Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Oviedo, FL

I am a warm approachable therapist that recognizes how daily life can impact our mental health. I focus on how our past and present collide to at time cause disruptions and how to heal to live a brighter future.

My area of focus is with high-achieving adults and athletes who seek self-discovery, optimal performance and skillfully practicing the art of living well. Having grown up in a high achieving environment, becoming one myself and then raising my own high achievers. I have intimate knowledge of the highs and lows and the guilt and shame that follow. There is a way to have a "balanced" life. "You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf." - Jon Kabat-Zinn

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 have been serving Orlando and surrounding areas in private practice for over 5 years after first gaining experience in residential crisis and substance abuse. I received my BS in psychology from UCF and my MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Stetson University in Deland!

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.

My background in both education and counseling allows me to support clients with a blend of clinical insight, trauma‐informed care, and practical skill‐building. I currently serve as a facilitator with the Peace and Justice Institute and work as a contract therapist with Families First of Florida. I also have my own private practice named Here and Now Counseling Center. My clinical approach is grounded in compassion, cultural responsiveness, and evidence‐based practices tailored to each client’s needs.

My background is in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, where I earned my Master's from the University of Central Florida. I work with children, adolescents, and adults navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship concerns, and difficulties with self-esteem and emotional regulation. My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to each person’s unique experiences.

~Meliorism- the belief that the world gets better; the belief that humans can improve the world. --This is not only the name of my practice, Meliorism Counseling LLC, but it's a core value I truly believe in. Using a focus on relationships, I work with individuals, couples, and families to obtain a sense of overall well-being and balance. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Qualified Supervisor in the State of Florida I have had the privilege to work in the dependency system, child advocacy setting, not-for-profit sector and private agencies. Services are available in office or through teletherapy.

Hi there! I am dedicated to meeting each client exactly where they are, inviting them to "come matter here." I view the therapeutic relationship as a powerful partnership, where safety, support, and respect come together to inspire meaningful change. I believe in the power of laughter and often weave humor into my sessions to create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.