Benita Hayes, LCSW
(She/Her)

Benita Hayes, LCSW, creates a safe and supportive space where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered to heal. Known for her warm, authentic, and open-minded approach, Benita believes therapy should feel like a collaborative journey—one rooted in compassion, trust, and genuine connection.

Before becoming a social worker, Benita worked as a Respiratory Therapist, an experience that deepened her spirit of service and strengthened her understanding of the emotional and physical impact of stress, trauma, illness, and caregiving. Her professional and personal experiences allow her to bring a grounded, empathetic, and holistic perspective to the therapeutic process.

Benita’s approach is trauma-informed, client-centered, and focused on helping individuals uncover the root causes of emotional pain while building on the strengths they already possess. She incorporates evidence-based practices including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to support clients in developing healthier coping skills, emotional resilience, and deeper self-understanding. When desired, she also integrates faith as a source of comfort, strength, and meaning.

She works with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship challenges, life transitions, caregiver stress, and emotional overwhelm. Benita is passionate about helping clients rediscover peace, healing, and a stronger sense of self as they navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence and balance.

Licensed in both Florida and Virginia, Benita welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds and is committed to creating a therapeutic environment where clients feel safe, respected, and genuinely supported.