Mental health is similar to our physical health. Sometimes, we need a routine check up to discover the small nuances that are holding us back and create a healthier path forward.
My name is Cara and I'm therapist offering my services to help clients move through emotional discomfort, challenge unhealthy beliefs, and explore who they are while providing compassion and acceptance.
Together, we can work together in a solution-focused manner to help you recognize the patterns in your life or relationship that may be holding you back.
I limit my practice to a few clients with whom I can offer meaningful help. I do not think it is ethical for a psychologist to agree to work with someone who has a problem outside of their expertise or someone who has barriers that the psychologist suspects they cannot overcome. When I conclude that I can help someone, I collaborate with them while applying the most appropriate methods for their problems. I choose these methods from among the many I have studied or developed. This is sometimes called a Transdiagnostic Integrative technique. Here, a clinical label or diagnosis is less important than the unique collection of symptoms a person is living with. I also make sure that I come to understand the client's point of view, how their adversities, their personal philosophy, and their level of suffering combine to lead to their anxiety, depressed mood, or even anger. When the client agrees, I prefer to use psychological testing to be sure my assessment of the client's situation is supported by the best available science. When I conduct psychotherapy, I know it can only be effective when I view the client as presenting many intricate problems that must be fully understood, so each client's issues are approached as scientific hypotheses that guide therapy, which guide my specific interventions, but is always open to revision as new life history information or psychological data becomes available.
Since I have trained numerous therapists and continue researching and publishing in the field, my clients are assured they receiving the most effective evidence-based interventions. If you do see me, you can be confident that you will be unconditionally accepted in a safe and comfortable therapeutic relationship with every effort being made to help you.
You’ve been doing all you can to improve your situation, but it seems like you’ve hit a wall. The constant weight of anxiety, depression, or past trauma is taking its toll, affecting your work or studies and your connections with others. Burnout is creeping in, and you’re realizing you need some extra support. Maybe therapy is uncharted territory for you, and it’s natural to feel jittery about taking that first step. Together, we can devise a strategy to tackle and alleviate your stress. I’ll equip you with valuable tools for coping, communication, reshaping your perspective, and adjusting behaviors. My aim is to empower you, putting more control back into your hands over your own life.
Embrace your inner resilience and discover your authentic self. Together, let's navigate a path to healing and happiness. Welcome to a safe space for your journey.
Welcome to Avena Psychological Services, where your journey to a more balanced and fulfilling life begins with the compassion and expertise of our team of dedicated therapists. We are committed to providing a supportive and non-judgmental space where our clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, struggles, and experiences with professionals who genuinely care and appreciate the privilege of being part of that journey. With a focus on creating collaborative and empathetic therapeutic relationships, our therapists will work alongside you to develop strategies and insights that empower you to navigate life's challenges. Avena Psychological Services is committed to helping our clients build resilience, gain clarity, and achieve their personal goals. Together, we will uncover your strengths and explore pathways to a more meaningful and satisfying life.
I utilize a multi-cultural, integrative and trauma-informed approach to work with clients struggling with codependence, relationship conflict, building confidence, acculturation and third culture identity formation, and mood fluctuations. As a therapist of color, I recognize the importance of understanding your values and beliefs with cultural respect.
You will learn to be aware of your needs, heal your wounds, and adopt healthier boundaries and coping strategies that feel true to you. It’s time to give back to yourself, relieve societal pressures, challenge obstacles getting in your way, and increase your resiliency. With a curious perspective, we will work together to allow your story to energize you.