New to Grow
Welcome! My name is Carmen, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Prior to opening my private practice, Abiding Connections LLC, I spent much of my career specializing in hospice and palliative care as a medical social worker. This work has deeply shaped both my professional path and my personal understanding of life, connection, and meaning. Through these experiences, I have been honored to walk alongside individuals and families during some of life’s most tender moments—learning invaluable lessons about resilience, community, and the importance of compassionate presence. It would be a privilege to bear witness to both your struggles and your triumphs, and to walk with you for a season of your journey. Life is not meant to be navigated alone. True healing and growth happen when we are supported, understood, and met with care. I look forward to offering a space grounded in empathy, guidance, and connection as we move forward together.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session together, my hope is to truly understand what has brought you to therapy. We’ll explore what you’re currently experiencing, your hopes for your life, and how I can best support you along the way. My role is to walk beside you as a guide—helping you uncover insight, strength, and clarity from within yourself.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I deeply value hearing the stories of others and honor that each person’s journey is unique. At times, we all benefit from gentle guidance and support along the way. I strive to listen with empathy, openness, and compassion—creating a space that is respectful, nonjudgmental, and centered on your experience.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I am especially comfortable working with individuals navigating chronic illness, significant life transitions, and concerns related to depression and anxiety. I also bring personal understanding of infertility, racial identity, and spiritual or existential crises, and would be honored to walk alongside you through these and other experiences with care, respect, and compassion.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I enjoy looking at how our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are interconnected and inform our experiences.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I love DBT for the coping skills for mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance.