About Cynthia BenedictCounselor and Life Coach

Life doesn't always go the way we planned. Anxiety keeps you awake at night. Depression steals your motivation. Grief feels unbearable. ADHD makes everyday tasks harder than they should be. You don't have to face any of it alone, and struggling doesn't mean you need a diagnosis — sometimes you simply need someone who will truly listen and help you find a healthier path forward.

I'm Cynthia Benedict, and for almost 30 years I've had the privilege of helping children, teens, adults, seniors, couples, and families navigate anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, narcissistic abuse recovery, family estrangement, relationship difficulties, parenting concerns, divorce, caregiver stress, and life transitions with compassion, honesty, and practical guidance. Together, we build on your strengths, develop healthier coping skills, and create a path toward greater peace, confidence, and hope.

Many of life's greatest struggles aren't illnesses — they're life experiences: the loss of someone you love, caring for an aging parent, watching an adult child pull away, feeling disconnected from a spouse. These moments are deeply personal, and they deserve the same understanding and practical guidance as any diagnosed condition.

Every person who walks through my door has a unique story, so there's no one-size-fits-all approach to counseling. I meet you where you are, without judgment, and help you identify realistic solutions you can begin using immediately. Clients often tell me they appreciate my warm, straightforward, down-to-earth approach — counseling shouldn't feel intimidating, and lasting change can happen one step at a time.

Credentials:

I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida (MH 6009), a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri, and a nationally Certified Life Coach, with almost 30 years of experience helping people navigate anxiety, depression, grief, relationships, family concerns, and major life transitions. I have been in private practice since 2007 and previously served as Executive Director of a local community behavioral health organization.

• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of Central Florida, and Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling, Webster University, St. Louis, Missouri

While education and clinical training are essential, some of my greatest lessons have come from life itself. I've been married for more than 44 years, raised three children, and now treasure every moment with my three granddaughters. Those experiences have taught me that every family faces challenges and every season of life brings opportunities to learn, grow, heal, and begin again — I believe people are far more resilient than they often realize.

My office in Longwood serves individuals and families throughout Longwood, Lake Mary, Altamonte Springs, Winter Springs, Sanford, Casselberry, Heathrow, Apopka, Seminole County, and the Greater Orlando area, along with secure online counseling and life coaching for clients throughout Florida. If you're taking the first step toward counseling, or returning after many years, I'd be honored to walk alongside you. Sometimes one conversation really can change the direction of a life — perhaps yours begins today.