Frequently rebooked
Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming—especially during seasons of transition or uncertainty. I’m Carmen, a licensed clinician who believes therapy should feel supportive, collaborative, and grounded in real life. I earned my dual LMHC/School Adjustment Counselor degree from Cambridge College in 2017, and I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals, couples, and families as they navigate life’s challenges and growth. My professional background has been shaped by my work as an adjustment counselor and mental health clinician, where I specialize in helping adolescents and young adults manage emotional stress, life transitions, and identity development and empowering clients to strengthen coping skills, process difficult experiences, and move forward with greater confidence and resilience.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Your intake is not a test or an interrogation. It’s a collaborative conversation where you can share what brings you to therapy, what you’re hoping to work on, and any concerns you may have. You’re always welcome to go at your own pace. We’ll talk about: Current challenges or stressors Personal, family, or relationship history (only what feels relevant to you) Educational, work, or life transitions Any past therapy experiences Strengths, supports, and coping strategies You never have to share more than you’re ready to. If trauma is part of your story, we approach it with care and sensitivity. The intake focuses on understanding how experiences may be impacting you now—not on reliving painful details. Safety, emotional regulation, and trust come first. We’ll identify what you’d like to gain from therapy and begin creating a plan that fits your needs. This may include discussing therapeutic approaches such as CBT, trauma-informed care, faith-based counseling (if desired), or couples/family work. We’ll also review: Confidentiality and its limits Session structure and frequency Scheduling, policies, and consent forms Any questions you have about the therapy process Many clients leave intake feeling relieved, more hopeful, and clearer about next steps—even if emotions come up during the conversation. That’s completely normal.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My greatest strengths as a clinician include creating a calm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel comfortable opening up and being themselves. With a strong background as an adjustment counselor, I have extensive experience supporting adolescents and young adults through life transitions, while also understanding how emotional, academic, and social stressors intersect. I work from a trauma-informed, collaborative approach that prioritizes safety, trust, and empowerment, helping clients develop practical coping skills and meaningful insight. I am skilled in working with individuals, couples, and families, fostering healthier communication and stronger relationships, and I thoughtfully integrate faith and spirituality into therapy when clients desire, honoring their values and beliefs as sources of strength and healing.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My ideal clients are individuals, couples, and families seeking support through life transitions, emotional challenges, or past trauma. I work with adolescents, young adults, veterans, and those navigating immigration-related stress, helping them process difficult emotions, build resilience, and strengthen relationships. Using a trauma-informed approach and evidence-based tools like CBT, I guide clients toward greater emotional well-being, connection, and confidence in themselves.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I provide clients with CBT skills to reframing and reconstructing areas of concern.