Cara Carleton
Are you wondering if your drug or alcohol use is becoming a problem? Do you know that it is a problem, but cannot seem to control it? I am experienced in working with a range of substance use issues, from mild to severe, as well as process or behavioral addictions, such as addictions to sex, shopping, pornography, food, and people. Effective psychotherapy can include helping limit your use and minimize its consequences, or complete abstinence, and an assessment if medication such as Suboxone, Methadone, or Vivitrol is right for you.
Effective psychotherapy can include helping limit your use and minimize its consequences, or complete abstinence, and an assessment if medication such as Suboxone, Methadone, or Vivitrol is right for you.
First session
My work focuses on substance use and other forms of self-sabotage, through a lens that is compassionate, collaborative, and flexible. Whether you’re struggling with alcohol, drugs, food, spending, or another pattern that’s getting in your way, I’m here to help you identify what’s beneath it—and gently shift toward something healthier.
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.
Ideal clients
I specialize in helping people break free from addictive and compulsive behaviors. 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.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I draw upon a combination of therapeutic techniques to customize an approach that is slightly different for all of my clients. I often use CBT to prompt clients to identify the thoughts and beliefs that are perpetuating the behavior they want to change.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing is a conversational style that enhances and activates a client's internal motivation. It prioritizes client autonomy and working through ambivalence, or the conflicting feelings of wanting change and wanting to protect the status quo.
Interpersonal
Grounded in my training in psychoanalytic psychotherapy, I seek to understand the root causes for addictive behavior while applying behavioral techniques to affect immediate, profound change. My approach is interpersonal above all else as research shows that the quality of the relationship between a client and therapist is the most important factor in positive therapeutic outcomes.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Serves
Licensed in
- ConnecticutLicense 58.013262
- FloridaLicense SW20789
- MaineLicense LC23745
- New YorkLicense 086752