Evolve Therapy Jacksonville, FL

Meet Petergay Sterling

Meet Petergay Sterling

I’m Petergay Sterling

PMHNP-BC, LMHC-QS, EMDR

Licensed Therapist and Nurse Practitioner

Mental health therapy Jacksonville Licensed therapist Jacksonville FL

Hello and welcome! I’m Petergay Sterling, a committed licensed therapist and psychiatric nurse practitioner devoted to guiding individuals through their emotional and mental health challenges. With over a decade of experience in the mental health field, my work has primarily centered on supporting victims of various types of abuse—sexual, physical, elderly, and emotional—as well as those in need of medication management.

As a certified EMDR therapist and an EMDRIA approved consultant, I specialize in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. This evidence-based method has shown remarkable effectiveness in helping individuals heal from trauma and distressing life events, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and panic disorders. I believe that processing traumatic experiences is a vital part of healing, and I am passionate about walking alongside individuals on this transformative journey.

In my role as a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I have addressed a wide range of mental health issues, such as OCD, insomnia, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and PTSD. I recognize the complex emotions that can arise from painful experiences; feelings of anxiety, fear, and hopelessness often persist long after the trauma has occurred. My goal is to help you navigate these challenges and support you through the process of grief and healing.

I am proud to have served over nine years in the United States Navy, an experience that has deeply informed my understanding of resilience and emotional strength. I hold a B.A. in Psychology, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling, and a Master’s in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing.

It is a privilege to guide others in their emotional growth. As a Qualified Supervisor, I also mentor Registered Mental Health Counseling Interns on their journey to licensure. Additionally, I am Level 3 trained in Gottman Couples Therapy, which allows me to help clients improve their communication skills and emotional connections within their relationships.

My passion lies in emotional, behavioral, and cognitive health. There is nothing else I would rather do. I look forward to the opportunity to support you on your path to healing and empowerment. Together, we can foster growth and resilience, paving the way for a brighter future.

Mental Health Conditions I Treat

I work with children, adolescents, and adults, experiencing a wide range of mental health concerns, including:

  • Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder
  • Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Complex PTSD and Developmental Trauma
  • Prolonged Grief Disorder & Complicated Bereavement
  • Adjustment Disorders
  • Social Anxiety Disorder
  • Dissociative Disorders and Depersonalization
  • Borderline Personality Traits & Emotion Dysregulation
  • Acute Sleep Disturbances Related to Trauma or Mood
  • Low Self-Esteem, Shame, and Self-Criticism
  • Burnout and Compassion Fatigue (including Healthcare and Mental Health
    Professionals)
  • Perinatal and Reproductive Mental Health
  • Racial Trauma, Intergenerational Trauma, and Identity-Based Stress
Therapeutic Approaches

My therapeutic style is relational integrative, and person-centered. I draw from evidence-based modalities to meet you where you are, while also helping you move toward long-term, sustainable healing.

Core Modalities Include:

  • EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
  • For trauma, grief, anxiety, and distressing memories that continue to impact your life.
  • Attachment-Based Psychotherapy
  • Exploring how early relationships influence current emotional patterns and building secure, healing connections.
  • Trauma-Informed Talk Therapy
  • A gentle, validating space to process life experiences with clinical insight and cultural humility.
  • Narrative Therapy & Meaning-Making
  • Reclaiming your story in a way that restores agency, connection, and clarity.
  • Integrative Mind-Body Approaches
  • Including psychoeducation, mindfulness, grounding, and when appropriate, insight from psychiatric care.

Available Now on Amazon

New Release by Petergay Sterling!

Untethered By Loss:
Holding On While Letting Go

An inspiring and raw journal of triumph over pain, grief and  trauma.
Discover strength through struggle.
Let this story move your soul.

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