Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Winter Garden, FL

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!

Taking the first step toward therapy can feel overwhelming, especially when you're carrying anxiety, depression, mood changes, or emotions that seem difficult to manage on your own. I believe everyone deserves a space where they feel heard without judgment and supported through life's challenges. Whether you're navigating ADHD, bipolar disorder, anger management concerns, trauma, grief, relationship struggles, identity questions, or simply feeling stuck, my goal is to help you better understand yourself while building the tools you need to move forward. I work with both adolescents and adults, recognizing that every stage of life brings unique experiences and obstacles. Together, we'll create a supportive, collaborative environment where you can explore what's weighing on you, discover your strengths, and work toward meaningful, lasting change at a pace that feels right for you.

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 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.

At Sivana Counseling, I work with my clients across a wide range of emotional concerns including depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, and general life transitions. I strive to create a space that feels safe, respectful, and genuinely supportive for you.

I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Sociology, followed by a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling; both from the University of Central Florida. I am a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Florida and have been in practice for 15 years. I work with both adolescents and adults and tailor my approach to meet each client’s individual needs.

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.

I believe therapy works best when you feel comfortable being fully yourself. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, understood, and never judged, while also being supported in making real, meaningful changes in your life.

Clients often share that they feel at ease talking with me, but also appreciate that I’m honest and help them look at things in new ways. I’m not here to just nod along. I’m here to help you understand yourself more deeply, recognize patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and figure out what actually works for you moving forward.

I take a collaborative approach, which means we work together to make sense of your experiences and build tools that fit your life. Therapy does not have to feel cold or overly clinical. It can be a space that feels genuine, supportive, and even a little lighter at times, while still doing the deeper work.