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Carissa Demers

LCSW, 6 years of experience

New to Grow

Virtual
Next available on

About me

I am trained in multiple therapeutic modalities and bring a compassionate, collaborative approach to each client’s journey. I specialize in uncovering the underlying issues that shape coping skills which may no longer serve you - patterns that can show up as addictions, compulsive behaviors, or repeated cycles that keep you feeling stuck. Together, we will explore how to break those cycles by building on your strengths, developing new coping skills, and creating meaningful change. My style is warm and supportive, while also gently confronting thoughts and behaviors that may not align with your goals, so you can move toward lasting growth and healing.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

Our first session is mostly about getting to know you and gathering important background information through the intake process. Think of it as a fact-finding mission where we start to explore your history, your goals, and what brings you to therapy. It may feel a little more structured than future sessions, but it’s also our chance to see if we can build rapport and if working together feels like a good fit. From there, we’ll begin focusing on building a strong therapeutic alliance, because real growth and change can only happen when you feel safe, comfortable, and able to trust your therapist.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is my ability to create a completely nonjudgmental space. I know from my own life experience how important compassion and acceptance are—even when reflecting on some of the choices I’ve made that didn’t serve me or align with my growth. I approach every client with empathy and curiosity rather than judgment, because I understand that we all face struggles and make decisions that sometimes create patterns or experiences that hold us back. This perspective allows me to connect deeply with clients and support them in exploring challenges, making changes, and building on their strengths in a safe, understanding environment.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

My ideal clients are individuals who are ready to explore the deeper patterns shaping their lives and are motivated to create lasting change. I specialize in working with high-acuity clients, but due to the nature of a virtual setting, my practice is best suited for those who are stable enough to engage meaningfully in therapy and not in immediate crisis. I work best with people who may feel stuck in cycles of unhelpful coping—whether through addictions, compulsive behaviors, or repeated patterns—and who are open to both traditional and holistic approaches. I am trained in multiple evidence based practices and in holistic approaches such as Reiki, acupuncture, and sound healing. I enjoy supporting clients who are curious, reflective, and committed to personal growth.

Specialties

Top specialties

Gambling Addiction

Other specialties

I identify as

Serves ages

My treatment methods

EMDR

I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and integrate it into my practice in a way that prioritizes safety and client readiness. I often use EMDR techniques for resourcing and grounding, helping clients develop coping skills and emotional stability before addressing deeper concerns. For clients who are interested in full EMDR sessions, I conduct a dissociation screening to ensure the intervention is appropriate, since EMDR may not be suitable for everyone. When a client is a good fit, EMDR can be used to process and reframe traumatic or distressing experiences in a structured and supportive way.

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy

I use Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) to help clients notice how unhelpful thought patterns can fuel difficult emotions and behaviors. Together, we explore the beliefs that may be keeping you stuck, gently challenge them, and build healthier ways of thinking that support resilience and self-compassion. This approach provides practical tools you can carry into daily life, helping reduce stress, improve mood, and strengthen your ability to handle challenges with greater balance and confidence.

Attachment-based

I use attachment-based approaches to help clients understand how early relationship experiences may influence their current patterns of relating, self-esteem, and emotional well-being. In practice, this often means exploring how attachment styles show up in present relationships and creating a safe therapeutic space to build healthier ways of connecting. Through this process, clients can strengthen trust, improve emotional regulation, and develop more secure and supportive relationships both with themselves and with others.

Solution Focused Brief Treatment

I use Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to help clients identify their strengths, resources, and goals, focusing on what is already working rather than only on problems. In session, we collaborate to define clear and achievable goals, then build practical strategies to move toward those outcomes. This approach emphasizes hope, resilience, and small, meaningful changes that can create a ripple effect in other areas of life. SFBT is especially helpful for clients who want a goal-oriented, present- and future-focused way of working in therapy.

Location

Virtual

Licensed in

New to Grow
This provider hasn’t received any written reviews yet. We started collecting written reviews January 1, 2025.