About

Hilda F. Besner, Ph.D.

Dr. Hilda F. Besner received her Ph.D. in psychology in 1975 from Nova University. In practice in the South Florida community for over thirty years, “Dr. Hilda” has worked with a broad range of populations in the clinical setting and served as a consultant to many organizations. She has been very involved in the area of assessment and has taught doctorate students how to administer and interpret psychological instruments. She has conducted many psychological assessments including pre-employment screening for police departments. She has published extensively, including co-authoring three books on police marriage problems, teen-age/young adult gender-identity issues, and a training manual for corporations and school systems. Together with Dr. Adele Besner, she developed a coloring book for children and a companion book for adults to help deal with the trauma following Hurricane Andrew. The American Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency distributed this book in the South Florida community. Following Columbine, along with Dr. Adele, materials were developed that were introduced into the Broward County School System to deal with the after-effects of this tragedy and violence prevention. She has also served as a facilitator for the ACT Program of the American Psychological Association. She was instrumental in developing B-Vitals, a comprehensive behavioral health computerized software program that assesses children in the pediatric office. Active in many professional, civic and community organizations, she has received numerous community and professional awards and honors. She is a fellow of Division 42 of the American Psychological Association, past president of Division 12, Section 4, of the American Psychological Association, and served as Chair of the Practice Information Clearinghouse of Knowledge for Division 42 of the American Psychological Association for six years. She received the “Outstanding Contribution to the Community” award from the Florida Psychological Association and is a past-president of the Broward County Psychological Association.

Adele Besner, Psy.D.

Dr. Adele Besner has been working as a licensed psychologist since 1984.  She received her Bachelors and Masters degree in Music Therapy from the University of Miami.  After working in the field of Music Therapy with a focus on mental health, adolescents and seniors, she earned her Doctorate in psychology from Nova University in 1983.  “Dr. Adele” served as the Clinical Director of Twig House, a residential program for boys with behavior and emotional problems for seven years, and as a consultant to Pine Crest Preparatory School where she conducted parent meetings, educational evaluations, and ancillary services to faculty and administrators.  In addition to her work with children and their families, her areas of expertise include issues surrounding communication, interpersonal relationships, divorce and the healing process, parenting, and work related problems.  She works with the courts conducting both custody and forensic evaluations for the family and juvenile divisions, as well as competency and disability evaluations.  She is very actively involved with violence prevention activities in Broward County. She has been an ACT trainer for the American Psychological Association and has an active role with a non-profit dance group that supports anti-bullying efforts by utilizing dance and movement to help foster self-confidence, self-esteem and more effective communication skills amongst adolescents and teens.  In addition, she utilizes Animal Assisted Therapy in her treatment and understands the importance of incorporating other adjunctive therapies such as music and movement. Dr. Besner has served as President of the Broward County Psychological Association twice, was chair of the community outreach committee for the Florida Psychological Association, served as chair of the Board of Directors of the Mental Health Association of Broward County, 2005-2007, is now chair of the Advisory Board and is an active part of the community. Frequently invited by the local news media to serve as an expert consultant, and for senior activities that deal with the importance of healthy and positive Aging, she is the recipient of the Florida Psychology Association’s “Outstanding Contribution to the Community” award, “Psychologist of the Year”, and “What a Woman” awards in 1992, and was the Greater Fort Lauderdale Honoree to excellence in Business and Outstanding Contributions to the Community” in 2001.

Liza Feliciano, Ph.D. Psychology Resident

Dr. Liza Feliciano is a Post-Doctoral Psychology Resident who provides bilingual (English and Spanish) psychotherapy services to children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric populations in addition to psychological/psychoeducational testing.
Dr. Feliciano earned her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the Ponce Health Sciences University, an APA-accredited Psychology Program in Puerto Rico. She previously held a post-doctorate position at NYU Lutheran Family Health Centers in Brooklyn, NY.
She has over eight years of experience providing psychotherapy as well as conducting psychological and psychoeducational assessments. Dr. Feliciano acquired extensive clinical and research training with culturally diverse communities in New York City; with a focus on trauma in Hispanic children and adults. While in New York City, Dr. Feliciano did grant work with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Grant Program/National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN). Additionally, she has collaborated on several publications concerning the provision of Trauma-Focused Therapy services to children. She has worked in community-based clinics in Puerto Rico, New York and recently moved to the South Florida area.
Dr. Feliciano has presented at national and International conferences regarding the topics of trauma, partner violence, evidence-based treatment, and clinical protocol comparisons.
Her areas of training include trauma, anxiety, depression, family and couples conflict, as well as culture, gender, and sexual orientation issues. Her approach relies upon the client’s concerns with integrating the most appropriate therapy technique to help clients achieve their goals.
Education:
2008 – Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras Campus.
2015 – Doctor of Philosophy, Clinical Psychology, Ponce Health Sciences University.

Giselle Gaviria, Psy.D. Psychology Resident

Dr. Giselle Gaviria is a bilingual (English and Spanish) Post-Doctoral Resident at The Besner Group. She received her doctoral degree from Albizu University, an APA accredited Clinical Psychology Program, in Miami, Florida.  She completed her internship training at Citrus Health Network working with adults and geriatric populations. Dr. Gaviria specializes in individual and group therapy, as well as psychological testing. Her areas of expertise include but are not limited to multicultural issues, life-span challenges, substance abuse, depression, and anxiety.  She also has extensive experience working with immigration evaluations (hardship and VAWA). Dr. Gaviria has presented at numerous conferences nationally and internationally on a variety of topics.  Her approach to therapy is integrative and empowering as clients take control over their personal life challenges and growth as individuals. In her spare time, Dr. Gaviria enjoys spending time with her dog, gardening, and traveling.