Theresa L. Carter

(she/her)

LCSW, 14 years of experience
Intelligent
Authentic
Empowering
VirtualAvailable

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) certified as a Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), Narcissistic Abuse Treatment Clinician (NATC), and Personality Disorder Treatment Provider (C-PD). I create a supportive space where clients can process complex trauma, including betrayal trauma, and difficult family-of-origin patterns. I assist individuals recovering from environments shaped by abuse, neglect, abandonment, coercive control, chronic fear, and instability. My work addresses dynamics such as narcissistic family systems, family scapegoating, trauma bonds, enmeshment, antagonistic relationships, and addiction—often linked to intergenerational trauma and nervous system dysregulation. I support clients in normalizing their emotions, feeling validated, and building greater resilience. I am certified as a DBT Clinician (C-DBT), Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP), Mood Disorder Professional (CMDP), ADHD Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP), and Autism Spectrum Clinical Specialist (ASDCS). I grew up in an environment with people who never discussed mental health; this sparked an early interest in the unspoken challenges I observed. As a dual major in psychology and sociology, my coursework was impactful. The lessons continued in graduate school, where I earned dual master’s degrees in social work and public administration. I interned at a domestic abuse shelter, a residential crisis center, and a community behavioral health facility, and completed specialized trauma-informed care training. My professional experience includes serving as a psychotherapist for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault; a behavioral specialist for children with autism, ADHD, and adjustment challenges; and a supervisor for social workers in county behavioral health. Additionally, I have led interdisciplinary teams of social workers and nurses in complex medical case management, and managed public health teams of case investigators, contact tracers, data analysts, and nurses during infectious disease outbreaks. I am deeply committed to helping clients improve from psychological and emotional harm, recognizing the serious impact these experiences can have on overall well-being.

Get to know me

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

In our first session, I partner with you to understand your background, current concerns, and goals for therapy. We’ll begin exploring any emotional, social, or psychological challenges you may be facing, at a pace that feels comfortable. My approach emphasizes creating a safe, supportive environment where you can begin to build coping skills and increase self-awareness. I also incorporate psychoeducation to help you better understand your experiences, drawing on research-based information that supports both mental and physical well-being. While I work with diverse populations and concerns—including trauma, stress, and life transitions—this first session is primarily an opportunity for you to feel heard, ask questions, and determine whether this feels like the right fit.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

My approach is rooted in person-centered therapy, integrating validation, psychoeducation, open-mindedness, empowerment, and emotional support. I know how important it is to feel truly heard when discussing difficult experiences and challenging thoughts. I work collaboratively with clients, combining active listening with evidence-based interventions to build effective, sustainable coping strategies across different areas of life. I support individuals across a range of concerns, including trauma, stress, and life transitions. I have particular experience working with clients in early adulthood, many of whom value gaining deeper insight through psychoeducation.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

Change is often challenging because the brain likes familiar routines. Still, the brain can adjust and make new connections through a process called neuroplasticity. When we repeat specific thoughts and actions, those pathways in the brain become stronger. By intentionally practicing new ways of thinking and acting, we can begin to build healthier patterns and gradually release old habits that no longer serve us. I work best with clients who are open to this process—those who are willing to develop or deepen their self-awareness, reflect on their patterns, and actively engage in meaningful change. As clients expand their understanding of how their thoughts and behaviors are connected, they typically experience real progress and begin to heal.

Specialties

Top specialties

Other specialties

ADHD

Bipolar Disorder

I identify as

Serves ages

Licensed in

Accepts

Location

Virtual

, 27 ratings

6 ratings with written reviews

June 6, 2026

She is amazing! I always begin the sessions feeling overwhelmed and stressed and by the end of it, I always leave feeling as though I was heard. She's able to correctly articulate my own personal struggles in a way that is empowering and intelligent. It's always great when a provider makes someone feel capable and she definitely does that for me. She doesn't shy away from the hard truths but also recognized the impact of how much one little thing can snowball and affect other areas. Five stars!

Verified client, age 35-44
Review shared after session 5 with Theresa

May 21, 2026

My experience so far with Theresa has been great. She was a good listener, and had experience with the types of issues I am currently facing. I will continue with her and am hopeful of the positive impact that she will have on my life.

Verified client, age 25-34
Review shared after session 1 with Theresa

April 18, 2026

this is the fist time I've been in therapy session. Therapit was very attentive and was open-minded

Verified client, age 55-64
Review shared after session 1 with Theresa