Individual Counseling
I can help you navigate life’s challenges and find your most skillful, fulfilled self.
This being human business is both beautiful and complex. Sometimes, when life gets hard, you feel overwhelmed, stressed, burned out, depressed or anxious. Even when you‘re doing important things in your life, like: work, parenting, caregiving, showing up as a friend or partner, you can lose touch with the things that matter most. Your relationships and work might suffer. You might get stuck in a rut, or in unhelpful habits.
I offer a safe space to explore the challenges, find healing and growth, and help you find sensible solutions to reconnect with meaning and purpose, and respond more flexibly and effectively to life’s challenges. More energy, clarity, ease, calm, openness, purpose and joy awaits you my friend!
You CAN live a more contented, connected and meaningful life.
A soothing space to be heard, heal, grow and transform.
My unconventional solution to the COVID pandemic shut down was to convert a Transit van into a beautiful mobile office space. Parked in a cozy and confidential location in Carbondale, CO the “CARAVan” is a welcoming space to meet all your counseling needs.
In-person and remote options
My office is located in Carbondale, CO. Can’t make it into the office? No worries – I’ve got you covered with teletherapy. I’ve been counseling using telehealth for almost 20 years now, so I know how to make a remote appointment connected and effective.
"Cara has a kind heart and is a deeply empathetic person. She has a special talent of listening to people and hearing even what they aren't saying. Holding space in a safe way is a true gift of hers."
Working with me
My experience
I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor and have worked as a mental health provider for 20+ years in both private practice and in intensive clinical settings. My depth of experience matched with my relentless love of learning and ongoing training allows me to combine precision, compassion, and a down-to-earth approach while helping you move toward vitality and wellbeing.
I’m passionate about helping others learn not only WHAT to do to improve their experience on this planet, but HOW to move forward with more skill and ease. I endeavor to distill the highest quality research and resources at my disposal down into relatable and actionable growth-producing therapeutic conversations and interventions.
My training
As a therapist, I use integrative, effective and clinically proven therapy approaches to help my clients understand and respond effectively to the challenges in their inner world (thoughts/emotions) and their outer world (work, relationships, purposeful living). These techniques help my clients build awareness, reduce emotional suffering, and engage in more effective behavior patterns.
I draw on ongoing training and techniques from the fields of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, Polyvagal Theory (somatic based therapy), Interpersonal Neurobiology, Ego State, and Interpersonal Relational approaches. So basically I’ve got you covered: mind, body, relationships and spirit.
My style
I provide a warm, non-judgmental place to do the work of therapy. Together, we will work identify specific short- and long-term goals, and to develop a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. With humor, kindness, and honest examination, I will gently encourage you to gain insight and try out new approaches that will allow you to heal and grow.
I believe that your life, community, work in the world and your friends & family need YOU- healthy, thriving, clear, skilled, and empowered to offer the unique gifts that only you can.
My specialties
I have professional interest and expertise in working with clients in the following areas: relationships, life changes & transitions, meaning & purpose, depression, anxiety, self esteem & identity, stress reduction, behavioral change, trauma recovery, grief & loss, eating disorders & body image, holistic mind & body wellbeing.
Does this sound like you? If so, I hope you’ll send me a note to inquire about my services, or get to know me first through my Luminary LifeKits.
My passions
I live in Carbondale, CO with my husband and son. I enjoy traveling, cooking, hiking, playing outside, practicing yoga, exploring, and jumping on the trampoline with my 2nd grader. When I’m not working my clients, or leading wellness education workshops, you can find me cozied up in my mountain home, exploring life’s intricacies with friends over a shared meal, or planning our next adventure with my boys.
Your needs
You may be searching this website for counseling support for any number of reasons. It may be that you are wanting support, encouragement and tools to create a more fulfilling, meaningful and connected life. You may also be in a problematic or very painful life situation, frustrated with certain relationships in your life, or struggling with confidence and clarity which prevent you from feeling whole and connected. Whatever your particular situation, I encourage you to take the courageous step to seek support and together, we can co-create a supportive and transformative space for healing and growth.
Your first appointment
1
Inquire about my schedule
The first step toward meeting your personal, relational and mental health goals is to inquire about my current availability, see if our schedules work well together, and to set up a free phone consultation session. If my schedule is full, I’ll refer you to other reputable therapists who can help.
2
Book a free consultation
Each consultation session lasts about 25 minutes, and will give you time learn about me and my counseling approach, and also allow me to get to know you and offer an initial plan to access counseling services. You’ll get a sense of my personality, and what it’s like to talk together.
3
Try out a first session
If we’ve determined together that my services are a good fit for you, we’ll set up an initial counseling session. I’ll send you all the paperwork electronically in advance, so all you’ll need to do on the day of is show up (in person or via telehealth) with an open mind, a little courage and just as you are.
FAQs
What is Cara’s schedule/availability?
I see clients Monday-Friday between the hours of 9am-3pm. My schedule is often full and I typically accept new clients who’ve been on a waitlist. That’s one of the reasons why I created Luminary LifeKits. Wellbeing and fulfillment can be found in a lot of ways, and I want as many people as possible to benefit from the skills and techniques I offer my clients. That being said, please don’t hesitate to reach out to learn more about my current availability.
How much does counseling cost?
Counseling sessions are $215.00 per 55 minute session.
Sliding scale fee slots are occasionally available so please inquire if needed. Payment is due at time of service in form of HSA or credit card.
Do you take my insurance?
I am not listed on insurance panels. However, I may be seen as an out-of-network provider. I can provide you with an invoice that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Clients are encouraged to utilize insurance benefits to support Aspen Integrated Counseling services.
What if Cara doesn’t have room in her schedule for new clients?
Then I’ll provide you with a thoughtful referral to a handful of my trusted colleagues. I’ll also encourage you to stay connected through Luminary LifeKits. Please consider trying out one of my online courses and toolkits. I’ll do what I can to help you find the connection, support and change you’re looking for.
