Carmen F Juneidi LCSW

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based behavioral therapy that encourages people to embrace their thoughts and feelings, including the negative ones. The goal of ACT is to create a rich and meaningful life by increasing psychological flexibility. ACT combines the mindfulness skill of living in the present moment with the practice of self-acceptance. When we allow our thoughts and feelings to be as they are, even the most painful events can seem more tolerable.

ACT is an evidence-based behavioral therapy that encourages people to embrace their thoughts and feelings, including the negative ones. The goal of ACT is to create a rich and meaningful life by increasing psychological flexibility and mindfulness. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages people to embrace their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting or feeling guilty for them.

Trauma therapy is a treatment approach that recognizes the impact of traumatic experiences on a person’s entire well-being. A trauma-informed therapist understands why survivors develop certain adaptive survival responses to protect themselves against additional trauma, and never victim-blames. Therapy assists clients in processing emotions and developing new strategies to improve daily functioning. Trauma work can be somatic in nature, so it does not always require retelling of the experience.

I have a trauma-informed, relational approach to treating complex trauma, that which happens in relation with those closest to us and it is the result of feeling unloved, unwanted, shamed, abused or rejected. When we become wounded in a traumatic relationship with others, these wounds can be healed within the context of a healthy, unconditionally positive therapeutic relationship. For South Florida clients, I also utilize in-person Accelerated Resolution Therapy.

Most of my work over the years has been with Complex-PTSD: the type of trauma that is not limited to one specific event, but that develops in response to the prolonged, repeated experience of interpersonal trauma. I have experience with both children and adults, who experienced it or witnessed it. In working with C-PTSD, in addition to treating symptoms such as hyper-arousal and avoidance, we must address the negative self-perception and relational problems that are unique to this condition.

Most of my professional experience and training has been in the field of trauma and Complex-PTSD. Trauma can have a huge impact in our lives, affecting the way we see the world, how we relate to others, and how we view ourselves. You do not have to constantly avoid triggers and feel afraid. I can help you calm your nervous system and start to feel safe enough to experience a joyful life again.

Internal family systems, or IFS, is a transformative type of therapy that believes we are all made up of several parts or sub-personalities, some of which are wounded. These wounded parts can carry painful emotions such as anger and shame. The goal of IFS therapy is to restore balance and harmony within the internal system by healing the wounded parts and learn to manage inner conflict in healthier ways.

I understand the unique challenges affecting the neurodivergent population, including vulnerability to experience trauma, dismissal and invalidation throughout their lives. This often results in Complex PTSD, anxiety and difficulties regarding trusting themselves and others. Using a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming approach, I help autistic/ADHD people live safely and authentically in the world, knowing how to set boundaries and communicate their needs effectively.

Whether you grew up in a home in which you witnessed or experienced abuse, are currently in a toxic relationship, or need help processing the trauma of an abusive relationship in your past, I can help. I am a certified expert in domestic violence and I fully understand the dynamics of Power and Control. I know how it feels to experience gaslighting or be the victim of narcissistic abuse. I also help with sexual abuse, the traumatic effects of divorce/separation and co-parenting with an abuser.