Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Gainesville, FL

You may have learned to navigate spaces where parts of you didn’t feel fully seen or accepted. Over time, those experiences can shape how you see yourself.

What is the story you tell yourself? What messages have you taken in from others—and from the world around you? How have those shaped the way you see yourself?

For many people, these stories are formed in spaces where parts of them felt unseen, misunderstood, or not fully accepted. Over time, this can lead to cycles of self-doubt, shame, or feeling like you have to keep proving your worth.

You might feel misunderstood, overwhelmed by mood changes, or unsure how to navigate relationships in a way that feels natural or fulfilling. Whether you’re dealing with depression, bipolar patterns, or feeling “different” in social or emotional spaces, it can be exhausting trying to figure it out on your own.

I work with adults, including neurodivergent individuals, who want to better understand themselves, improve relationships, and feel more steady and connected in their daily lives. My goal is to create a space where you feel respected, supported, and able to be fully yourself.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, or the emotional demands of parenthood, you're not alone. I work with adolescents, adults, couples, and families navigating life transitions, maternal mental health concerns, stress, grief, family conflict, substance use concerns, and PTSD. Whether you're struggling to manage difficult emotions, improve relationships, or heal from past experiences, therapy can provide a space for growth, healing, and self-discovery.

As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), I provide therapy in both English and Spanish and believe healing begins in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment. My goal is to help clients feel understood, empowered, and equipped with practical tools to create meaningful change while building resilience, confidence, and emotional well-being.

My name is Paula Arce and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with over 15 years of experience supporting individuals on their journey toward healing and self-discovery. I specialize in working with individuals experiencing Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Trauma, Narcissistic Abuse, Codependency and Borderline Personality features. My therapeutic approach is warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed. I help clients to overcome anxiety and fear by identifying and transforming ineffective behaviors, habits and beliefs that may keep them stuck. I believe that each person holds the power to create meaningful change, and my role is to guide and support you as you find new ways to live a more balanced and fulfilling life. In my practice as a mental health professional, I am guided by conservative values. I also offer the option, for those who wish, to incorporate Christian principles into the therapeutic process, always respecting each individual's faith and needs.

If you’re struggling to cope with Depression, Grief, or any other mental disorder I can help you navigate these feelings and offer a path forward.

I’m passionate about my clients and their well-being. I am committed to helping them “cross the bridge” from pain to safety and empowerment. I also enjoy participating in workshops, speaking engagements, webinars, and podcasts.

If you’re interested in scheduling a consultation with me, please send an appointment request.

I am a kind, open-minded person who genuinely values listening and understanding others. I believe that some of the most meaningful connections begin with simply feeling heard. I have an extensive background and passion for psychology, and I am endlessly fascinated by the brain, the mind, and how deeply connected they are to our emotions, behaviors, and overall well-being.

Outside of my professional life, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing with my cats, and traveling whenever I get the opportunity. I naturally enjoy helping others navigate life’s challenges, whether that involves problem-solving, relationships, emotional struggles, or finding new perspectives during difficult times. Helping people better understand themselves and move toward healthier, more fulfilling lives is something that brings me genuine purpose.

I also hold a special passion for supporting our military, veterans, and first responders. Being married to one has given me a deeper appreciation and understanding of the sacrifices made by these individuals and their families. I believe the men and women who have served and protected our country are among our nation’s greatest assets, and I feel deeply committed to helping support their mental health, resilience, and quality of life as they continue carrying burdens many others may never fully understand.

Hi, and welcome! I understand that reaching out for therapy can feel like a big step, and finding a therapist you feel comfortable with is important. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 20 years of experience supporting individuals and families through life’s challenges. My clients often describe me as warm, compassionate, easy to talk to, and solution-oriented.

I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship and family concerns, low self-esteem, stress, difficult life transitions, and challenges with boundaries or putting their own needs first. My approach is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and grounded in the belief that your experiences deserve to be understood without judgment.

I strive to create a space where therapy feels like a genuine conversation—one where you can be yourself, feel heard, explore difficult experiences, and develop practical tools to help you move forward. I will support and encourage you while also helping you recognize patterns, build on your strengths, and create meaningful, lasting change.

Outside of therapy, I enjoy going to the gym, staying active, taking nature walks, traveling, and getting lost in a good book. These activities remind me of the importance of balance, personal growth, self-care, and making time for the things that help us feel grounded and connected to ourselves.

You do not need to have everything figured out before beginning therapy. We can start wherever you are and work together toward where you want to be.

If you’re dealing with anxiety, trauma, PTSD, depression, stress, or men’s emotional health, I’m here to help you get grounded, clear, and moving forward. I offer telehealth across Florida and in person sessions in Pace Fl (32571) and I’m currently accepting new clients.

I bring a unique perspective to therapy after spending 18 years as a law enforcement officer, working in high‐stress environments and walking with people through the hardest moments of their lives. Today, I use that experience—along with my formal clinical training—to support adults who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or worn down by life.

You deserve a life that isn’t defined by guilt, anxiety, or the pressure to be everything for everyone.

Many of my clients are exhausted from being the responsible one. They're the problem-solver, the caretaker, the one who keeps it together. Everyone seems to need something from them, and somehow they're expected to handle it all without dropping a ball.

Meanwhile, they're battling anxiety, self-doubt, guilt, overthinking, relationship stress, or the feeling that they've lost touch with themselves somewhere along the way.

As a bilingual English and Spanish therapist, I work with people who are ready to stop running on autopilot and start understanding what's actually keeping them stuck. Therapy with me isn't about pretending everything is fine or endlessly talking in circles. It's about understanding yourself more deeply, learning new ways of responding to life's challenges, and creating meaningful change.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals across the lifespan. With over 16 years of nursing experience in home health, care management, hospice, and palliative care, I take a holistic approach that supports emotional, mental, and overall well-being.

I understand that seeking mental health care takes courage. My goal is to provide a supportive environment where you feel heard, respected, and empowered while receiving high-quality, individualized care. I treat a wide range of mental health conditions and welcome patients of all ages.

I am a LCSW that is trauma informed. I have experience working with women that have had pregnancy complications, loss, and women that may be experiencing post partum depression. I work with parents on attachment and challenges that parenting may bring to the family.

As a DNP-prepared, board-certified Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I firmly believe everyone has the right to quality mental health care. With many years of experience in mental health and a diverse nursing background, I am committed to providing a safe, supportive, and judgment-free environment. This is a space where you can feel secure, understood, and empowered to achieve your optimal mental health. Congratulations on taking the first step toward living a fulfilling life.

I’ve worked with adults, teens, and children for over 20 years, helping them heal, grow, and build the skills needed to become their strongest selves. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and trauma. I focus on getting to the root of challenges while also identifying and strengthening your unique abilities. I believe lasting change happens when you feel truly seen, heard, and supported. I strive to create a safe, compassionate space where you can grow at your own pace.

I want you to know that my role is to support you with compassion, respect, and evidence‐based care. I take the time to listen closely so I can understand what you’re experiencing and what matters most to you. My approach is collaborative—I believe treatment works best when we make decisions together. I’m here to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can speak openly and feel heard. My goal is to help you move toward stability, confidence, and a better quality of life.