

Two decades of clinical excellence.
Dr. Cindy Ruelas-Tafolla's path to becoming a clinician began at age 13 with the sudden loss of her father — an experience that planted the seed of her life's purpose: to be the kind of support she needed during her own darkest moments.
She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Law and Society from UC Santa Barbara, her Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California, and her Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) from USC.
Over two decades, she has served as a Medical Social Worker, Case Manager, and Behavioral Health Therapist — bringing doctoral-level depth, board-certified credentials, and genuine compassion to every client she works with.
If you are feeling overwhelmed by difficult emotions, life changes, relationship stress, or the pressure of holding everything together, you do not have to do it alone. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience supporting adults, adolescents, couples, and veterans. I offer compassionate, practical support to help you manage stress, navigate transitions, and face challenges with more steadiness.
I am glad you are here. I specialize in addressing ADHD, trauma therapy, parenting skills, and education, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Strength-Based Approaches to promote wellness in clients to help others feel better.
It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in North Carolina and Florida with 7 years of professional experience working with clients via telehealth. I work with adolescents, adults, and the elderly.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 21 years experience in an educational setting, and an additional eleven years in private practice and telehealth. I have a diverse portfolio of experiences. I believe that people have the natural ability to heal themselves with support. We will work together to discover new insights and perspectives in an open, supportive, and non-judgmental environment.
“We are never more fully alive, more completely ourselves or more deeply engrossed in anything than when we are playing”. -Charles Schaefer. Play is vital for children to express themselves and learn about their surroundings and general environment. In addition to exploration, it is essential for their development. Allowing the space for them to play freely generates the possibility of understanding their world and their motivation. Instead of the traditional format of communication, we often learn more about a child's thoughts, feelings, motivations, and struggles by watching them play.
To be able to give a child power, motivation, and confidence will set the foundation for a successful life. Often times when dealing with a traumatic situation and learning to deal and cope with it effectively, allows a child (or anyone for that matter) to become the best versions of themselves and learn to move forward.
Play Therapy sessions with a Licensed clinician that cares and helps create a safe place. I guide my clients and their parents every step of the way and implement various methods to help them develop new attitudes towards all of life’s most complex matters. The works I do benefits children coming from abusive homes and dealing with some of those challenges.


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