About
Who Is Rising Calm?
At Rising Calm, we don’t believe in quick fixes or surface-level advice.
We walk with individuals, couples, and families as they rise from anxiety, brokenness, and life’s deepest struggles.
​What we offer is rare:
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A space to restore trust on the inside—even when things feel shattered.
Through our Christ-centered approach, we guide people in uncovering their true identity and purpose, reconnecting with faith and core values, resetting the nervous system, and rebuilding life from the inside out.
While many seek Christian counseling or therapy for mental health treatment, diagnosis, and medication; Rising Calm offers a coaching and hypnotherapy approach grounded in faith, healing, and forward momentum.
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Our mission is to help you experience wholeness—body, mind, and relationships—so you don’t just survive… you rise.
Christian Stress, Anxiety, & Family Specialists
Gainesville, Jacksonville & Orlando, Florida
Rise up to who you were made to be
Elevated Experience
Feel seen, respected, and in our calm, thoughtfully designed space.
Trusted Team, Faithful Support
You can select which of our highly qualified professionals is best suited for your needs and goals.
Please call or email us to get started.
We will listen to your goals and even provide you with a complimentary 15-minute consult to build confidence and answer your questions before you begin.
Meet Our Team
Meet Our Christian Professionals Helping Florida Families Find Peace from Anxiety and Stress
Eric Gilbert, MS, BCCC, CMHC
Hi, I'm Eric Gilbert. I help adults, teens, and groups dealing with anxiety become calm, confident, and connected—without losing their faith or their edge. As a Board Certified Christian Counselor (BCCC) and founder of Rising Calm Center (2019), I bring an uplifting, Christ-centered approach to stress and anxiety support—integrating biblical wisdom, nervous system science, and over 15 years of experience helping people thrive.
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I know firsthand what it’s like to struggle with anxiety in social situations, school, work, and relationships. As a child, I barely spoke, which worried my parents deeply. When I did, it was usually whispered to my older brother—who had to speak for me. By school age, I had a quiet classroom presence but a fierce temper that sometimes got me into trouble.
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Through counseling, my family and I discovered the real root of those behaviors: anxiety. And once we began learning how to calm the nervous system, everything began to change. I started to speak with confidence. I performed better under pressure. And I realized that anxiety didn’t have to control my life—it could become a launching pad for growth.
It wasn’t about forcing myself to act calm—it was about letting God meet me in the fear, speak to it, and reshape my inner world.
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Over the years, I’ve continued developing what I now call the Rising Calm Process—a practical and faith-rooted method that’s helped me through childhood, marriage, leadership, and even launching a business with a team of professionals. What used to feel overwhelming has become an invitation to rise above and lead with purpose.
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With formal training in Marriage and Family Therapy (MS) and certifications in Christian counseling and mental health coaching, I’ve supported hundreds of clients in Christian counseling centers, schools (public and private), homes, offices, online sessions, and community programs—now serving through Rising Calm Center.
My approach is deeply shaped by the work of Dallas Willard, Transformation Prayer Ministry, and others who believe that real transformation doesn’t come from surface-level behavior change—but from letting God into the deepest parts of our soul. It’s in those places—beneath the masks and survival strategies—that the Holy Spirit heals wounds, restores secure attachment, and reshapes us into the likeness of Christ from the inside out.
Rather than striving to “act better,” I help clients experience the love, truth, and presence of Jesus in ways that change who they are at the core.
Whether you're facing school stress, work deadlines, social anxiety, spiritual overwhelm, or relational conflict, I’ll guide you through proven steps to reset your mind and body, build confidence, and reclaim your voice.
I’d be honored to walk with you, your family, or your team on the path from fear to peace, from panic to purpose.
Dr. Verena Young
Meet our Anxiety & Stress Specialist, Sociologist, & Educational Scientist
Welcome, I’m Dr. Verena Young—a sociologist, educator, and trauma-informed mind-body practitioner dedicated to helping people rediscover peace, strength, and worth. I believe our worth is God-given and unchanging—not something we must prove or protect, but something we are invited to live from. My approach is compassionate, intuitive, and deeply rooted in evidence-based techniques. I work with individuals, children, and families from many diverse and unique backgrounds.
Many of us grew up learning—often without words—that love is conditional: that we must adapt, achieve, or quiet parts of ourselves to be accepted. Over time, those lessons shape how we experience safety, love, and connection. My work helps you gently release these patterns and remember your inherent worth—the steady truth that remains even when life feels uncertain or relationships shift.
Rather than forcing change, this approach honors your natural pace, making transformation feel safe and effortless. I create a space where you can release anxiety, rebuild confidence, break free from unhealthy habits, and awaken the calm and clarity already within you.
At the Rising Calm Center, I integrate hypnotherapy, breathwork, and somatic release practices through a trauma-informed lens, supporting healing on the subconscious, emotional, and physiological levels. My sessions weave together childhood regression, parts work, shadow integration, and belief transformation with Neurogenic Yoga™ and TRE® (Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises) to down-regulate the nervous system, release stored tension, and promote deep emotional peace.
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(Breathwork is used both to calm the mind and to gently release suppressed emotions, helping the body return to a state of balance and safety. Hypnotherapy allows access to the subconscious mind where limiting beliefs first formed, creating space for compassion and renewal. Neurogenic Yoga™ and TRE® complement this work by activating the body’s natural tremor mechanism—a gentle, instinctive process that helps discharge stress and trauma at their root.)
Over the last six years, I have had the privilege of working with hundreds of people in retreats, workshops, group programs, and one-on-one sessions, guiding them through deep transformations. I helped people in amazing transformations out of anxiety, panic attacks, low self-confidence, chronic pain, smoking addiction, insomnia, emotional eating, depression, PTSD, phobias, prolonged grief, and other limiting patterns.
Dr. Dan Oakley
Meet Our Pastoral Counselor, U.S. Navy Veteran, & Crisis Specialist
From serving my country to serving the Kingdom, my life has been a journey of faith,
healing, and purpose.
I am a retired U.S. Navy veteran, having dedicated 22 years of service to this nation. Through
the challenges and triumphs of military life, I gained a deep understanding of the physical,
emotional, and spiritual toll that service can take on veterans and their families. Those years
shaped in me not only resilience, but also a profound compassion for others walking through
seasons of trauma, loss, or transition.
I felt a calling from God to help people find restoration and peace. So, I pursued a Master’s
Degree in Pastoral Counseling with a focus in Trauma and Crisis Counseling, being properly trained and equipped to minister to the hurting with both spiritual discernment and professional care. My desire to see people whole—mind, body, and spirit—led me further to earn a Doctorate in Natural Health, combining faith-based wisdom with holistic principles for healing and wellness.
Today, Dan serves as a licensed minister within his local body of Christ, where he offers care,
biblical teaching, and counseling to those in need. Whether guiding veterans through the effects
of military life, walking with families through crisis, or helping believers deepen their
relationship with God, Dan’s heart remains steadfast: to bring hope where there is pain, and light
where there is darkness.
Rooted in faith and guided by compassion, Dan’s mission is simple yet profound — to help
people experience the transforming power of God’s love and discover the wholeness that can
only be found in Him.
Isabel Bustamante
Meet Our Children & Family Specialist, ABA Teacher, and Educator
Welcome! My name is Isabel. I am so happy that you are here making time for yourself and searching for the support that works best for YOU! I have loved being a part of the RCC
family for several years and trust that you will find it to be an extremely
comfortable, caring and client committed place to begin your journey towards a
better life and improved mental health.
My personal interest in behavioral psychology began early in life and prompted me to complete a psychology BS degree at the University of Florida, an M.Ed. in Education, and then a master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis.
I also hold certificates in Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Positive
Psychology and Life Coaching.
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I most often work with children ages five and up, as well as parents navigating the stress and busyness of modern family life. Many of the children I see are acting out—at school, at home, or both—often as a response to underlying stress, change, or disconnection. I help families understand what’s at the root cause of driving those behaviors so that healing can be life changing and long lasting. I love to see when a parent and child finally feel that closeness that they have so often longed for.
I work closely with couples, because at the heart of every healthy family is the strength of their relationship. Together, we explore the patterns and beliefs that may be keeping them stuck in conflict or distance, learning how to rebuild safety, communication, and shared purpose. To guide this process, I often use the Gottman Enhanced Relationship Checkup, an in-depth assessment that helps couples see where they are strong, where they’re struggling, and how to create lasting change.
With my 17+ years of experience as an educator and mental health specialist, I will share research-based tools and techniques for navigating stress, anxiety, relationships, and the uncertainties that come with life
transitions.
I often begin our sessions by taking a moment to breath and calm the nervous
systems down, understanding that it can be uncomfortable to talk with a complete
stranger about your personal life, I do my best to put you at ease. I will ask you
simple questions to try to learn about you, your dreams, goals, and your desired
outcomes.
Together, we will produce a plan forward that works best for you and
offer you concrete steps to help you begin to struggle less with any difficult
thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that have not been serving you well. We will
examine any limiting beliefs that have been holding you back from what you want
most in your life.
Our work together will serve to help you build a more peaceful,
productive, and fulfilling life while discovering and nurturing your innate and unique
strengths and talents.
I believe that real change begins with embracing self-awareness, a centered mind,
and a healthy, balanced lifestyle. From that place, I have seen how beautiful things
can unfold, even when life feels hard. I help my clients cultivate their personal
best- with themselves, in relationships, and with their individual expression of
their true purpose. Learning about our inner wisdom and recognizing that a sense
of purpose, self-confidence, and honed instincts are critical qualities at all levels of
life.
I am so excited for the opportunity to work with you and support you on your
journey!
Zach Johnson
Meet our couples and young adult MFTI specialist.
Hey, I’m Zach. I’m passionate about helping people through struggles with anxiety, depression, addiction, sexuality, emotional challenges, and relationships.
I especially enjoy working with couples and young adults. Having personally navigated many of these challenges, my experiences, along with my training, allow me to effectively support others in finding their way forward.
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Trained in marriage and family therapy and coaching, I approach sessions as a blend of exploration, challenge, and play. I believe that working together isn’t just about resolving issues—it's about transforming the way you look at yourself and the world. I’ll help you to see yourself with more clarity, courage, and compassion. We’ll explore who you are, unmask the parts of you that may be hidden or guarded, and I’ll encourage you to bring your whole self into the world.
In our sessions, you’ll find that I bring my own personality, humor, and humanity to the work. I’m not shy about challenging clients or exposing my own struggles. I’ll encourage you to dig deep, look honestly at yourself, and even embrace discomfort when needed. This approach isn’t for everyone, but for those ready to engage, it can be transformative.
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I create a space where honesty and growth can flourish, helping clients connect with themselves in a way that feels real and lasting. Whether we’re uncovering difficult patterns, working on relationships, discovering what you care about, or simply learning to live with more acceptance of ourselves and our lives, I’m here to guide you through the process with empathy, curiosity, and some playfulness.
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Together, we’ll uncover who you are beneath the surface and chart a path toward the life you want to live.
Francoise “Franny” Long
Meet Our Christ-Centered Trauma Informed Yoga Instructor, Holistic Coach, and Chef
Hi, I’m Franny!
I specialize in helping people reconnect with their God-given purpose, heal from within, and live with greater peace, resilience, and authenticity. I’m a Certified Holistic Health, Life, and Cognitive Coach, Breath Coach, 500-hour Christ-Centered Trauma-Informed Yoga Instructor, and classically trained chef.
If you’re feeling stuck, anxious, disconnected, or simply ready for more — you’re not alone. In our work together, you’ll find a safe, compassionate space to explore your inner world, reframe limiting beliefs, and build powerful, sustainable tools for emotional, physical, and spiritual growth.
My approach weaves mindset coaching, cognitive strategies, breath coaching, and somatic healing practices. We’ll focus on cultivating a growth mindset, strengthening emotional resilience, deepening self-awareness, and empowering you to create lasting transformation — one courageous step at a time.
I offer both virtual sessions and in-nature sessions, witnessing the healing presence of creation into the coaching experience.
You are already equipped with the light and strength you need. My heart is to support you in remembering, reclaiming, and radiating that truth — and walking boldly into the life you were created for,
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Specialties:
Anxiety and Emotional Resilience
Growth Mindset and Empowerment Coaching
Purpose Discovery and Authentic Living
Breath and Somatic Awareness
Christian/Spiritual Wellness Support
Session Options:
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Virtual Coaching (via Zoom)
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In-Nature Coaching (local outdoor settings)
It would be my honor to walk alongside you — with compassion, curiosity, and unwavering belief in your ability to heal, grow, and thrive.
