passionate about helping individuals reconnect with their resilience, purpose, and inner calm.
MA in Sport and Exercise Psychology
MA in Clinical Psychology
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) - MH11557 Florida
Qualified Supervisor for Registered Mental Health Counselor Interns - Florida
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) - 19680 North Carolina
EMDR Certification
Yoga RYT 200 and RYT 500 program completion
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) training completion
Degree/License/Certification
My services
All Services are currently done virtually.
Individual Therapy
Typical sessions are 53-55 minutes in duration, though longer sessions can be arranged and recommended based on your needs. For instance, EMDR sessions can last up to 85 minutes.
Sports Counseling and Consultation
Typical sessions are 53-55 minutes. The ultimate goal for sport counseling and consultation is to improve your performance by developing mental skills and overcoming mental blocks, injury, and/or performance anxiety.
Clinical Supervision (for RMHC in FL)
Typical supervision (both group and individual) last 60 minutes. Shoko is a clinical supervisor for registered mental health counselors and has worked with many interns in variety of settings. Her approach is to encourage and train interns to equipped with up to date evidence based clinical interventions.
日本語でのカウンセリング
はじめまして。アメリカで心理カウンセラーをお探しですか？現在、オンラインでのビデオカウンセリングを提供しています。こんなことでお悩みではないですか？海外生活での悩み、文化が合わない、うつ病や不安障害、夫婦関係、恋愛・友達関係、職場の人間関係、将来の悩み、自分に自信を持ちたい、など。ぜひお気軽にご連絡ください。そんなあなたのお役に立てるかもしれません。（カウンセラーは日本語を母国語としています）
Why Neuroscience matters in Psychotherapy?
Neuroscience enriches psychotherapy by offering a deeper, more precise understanding of how healing happens—at both the emotional and biological level. It is very important to understanding the Brain’s Role in Mental Health. Neuroscience reveals how mental health conditions—like anxiety, depression, and PTSD—are linked to changes in brain structure and function. This helps therapists tailor interventions that align with how the brain processes emotions, memories, and stress.
Neuroplasticity: The Brain Can Change One of the most powerful insights from neuroscience is neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to rewire itself. Psychotherapy leverages this by helping clients develop new and healthier neural pathways through repeated emotional and cognitive experiences.
Targeting Specific Brain Networks Advances in brain imaging show how different networks (e.g., fear, reward, executive function) are involved in mental health. Therapists can use this knowledge to better understand symptoms and choose effective techniques, such as EMDR.
Improving Treatment Outcomes Neuroscience-informed therapy helps clinicians recognize why some treatments work better for certain individuals. It also supports the development of new approaches like mindfulness-based therapies that directly influence brain activity.
Empowering Clients with Insight When clients learn how their brains respond to stress or trauma, it can reduce shame and increase hope and motivation. Understanding that symptoms are rooted in biology—not personal failure—can be deeply validating
Frequently asked questions
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I am currently out of network with insurance companies.
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Let’s have a 15 minute brief consultation. This way, I understand what you are looking for, and most importantly, you feel comfortable starting sessions with me!
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Yes. Except for these scenarios. There is 1) an imminent danger to yourself or others, 2) a situation of child/elderly abuse and neglect (physical, sexual, and emotional).
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I’m an inclusive, LGBTQ+ affirming practitioner. I welcome you to share as much or as little as you want with me in order to help you feel comfortable working with me.
Still have questions? Reach out!
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