Trauma Focused Therapists in Polk County, FL
If you’ve been stuck in survival mode, repeating the same painful patterns, or feeling like you’ve lost the version of yourself you used to recognize—you’re not alone. Therapy can help you reconnect with yourself and move forward with clarity and confidence.
Right now, you may be struggling with overthinking or feeling stuck in negative thought loops. You might feel constantly tense, mentally drained, or emotionally exhausted. You may even notice yourself becoming more irritable or losing your temper more often and not fully understanding why. With the right support, these struggles can improve.
If you’ve been stuck in survival mode, repeating the same painful patterns, or feeling like you’ve lost the version of yourself you used to recognize—you’re not alone. Therapy can help you reconnect with yourself and move forward with clarity and confidence.
Right now, you may be struggling with overthinking or feeling stuck in negative thought loops. You might feel constantly tense, mentally drained, or emotionally exhausted. You may even notice yourself becoming more irritable or losing your temper more often and not fully understanding why. With the right support, these struggles can improve.
Safe Space Licensed Clinical Social Work, P.C.
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Polk City, FL 33868
La salud mental es tan importante como la salud fisica, tanto asi que las personas que sufren de estres, depresion, o ansiedad presentan sintomas de presion alta y otras enfermedades fisicas. Estos estados de animo pueden alterar su vida ya que dificultan las relaciones interpersonales y su funcionamiento en el trabajo o en la escuela. Si usted o algun ser querido presentan estos sintomas, estamos aquí para ayudarle.
La salud mental es tan importante como la salud fisica, tanto asi que las personas que sufren de estres, depresion, o ansiedad presentan sintomas de presion alta y otras enfermedades fisicas. Estos estados de animo pueden alterar su vida ya que dificultan las relaciones interpersonales y su funcionamiento en el trabajo o en la escuela. Si usted o algun ser querido presentan estos sintomas, estamos aquí para ayudarle.
Hello! My passion is working with adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, ADHD, emotional dysregulation, and relationship stress, especially when life feels overwhelming or emotions feel like they’re running the show. Some of my clients have referred to me as their “therapeutic auntie” — the one who’s warm, honest, validating, and will gently call you out when needed.
Hello! My passion is working with adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, ADHD, emotional dysregulation, and relationship stress, especially when life feels overwhelming or emotions feel like they’re running the show. Some of my clients have referred to me as their “therapeutic auntie” — the one who’s warm, honest, validating, and will gently call you out when needed.
Gracia Haygood
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, QS
1 Endorsed
Lakeland, FL 33815
Waitlist for new clients
We all face different challenges throughout our lives. Whether you're dealing with addiction, anxiety, depression, general life stressors or relationship issues, I'm here to help. I have experience working with adolescents and adults at the outpatient level, leading group, and individual therapy. Also, I have several years in Intensive Outpatient care with adults. I work with people struggling with severe trauma, drug addiction, and mental health concerns. I offer individual and couples therapy.
We all face different challenges throughout our lives. Whether you're dealing with addiction, anxiety, depression, general life stressors or relationship issues, I'm here to help. I have experience working with adolescents and adults at the outpatient level, leading group, and individual therapy. Also, I have several years in Intensive Outpatient care with adults. I work with people struggling with severe trauma, drug addiction, and mental health concerns. I offer individual and couples therapy.
Your pain is your portal - an invitation directly to the soul. Your pain is asking for your attention - it carries insight, emotion, and parts of you that are asking to be seen. When you begin to turn toward it, rather than away, something shifts. Real change doesn’t come from pushing feelings down. It comes from allowing them. From making space for the tears, the truth, and the experiences that never had a voice. If you’re ready, we can walk through together.
Your pain is your portal - an invitation directly to the soul. Your pain is asking for your attention - it carries insight, emotion, and parts of you that are asking to be seen. When you begin to turn toward it, rather than away, something shifts. Real change doesn’t come from pushing feelings down. It comes from allowing them. From making space for the tears, the truth, and the experiences that never had a voice. If you’re ready, we can walk through together.
I specialize in client-centered, trauma focused therapy, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
As a dedicated therapist, I serve individuals who have experienced trauma and are seeking a compassionate, client-centered approach to healing. They may struggle with anxiety, depression, relationships, or PTSD, and are looking for a safe space to process their emotions. Their goal is to find relief from their symptoms, rebuild their sense of self, and move towards a fulfilling and meaningful life.
I specialize in client-centered, trauma focused therapy, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
As a dedicated therapist, I serve individuals who have experienced trauma and are seeking a compassionate, client-centered approach to healing. They may struggle with anxiety, depression, relationships, or PTSD, and are looking for a safe space to process their emotions. Their goal is to find relief from their symptoms, rebuild their sense of self, and move towards a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Life in today’s world is a challenge for all of us at times. Knowing that we are not alone when we face these challenging circumstances can certainly help us access the courage it takes to navigate them more effectively. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Qualified Supervisor, my passion is to provide clients a safe place to focus on their journey toward growth and healing.
Life in today’s world is a challenge for all of us at times. Knowing that we are not alone when we face these challenging circumstances can certainly help us access the courage it takes to navigate them more effectively. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Qualified Supervisor, my passion is to provide clients a safe place to focus on their journey toward growth and healing.
Accepting New Clients! I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (Professional Counselor) in Florida, New Hampshire and South Carolina. My background is in marketing and sales however, a few years ago, I decided to follow my passion and enter the Helping Profession. My focus with each client is to work with them to obtain the best possible version of themselves. To do that, I partner with the client to assist them in learning and implementing strategies and coping skills that can assist in getting them to a better feeling place. This is a process, and each step of the way, we will work together to obtain a better feeling place.
Accepting New Clients! I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (Professional Counselor) in Florida, New Hampshire and South Carolina. My background is in marketing and sales however, a few years ago, I decided to follow my passion and enter the Helping Profession. My focus with each client is to work with them to obtain the best possible version of themselves. To do that, I partner with the client to assist them in learning and implementing strategies and coping skills that can assist in getting them to a better feeling place. This is a process, and each step of the way, we will work together to obtain a better feeling place.
Perhaps you are driven, accomplished and seem confident. But inside, still feel unworthy or afraid of being seen. Maybe you feel stuck in unfulfilling patterns? If you are navigating the pressure of demanding work or leadership, experiencing disconnection and hurt in your relationship, or just trying to manage these difficult and uncertain times, therapy can be a space to recalibrate and realign.
I specialize in working with high-performing individuals and couples wanting more than temporary symptom relief. They want meaningful, lasting change. I tailor my approach to your goals, helping you access clarity and tools for change.
Perhaps you are driven, accomplished and seem confident. But inside, still feel unworthy or afraid of being seen. Maybe you feel stuck in unfulfilling patterns? If you are navigating the pressure of demanding work or leadership, experiencing disconnection and hurt in your relationship, or just trying to manage these difficult and uncertain times, therapy can be a space to recalibrate and realign.
I specialize in working with high-performing individuals and couples wanting more than temporary symptom relief. They want meaningful, lasting change. I tailor my approach to your goals, helping you access clarity and tools for change.
Maybe you were ready to slow down, work part-time, or begin a well-earned retirement. Then, life changed. A new stressor emerged. Perhaps you became a caregiver, received a medical diagnosis, or lost someone dear to you. Now what?
Life has a way of surprising us. As a therapist specializing in aging and life transitions, I can help you navigate the unexpected so you can reconnect with your purpose, even if it looks different than you imagined.
Maybe you were ready to slow down, work part-time, or begin a well-earned retirement. Then, life changed. A new stressor emerged. Perhaps you became a caregiver, received a medical diagnosis, or lost someone dear to you. Now what?
Life has a way of surprising us. As a therapist specializing in aging and life transitions, I can help you navigate the unexpected so you can reconnect with your purpose, even if it looks different than you imagined.
My ideal clients value relationships and seek to improve them, whether as couples facing communication problems, conflicts, or infidelity, or as individuals struggling with self esteem, sexual concerns, or emotional wounds. They need a safe space for open communication, skill development, and healing. Their goals include rebuilding trust, enhancing intimacy, fostering loving partnerships, improving communication, and achieving personal growth. They want to honor their self and each other. My clients understand the value of professional guidance for more fulfilling and harmonious relationships.
My ideal clients value relationships and seek to improve them, whether as couples facing communication problems, conflicts, or infidelity, or as individuals struggling with self esteem, sexual concerns, or emotional wounds. They need a safe space for open communication, skill development, and healing. Their goals include rebuilding trust, enhancing intimacy, fostering loving partnerships, improving communication, and achieving personal growth. They want to honor their self and each other. My clients understand the value of professional guidance for more fulfilling and harmonious relationships.
I have a deep commitment to providing a safe, inclusive, and affirming space for all clients. My work is rooted in empathy, compassion, authenticity, and acceptance. I view the process of therapy through a neurodiversity-affirming, LGBTQIA+ affirming, and trauma-informed lens. As someone with lived experience in neurodiversity, I understand firsthand the importance of being validated for your unique experience. I strive to create an environment where there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach. My goal is to work alongside you, helping you navigate challenges, uncover your strengths, and empower you to live authentically.
I have a deep commitment to providing a safe, inclusive, and affirming space for all clients. My work is rooted in empathy, compassion, authenticity, and acceptance. I view the process of therapy through a neurodiversity-affirming, LGBTQIA+ affirming, and trauma-informed lens. As someone with lived experience in neurodiversity, I understand firsthand the importance of being validated for your unique experience. I strive to create an environment where there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach. My goal is to work alongside you, helping you navigate challenges, uncover your strengths, and empower you to live authentically.
It is hard to find a counselor that you can feel safe with. If you have made it this far in your search, I imagine you have ruled out many. Counseling and therapy are very personal. I offer every client a free short phone call, no strings attached, to give you the opportunity to get more information about me and decide if you want to continue. I specialize in marriage and pre-marriage, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and relationship issues.
It is hard to find a counselor that you can feel safe with. If you have made it this far in your search, I imagine you have ruled out many. Counseling and therapy are very personal. I offer every client a free short phone call, no strings attached, to give you the opportunity to get more information about me and decide if you want to continue. I specialize in marriage and pre-marriage, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and relationship issues.
It would be an honor to hold space with you. To support you as you process life's challenges. To provide a safe space to express, explore and to unpack. Together we will find solutions, tools and self-awareness.
It would be an honor to hold space with you. To support you as you process life's challenges. To provide a safe space to express, explore and to unpack. Together we will find solutions, tools and self-awareness.
You might be feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, stuck in patterns that don’t feel like you, or trying to hold everything together while feeling disconnected inside. Life transitions, stress, or past experiences can make it hard to feel grounded or clear about what you need. You don’t have to do this alone. I provide a supportive space where you can explore what’s going on beneath the surface and begin moving toward greater clarity, confidence, and emotional balance.
You might be feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, stuck in patterns that don’t feel like you, or trying to hold everything together while feeling disconnected inside. Life transitions, stress, or past experiences can make it hard to feel grounded or clear about what you need. You don’t have to do this alone. I provide a supportive space where you can explore what’s going on beneath the surface and begin moving toward greater clarity, confidence, and emotional balance.
You love each other, but something’s off. You want to restore what you once had, before everything got so hard. But the fights aren’t stopping, they aren’t productive, and you two can barely talk to each other now. Passion is missing. Trust is missing. Intimacy is missing. As much as you'd like to stay together, you can't see how it's going to happen if things stay the same. You're so ready for things to be different, but you're struggling on how to get there. I'm a Relationship Specialist providing therapy that can help.
You love each other, but something’s off. You want to restore what you once had, before everything got so hard. But the fights aren’t stopping, they aren’t productive, and you two can barely talk to each other now. Passion is missing. Trust is missing. Intimacy is missing. As much as you'd like to stay together, you can't see how it's going to happen if things stay the same. You're so ready for things to be different, but you're struggling on how to get there. I'm a Relationship Specialist providing therapy that can help.
Now accepting new clients as of 03/26/26! I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida, passionate about helping young adults, adults, and older adults. I provide a warm, supportive space to address anxiety, grief, trauma, dissociative disorders, and life transitions. I provide behavioral health support and care coordination for patients in Florida in a variety of living settings, telehealth and private homes. Custom tailoring an individual approach to each new client. I’m especially passionate about using ART and CBT to help clients heal from trauma, grief, and dissociation, fostering growth and resilience.
Now accepting new clients as of 03/26/26! I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida, passionate about helping young adults, adults, and older adults. I provide a warm, supportive space to address anxiety, grief, trauma, dissociative disorders, and life transitions. I provide behavioral health support and care coordination for patients in Florida in a variety of living settings, telehealth and private homes. Custom tailoring an individual approach to each new client. I’m especially passionate about using ART and CBT to help clients heal from trauma, grief, and dissociation, fostering growth and resilience.
Hi there! Are past traumatic experiences impacting your life in negative ways and you have been avoiding talking to someone for fear it will be overwhelming? I understand. I have over 25 years in many different mental health and health settings helping clients overcome the ongoing effects of trauma. Or maybe you have tried to reach out for help before - but thinking about letting go of the ways you've learned to adapt and cope through the trauma and its after effects is a scary prospect! I get it, you want to feel better and to be healthier - mentally, physically and emotionally. But where can you safely turn for help?
Hi there! Are past traumatic experiences impacting your life in negative ways and you have been avoiding talking to someone for fear it will be overwhelming? I understand. I have over 25 years in many different mental health and health settings helping clients overcome the ongoing effects of trauma. Or maybe you have tried to reach out for help before - but thinking about letting go of the ways you've learned to adapt and cope through the trauma and its after effects is a scary prospect! I get it, you want to feel better and to be healthier - mentally, physically and emotionally. But where can you safely turn for help?
I believe in using a variety of therapeutic approaches including CBT , mindfulness, trauma focused and person centered to meet the individual needs of my client.
Does life feel like a struggle? Do you feel overwhelmed, anxious, angry or depressed? Are you not sure what to do or where to turn to? If you are struggling, need help or an ear to listen and help process, I’m here for you. Life can be a lot at times and having support along the way can help lead to major relief, changes and breakthroughs. Imagine feeling heard and supported through life, that’s what I’d like to do to help you regain control and focus in your life. I want to help you become the best version of yourself.
I believe in using a variety of therapeutic approaches including CBT , mindfulness, trauma focused and person centered to meet the individual needs of my client.
Does life feel like a struggle? Do you feel overwhelmed, anxious, angry or depressed? Are you not sure what to do or where to turn to? If you are struggling, need help or an ear to listen and help process, I’m here for you. Life can be a lot at times and having support along the way can help lead to major relief, changes and breakthroughs. Imagine feeling heard and supported through life, that’s what I’d like to do to help you regain control and focus in your life. I want to help you become the best version of yourself.
Are you exhausted from just trying to keep it together? Does anxiety keep you up at night? Maybe sadness has settled in and won't lift. Maybe your relationships feel strained, your anger feels out of control, or you've been through something that still haunts you. When life gets busy and stressful, we often forget to take care of our mental and emotional health. Over time, this can affect our bodies and mind. Whatever you're carrying — you don't have to carry it alone. Life is hard. And asking for help is one of the bravest things you can do. We're here when you're ready!
Are you exhausted from just trying to keep it together? Does anxiety keep you up at night? Maybe sadness has settled in and won't lift. Maybe your relationships feel strained, your anger feels out of control, or you've been through something that still haunts you. When life gets busy and stressful, we often forget to take care of our mental and emotional health. Over time, this can affect our bodies and mind. Whatever you're carrying — you don't have to carry it alone. Life is hard. And asking for help is one of the bravest things you can do. We're here when you're ready!


