Are you wondering if your drug or alcohol use is becoming a problem? Do you know it is a problem, but cannot seem to control it? Or maybe you engage in a different sort of self-sabotaging behavior, such as binge-eating, compulsive spending or undermining your success at work. Self-sabotaging behaviors, including drug and alcohol misuse, are actions we choose but they feel automatic and inescapable. Often, they serve to maintain status quos, prevent growth, and imprison us in unhappy situations. I understand the pain and hopelessness that comes from repeating the same mistakes. I help people overcome their self-destructive patterns, which can take myriad forms. No matter the details of your particular struggle, my approach is nonjudgmental and flexible. Together, we can pinpoint what is preventing you from living the life you want and work towards replacing unhelpful behaviors with effective, self-affirming ones. I sincerely love the work of psychotherapy, and cherish my relationships with my clients.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

During our first session I will seek to thoroughly understand your experience with a focus on the problem that led you to seek therapy. Being understood eases the intensity of emotion. Sharing your pain with a non-judgemental person allows you to see yourself with compassion. Self-observation from this new perspective of gentle acceptance helps us to see solutions and the paths we can take to achieve them. I am skillful at facilitating this powerful mindset shift and will begin during our first session. If interested and motivated, clients will also come away from our first session with concrete tools to effect immediate change.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

My natural ability to tune into my clients' needs and understand their unique experiences sets me apart from others in my field. Some of my strengths include my ability to facilitate motivation and readiness for change, my knowledge of and nonjudgmental approach to addictive behaviors, and my capacity to draw upon each client’s innate strengths. It is a privilege to be trusted with people’s innermost thoughts and feelings; as such, I approach therapeutic relationships from a place of genuine care.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

My clients include adults of all ages, as well as older adolescents, and my professional focus is on drug and alcohol use, binge-eating, self destructive behavior and sexual compulsivity. In our work together, we will take a deeper dive into the root of those behaviors. We will simultaneously implement behavioral strategies that allow you to take control of your actions and live according to your ideals.

About Cara Carleton

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