Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Palm Coast, FL

I grew up in central Florida and earned my Bachelor of Science in Family and Child Sciences from Florida State University, followed by a Master of Arts in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from the University of South Florida. During graduate school, I gained experience working in a treatment facility and with college students at USF, advocating for children’s educational needs while they balanced mental health treatment. This exposure led to my interest in behavior-focused therapy, particularly in using exposure techniques.

I’ve worked with children, teens, and adults dealing with obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, depression, Tourette's, and disordered eating.

I work with women in their 20s and 30s who are dealing with anxiety, ADHD, or that overwhelming sense that life should feel more manageable by now. A lot of my clients have tried therapy before and felt like it wasn't clicking, like they were spinning their wheels. That's exactly the kind of stuck I help with.

You're the one others turn to: the intuitive, deeply feeling woman who senses everything. Yet inside, you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or pulled out of alignment, stuck in patterns you can’t think your way out of. You want to feel grounded, clear, and able to trust yourself again. I help intuitive women regulate their nervous systems and reconnect to their inner knowing. I also specialize in pet loss, honoring your beloved pet as the cherished member of the family that they are. I support you in processing your grief, staying connected to your bond, and finding meaning as you heal.

If you want someone who will be straight with you — you're in the right place.

I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 5 years of experience working with adults navigating trauma, anxiety, and depression. I bring honesty, clarity, and genuine compassion to every session. That means I won't sugarcoat what I see, I won't tell you what you want to hear just to make you comfortable, and I won't let you stay stuck when I can see a way forward.

What I will do is show up fully, tell you the truth, and work hard alongside you.

I’m Karina Smith, LCSW, founder of Bloom Haven Therapeutic Services❀. I specialize in working with young adults and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, and life transitions related to relationships, career shifts, and family dynamics. I also support individuals experiencing the lasting impact of trauma or feeling stuck in patterns that are difficult to break.

My work is grounded in EMDR, DBT-informed therapy, somatic approaches, CBT, and mindfulness-based practices. I’m also an advocate and serve on the PAIMI Council for Disability Rights Florida.

Being a parent can be stressful, as you often find yourself wondering what you can do to help your child feel better, find emotional balance, increase their confidence and enhance their potential. It can be daunting to reach out to a therapist because you want to make sure that you find someone who deeply cares and connects with your child and can work with you, guiding and supporting your parenting journey. Imagine what it would feel like not to constantly worry about your child because you know that they feel better about themselves, can better regulate their feelings and behaviors, and are more in control of their life.

I help children and adolescents manage emotional distress and behavioral issues, addressing difficulties in social, academic, and family settings. I also help parents develop a stronger connection and understanding of their child(ren) by providing advice, tools, and methods to advance their parenting skills and confidence.

I have over 24 years of experience working with toddlers, children, adolescents, and their families and hold a four-year, post-masters Advanced Training Certificate in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy from the Chicago Institute for Psychoanalysis. I am available in the morning, afternoon, and evening Monday through Friday. Phone and video call sessions are available. I provide services in English, Spanish and Italian.

For more Information visit: https://monicabuttafavapsychotherapy.com