Carmen Bales
Hello, I’m Carmen Bales, LCSW. I’m a licensed clinical social worker with a background in hospice and medical social work, where I’ve spent many years supporting people through grief, chronic stress, life transitions, and uncertainty. In therapy, I offer a calm, supportive space for adults who feel anxious, overwhelmed, or emotionally stuck—even when they appear “high-functioning” on the outside. My approach is integrative and person-centered, drawing from talk therapy, expressive arts, and body-based (somatic) awareness to help clients reconnect with themselves and make sense of what they are carrying. As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and Certified Grief-Informed Professional (CGIP), I bring specialized training to our work together. Additionally, I hold a Comprehensive 3-Year Certification in Intermodal Expressive Arts. You do not need to feel “creative” to work with me. Expressive and reflective tools are used gently and always at your comfort level. I believe healing begins with being seen, understood, and supported—rather than being rushed to fix or change yourself. If you choose to have sessions with me, you will be truly seen
I’m a licensed clinical social worker with a background in hospice and medical social work, where I’ve spent years supporting people through grief, life transitions, chronic stress, and uncertainty.
First session
In the first session, I will invite you to share what brings you to therapy. You can expect a warm and collaborative atmosphere with a non-judgmental stance, and genuine care. We will work collaboratively to discuss concerns, goals, and challenges. I will provide an overview of the therapeutic process, establishing a trusting relationship, and share insights into how our work together will unfold. Together we will begin laying the foundation for a supportive and personalized therapeutic journey.
Strengths
My greatest strengths as a provider include compassionate understanding of end-of-life dynamics from my hospice social work experience, proficiency in navigating the complexities of impatient psychiatric care, and a holistic approach that integrates traditional clinical methods with Expressive Arts. Clients benefit from my ability to create a supportive environment that fosters healing through diverse modalities, making my approach truly comprehensive and tailored to each individual's need.
Ideal clients
My clients are often high-functioning adults on the outside who feel quietly anxious, overwhelmed, or emotionally stuck on the inside. Whether you are navigating a profound loss, adjusting to a difficult life transition, or carrying the weight of chronic stress, you don't have to carry it alone. You do not need any artistic experience to work with me—just a willingness to explore your inner experience at your own pace in a grounded, compassionate environment.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Many years working as a hospice social worker and in inpatient psychiatric care, I have helped people identify negative thought patterns and learn tools to better manage well-being. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and reframe negative thought patterns, manage distressing emotions, and build practical coping strategies. Informed by my experience in hospice social work and inpatient psychiatric care—as well as my training as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and Certified Grief-Informed Professional (CGIP)—I offer a grounded, compassionate approach to CBT. Together, we examine the connections between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, empowering you with actionable tools to reduce anxiety, process difficult life changes, and foster long-term emotional resilience.
Grief Therapy
Specializing in grief therapy, I offer support to help individuals navigate the pain of loss with compassion and understanding. As a Certified Grief-Informed Professional (CGIP) and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), my practice is grounded in extensive expertise in end-of-life dynamics, hospice care, and inpatient psychiatric support. My approach combines evidence-based counseling with a 3-year certification in Intermodal Expressive Arts (220 direct contact hours, aligned with IEATA REACE standards), allowing me to thoughtfully integrate creative, somatic, and traditional therapeutic tools. Whether you are coping with the death of a loved one, anticipatory grief, or other major life transitions, I provide a safe, holistic environment where you feel truly seen, safe, and supported as you move toward healing.
Strength-Based
My sessions blend strength-based therapy with creative, somatic, and trauma-informed modalities to help clients recognize their innate resilience and capacity for healing. I focus on identifying your unique internal strengths—rather than focusing solely on symptoms or distress. Drawing from my 3-year certification in Intermodal Expressive Arts, I offer experiential and reflective tools that help you reconnect with self-worth, build self-efficacy, and navigate life's challenges with confidence, agency, and hope.
Eclectic
I specialize in an eclectic, integrative approach that incorporates expressive arts to support emotional processing, self-awareness, and meaning-making. I utilize multimodal creative interventions—such as visual art, movement, writing, and imagery—alongside talk therapy to meet clients where they are and deepen therapeutic insight.
Location
Virtual sessions