Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Maitland, FL

I received my PhD in Clinical Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute in 2016. I am a Florida licensed psychotherapist and have maintained a private practice for 17 years in Orlando and Winter Park. I have specialized training in the following: Clinical Trauma Professional and Clinical Hypnotherapist, and Qualified Clinical Supervisor. I am also a certified Psychedelic-Assisted Therapist through Integrative Psychiatry Institute, and MAPS.

I specialize in working with couples that want a stronger relationship, kids hurting from divorce, angry teens, frustrated parents and individuals looking to find purpose in life. Also, for those whose work schedules may interfere with their availability, I do offer evenings and weekend sessions.

Carmen Arrufat Ives is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who brings both heart and expertise to her work. She’s passionate about trauma-informed, developmentally thoughtful care—blending psychotherapy, medication management, and holistic strategies to help patients heal, grow, and truly thrive.

She completed advanced clinical training with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, where she specialized in treating PTSD, military sexual trauma, and complex psychiatric conditions. Carmen is also a graduate of The REACH Institute’s Evidence-Based Treatment for Pediatric Primary Care program, giving her specialized expertise in working with children and adolescents navigating anxiety, ADHD, mood, and behavioral challenges.

With advanced training in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused CBT, and EMDR, Carmen integrates neuroscience, preventive mental health, and whole-person care to support individuals and families across every stage of life.

Outside of work, Carmen enjoys spending quality time with her family, friends, and her beloved “furry family,” recharging through connection, laughter, and everyday moments that matter most.

I am a compassionate listener who is focused on helping to improve our patient's quality of life.

Healing from trauma, anxiety, and major life transitions can feel overwhelming, especially when you've spent years carrying burdens that were never meant to be carried alone. You may feel stuck between who you are and who others expect you to be, weighed down by painful experiences, family dynamics, cultural expectations, or the pressure to keep everything together while struggling internally. Whether you're coping with complex trauma, sexual trauma, relationship challenges, anxiety, self-doubt, or significant life changes, you deserve a space where you feel seen, understood, and supported.

Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming especially when you’re already feeling stuck, exhausted, anxious, or unsure of what you need. I believe therapy works best when you feel genuinely understood, not judged or “fixed.” My goal is to create a space where you can be honest about what’s really going on, feel supported through the hard parts, and develop tools that help you feel more grounded and confident in your life.

I work with adults navigating eating disorders, complex trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic illness, relationship and communication difficulties, attachment wounds, and major life transitions. I’ve worked across residential, PHP, IOP, and outpatient settings, giving me experience supporting people through both acute challenges and longer-term healing.

My approach is warm, collaborative, and compassionate, while still being honest and practical. We’ll work together to understand the patterns that may be keeping you stuck not just manage symptoms, but understand why they’re happening and what you want to do differently.

You don’t have to have everything figured out before starting therapy. If you’re ready to better understand yourself, break old patterns, and build a life that feels more like your own, I’d be honored to help.