My passion is helping clients heal from "Relationship Trauma" (intimate partners or parents/family). Have you, or are you currently, suffering from Narcissistic Abuse, Codependency, People-pleasing, difficulty setting Boundaries, or have a pattern of staying in unhealthy relationships? I have helped many clients (men and women) who struggle in these areas. I will help you understand how you arrived at this place, and we can work together to help you heal. I can guide you in learning to create and maintain healthy boundaries, increase self-esteem and confidence, reduce guilt, and enjoy healthier relationships. I have a unique perspective because I have dealt with (and have overcome) many of these issues in my own life. This work is very near and dear to my heart.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
During our first session, I will do my best to make you feel comfortable, at ease, and let you set the pace. I understand sharing such personal issues with someone new can be tough. It is okay if you are not ready to share something initially. You are in charge. The first session consists mostly of learning about the issues that bring you to therapy, what you would like to see change, and background information about your life and relationships.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My greatest strength as a therapist is my past life experiences, having dealt with the challenges of anxiety, depression, narcissistic abuse/domestic violence, overcoming codependency, and learning to create and maintain healthy boundaries with adult parents and in adult relationships. I have reached a place where I am more at peace, and I am grateful I can draw on these experiences to help others heal. Many clients are more comfortable working with me because I can relate to their struggles. I look forward to supporting you in growing and producing lasting change in your life!
About Cara Bickel
Identifies as
Serves ages
Licensed in
Accepts
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Trauma Informed Care
The majority of my clients have suffered from family and relationship trauma. I am a trauma-informed therapist who utilizes a variety of treatment methods, including Attachment therapies and EMDR to process trauma. So much of trauma is held in our bodies, and it is not necessary to have to talk in detail about past trauma to gain relief and healing. I will provide education and lead you in exercises to help you begin the healing process.
Strength-Based
I use a personal approach with each client and will be sure to meet you where you are and, when you are ready, challenge you to utilize strengths and new coping skills to give you your best chance at reaching your full potential. According to research, a trusted, comfortable relationship with your therapist is of utmost importance and the highest predictor of treatment success (regardless of the therapeutic approach). You will find that I am very relaxed and informal in sessions, and my clients tell me that they feel very comfortable talking to me. At times (when appropriate), I also like to draw on the client's sense of humor because this has been a valuable coping skill for many of my clients.
Christian Counseling
I have helped many clients with different levels of faith and many without. For many, faith can be a huge strength in times of trouble. If you'd like to, I can incorporate your faith into treatment techniques to help you understand and cope more effectively with the challenges you may be facing. I am here to help, and can discuss faith-related matters openly and without judgment. I also understand that many people have had poor experiences with faith/religion in the past, especially in childhood. I can relate to some of these issues and could guide you to work through unresolved feelings or past resentments.