About Cynthia Benedict, MA, LMHC, LPC, NCC

Call Us Now: 407.234.6911

Schedule a Free E-Mail Consultation
cynthia@longwoodcounseling.com

For 20 years, I have been a licensed and board certified counselor in the State of Florida. Now, I am fortunate to be a Licensed Professional Counselor providing teletherapy in Missouri as well. As a Qualified Supervisor, I have guided and supported unlicensed counselors, hopefully preparing them not only to pass the Licensure test, but also to become knowedgeable and empathic therapists themselves. I spent many years working as a field therapist where counseling was provided in homes and schools. For several years, I was the Executive Director of a local mental health agency where I supervised operations, accreditations, approximately 75 therapist interns and all of their cases!! I realized, however, that I missed the one-on-one with the cients and decided to open a private practice. Hard to believe, however, I have had my own office now for 10 years. I LOVE it! Still the agency experience I gained was extrememly valuable. As a result of serving and participating on various committees, I am very knowledgeable on additional support services in the community. Counseling is an Education degree and that is how I see myself, as a TEACHER. Although I work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues my goal is to teach you the skills to attain your own personal growth.

I lived in Central Florida for most of my life married to the father of my three grown children. I can credit my children with pointing out the need for parenting skills. Thankfully, I can say they are all wonderful young adults now. But it was not so easy when they were young. I remember asking the pediatricican for guidance with behavioral issues. He responded, “Oh, you are a good mother. Just go shopping at Albertson’s. They are open all night.” That was NOT want I needed to hear to manage a tantruming child, demanding everything they saw.

I wish I knew then what I know now. But I CAN help you.I do see myself as a child advocate because as I said before the problem is NOT the child. It is the problem BEHAVIOR.

With my varied life experience and professional expertise, it is easy for me to be non-judgemental and empathic. It is very rare for a client to present with an issue I, myself, have not been forced to deal with in my own life. We are all human. You should know that I am a GATOR fan but I am accepting of FSU fans as well!!

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Licensed Professional Counselor experienced in Child, Teen and Adult Counseling. Therapy is provided to Individuals, Familes and Couples in my convenient private office located at the intersection of I-4 and West SR 434. I work with a wide range of behavioral and emotional issues utilyzing cognitive behavioral and solution focused therapy. In a suppportive and comfortable setting, I offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each of my client’s individual needs to attain the personal growth they are striving for. I am a GREAT problem solver and I would be honored to be your private counselor!

Why Chose me as Your Therapist?

Cognitive Behavioral and Solution Focused Therapy. Most issues resolved in 8-10 sessions
Former Executive Director of Behavioral Health Agency. I have experience with clients of all ages; backgrounds, and therapy issues.
I am a warm and supportive therapist. If you don’t feel comfortable then I am not the right counselor for you.
I do not specialize in people with your exact problem. Everyone is different. Treatment is CUSTOMIZED not STANDARDIZED.
I encourage INDEPENDENCE not DEPENDENCE.
As a mother of 3 grown children, I do not pathologize children. The “problem” is the problem.
85% of successful change can be attributed to the relationship between counselor and client. It is the MOST important piece.
Licensed Board Certified Mental Health Counselor
Licensed Professional Counselor
Employee Assistance Specialist-Clinical
Florida Qualified Supervisor
Distinguished Graduate Webster University in STL
Master Degree in Mental Health Counseling

Take Back Your Life

With over 20 years experience as a mental health counselor and therapist, my goal is to provide support and practical feedback to assist my clients build on their strengths and learn new strategies to resolve issues and effectively address life’s challenges such as:

Depression Therapy
Counseling for Anxiety
Child Therapy
Teen Counseling
Oppositional Behaviors
Adjustment Counseling
Therapy for Anger Management
Counseling for Stress Relief
Grief Therapy
Couples Counseling
Family Therapy
Counseling for Conflict Resolution
Work and Career Guidance
ADHD Screening and Counseling
Relationship Issues
Divorce Adjustment Counseling for Children and Adults
Women’s and Men’s Counseling
GLBT and Alternative Life Styles Therapy

Schedule a Free E-Mail Consultation!

Schedule Here

Rates and Insurance

$125 Intake Session, $100 Subsequent Sessions

While I continue to participate with a few insurance companies, as a private provider it became necessary for me to move to alternative forms of payment. Before you decide to use insurance for behavioral health counseling, here are some things to consider:

Insurance REQUIRES a diagnosis that remains with you for the rest of your life and may have negative impact on such things as life insurance.

Normal grief, parenting, and relationship therapy are examples of issues that are NOT covered by insurance. Therefore, your therapist is REQUIRED to give someone a mental health diagnosis in order to be paid.

Lack of Privacy – Insurance companies have the RIGHT TO REVIEW your therapist’s notes at any time.

OPTION: Pay for your session and submit a receipt for reimbursement. If you do plan on using insurance, please confirm eligibility, copay, yearly deductible and that I am an approved provider. Do NOT rely on online information or member handbooks. The information is frequently outdated and unreliable.

Payment

Cash, Check, Charge

Cancellation or No Show Policy

With the exception of an emergency, please give office the courtesy of 24 hours notice for appointments you will not be able to keep. Cancellations or reschedules with less than 24 hours notice are subject to a $40 fee which must be paid prior to rescheduling.

Two no show/no call, I will recommend another therapist that will meet your needs.

I do try to work with everyone, so please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Call Us Now: 407.234.6911

Common Questions

Is Therapy Right for Me?

Therapists provide a supportive and nonjudgemental setting for an individual working through challenges in life. They provide guidance, advice, and insight, as well as, teach positive coping skills for empowerment.

Do I Really Need Counseling? I can usually handle my problems.

Therapy provides insight and self-awareness, Insight and self-awareness are the first steps towards growth and positive change.

What is Therapy Like?

Generally, I use a problem-solving approach. “Let’s see what can be done to change whatever problem brought you to seek therapy.Sessions and strategies are personalized for each client. Therapy is interactive and last from 50 to 60 minutes. I am NOT a “How does that make you feel?” counselor. Sessions are scheduled according to client availability and normally within 7 days or sooner.

Is Medication a Substitute for Therapy?

Medication can be of enormouse benefit under certain conditions and is complementary to therapy. However, medication alone does not develop and individual’s ability to learn and effectively use positive coping skills.

Questions? Please contact me:

cynthiabenedict.lpc@gmail.com
407.234.6911

What Clients Are Saying

“Cynthia Benedict has been counselor to both myself and my son. She is sincere, honest and supportive. Her knowledge and expertise have helped with personal issues, parenting needs, and marital concerns. My life has improved so much. I definitely recommend Mrs. Benedict to anyone needing guidance in their life.” L.M. 3/2015
“When you meet Cynthia, you will feel like you have known her all your life. With her guidance, I have learned about myself and developed the skills to now help myself.” L.R. 3/2015
“Cynthia’s problem solving approach to therapy gave me the tools I needed to make positive life changes in a very short time. I feel I am happier, which helps me be both a better wife and mother. I highly recommend Mrs. Benedict.” B.T. 5/2015
“In a matter of weeks, my son’s behavior improved so much it was like I had a different kid. The family is more peaceful and most importantly, my son is no longer withdrawn and angry. He is happy!” J.M. 6/2015
“Cynthia’s approach to therapy seems to be more of a calling than a job to her. I could email her at any time, day or night, even on Sundays and receive a quick response. She was so supportive, I began to believe in myself and now my life has changed for the better in so many ways. I cannot thank her enough.” B.B. 7/2015
“Cynthia is the most open and supportive person I have met. No matter what I told her, I never felt self-conscious or judged. She is more than a counselor. You will not be disappointed.” S.S. 7/2015
“When my parents told me I had to go to counseling, I thought, ‘Fine but don’t expect me to talk.’ Actually, I never realized I was talking as Mrs. Benedict would sit on the floor, play games, do artwork with me and make the hour pass so quickly. I guess I did a lot of talking. My grades are much better. I am not arguing with my parents and now they actually think I am a good kid. Well, Mrs. Cynthia always told me I was. Soon I wanted to go see her. If you are a kid, being with her is like being with the BEST grandmother. She even gives you a reward from her Treasure Box each time you leave. She’s the GREATEST.” J.K. 8/2015

Confidentiality and Privacy

The law protects the relationship between a client and a psychotherapist (counselor). Information cannot be disclosed without written permission.

Exceptions Include:

Suspected child abuse or a dependant adult which I am required by law to report to the appropriate authorities immediately.
If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person, I must notify the police and the intended victim
If a client intends to harm him or her self. I will make every effort to enlist client cooperation ensuring their safety, However if client does not cooperate, I must take further measures without their permission, that are provided to me by law.
If a JUDGE issues a supenoa but not a lawyer.

This One Is Important. Remember that if you are using insurance, they have a right to request information and/or review all documents including therapist’s progress notes. If audited, your entire file is subject to review. If not using insurance, your privacy is guaranteed by law except for the exceptions above.

Call Us Now: 407.234.6911

Schedule a Free E-Mail Consultation!

Schedule Here

Serving The Following Areas

Florida and Missouri

Orlando | Apopka | Winter Park | Maitland | Casselberry | Oviedo | Sanford

Altamonte Springs | Winter Springs | Longwood | Lake Mary | Orange City | Deltona | Debary

About Cynthia Benedict, MA, LMHC, LPC, NCC

Call Us Now: 407.234.6911

Schedule a Free E-Mail Consultation cynthia@longwoodcounseling.com

I wish I knew then what I know now. But I CAN help you.I do see myself as a child advocate because as I said before the problem is NOT the child. It is the problem BEHAVIOR.

Schedule a Free E-Mail Consultation!

Rates and Insurance

$125 Intake Session, $100 Subsequent Sessions

While I continue to participate with a few insurance companies, as a private provider it became necessary for me to move to alternative forms of payment. Before you decide to use insurance for behavioral health counseling, here are some things to consider:

Insurance REQUIRES a diagnosis that remains with you for the rest of your life and may have negative impact on such things as life insurance.

Normal grief, parenting, and relationship therapy are examples of issues that are NOT covered by insurance. Therefore, your therapist is REQUIRED to give someone a mental health diagnosis in order to be paid.

Lack of Privacy – Insurance companies have the RIGHT TO REVIEW your therapist’s notes at any time.

Payment

Cash, Check, Charge

Cancellation or No Show Policy

With the exception of an emergency, please give office the courtesy of 24 hours notice for appointments you will not be able to keep. Cancellations or reschedules with less than 24 hours notice are subject to a $40 fee which must be paid prior to rescheduling.

Two no show/no call, I will recommend another therapist that will meet your needs.

I do try to work with everyone, so please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Call Us Now: 407.234.6911

Common Questions

Therapists provide a supportive and nonjudgemental setting for an individual working through challenges in life. They provide guidance, advice, and insight, as well as, teach positive coping skills for empowerment.

Therapy provides insight and self-awareness, Insight and self-awareness are the first steps towards growth and positive change.

Medication can be of enormouse benefit under certain conditions and is complementary to therapy. However, medication alone does not develop and individual’s ability to learn and effectively use positive coping skills.

cynthiabenedict.lpc@gmail.com 407.234.6911

What Clients Are Saying

Confidentiality and Privacy

The law protects the relationship between a client and a psychotherapist (counselor). Information cannot be disclosed without written permission.

Exceptions Include:

Suspected child abuse or a dependant adult which I am required by law to report to the appropriate authorities immediately.

If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person, I must notify the police and the intended victim

If a client intends to harm him or her self. I will make every effort to enlist client cooperation ensuring their safety, However if client does not cooperate, I must take further measures without their permission, that are provided to me by law.

If a JUDGE issues a supenoa but not a lawyer.

Call Us Now: 407.234.6911

Schedule a Free E-Mail Consultation!

Serving The Following Areas

Florida and Missouri

Orlando | Apopka | Winter Park | Maitland | Casselberry | Oviedo | Sanford

Altamonte Springs | Winter Springs | Longwood | Lake Mary | Orange City | Deltona | Debary

Schedule a Free E-Mail Consultation
cynthia@longwoodcounseling.com

cynthiabenedict.lpc@gmail.com
407.234.6911