C.P. Handler, LCSW

a trauma-informed, humanistic therapist and author of The Light Within the Walls

C.P. Handler spent six years providing therapy inside state and county juvenile correctional systems, working with traumatized, often gang-involved youth in one of the most challenging institutional environments in the country.

She is the founder of Ocean Counseling and offers therapy across Florida, Michigan, and Ohio. Her clinical work specializes in EMDR, Brainspotting, juvenile justice, and work with parents and teens. C.P. also provides trainings internationally.

Her book, The Light Within the Walls, explores the lived experiences of incarcerated youth, the systemic failures that harm them, the obstacles to providing healing in systems built for control, and the long-term relationships she continues to maintain with the young men she served.

"When I Worked in Juvie" with C.P. Handler
The Franciska Show
“We label them criminals. This book shows the children underneath.”

I’d love to hear from you.

To inquire about speaking engagements, interviews, book events, school or community presentations, or conversations related to juvenile justice reform, please complete the form below.

I welcome messages from readers, educators, advocates, journalists, and organizations interested in creating a deeper conversation around youth, accountability, healing, and rehabilitation.