Cara Weinstock
Welcome! I'm Cara, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who provides trauma-informed care to adults navigating anxiety, PTSD, OCD, life transitions, and personal growth. I draw from evidence-based approaches to support clients in working toward meaningful, lasting change. My approach is warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental, and I strive to create a space where you feel heard, understood, and supported. I value getting to know each client as an individual and understanding how life experiences, culture, and personal background shape who they are today. I believe therapy is a partnership, and together we'll identify your goals, build on your strengths, and work toward meaningful change.
First session
During our first session, we'll spend time getting to know your concerns, discussing your history, and identifying the goals you'd like to work toward. We'll also determine whether I'm the right fit and can provide the appropriate level of care for your needs. My goal is to create a safe, supportive, and collaborative environment where you feel comfortable sharing, asking questions, and beginning our work together.
Strengths
I prioritize a strong therapeutic alliance and collaborative treatment planning tailored to your goals. My work is solution-focused while also meeting you where you are and pacing treatment in a way that feels supportive and effective.
Ideal clients
I work best with adults who are looking for a supportive, collaborative space to better understand themselves and move toward meaningful change. I provide trauma-informed care and strive to create an environment where clients feel safe exploring new parts of themselves at their own pace. I welcome people from all cultural backgrounds, identities, and sexual orientations, and aim to create a space where you feel respected, accepted, and encouraged to show up as your authentic self.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) primarily in my work with anxiety-related concerns. CBT focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and how unhelpful thinking patterns can influence how we see ourselves and the world around us. In my practice, I help clients identify these patterns, explore the roots of these patterns and how they show up in your life today, and work toward more balanced and helpful ways of thinking.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients build more flexibility in how they relate to their thoughts and feelings. ACT focuses on accepting difficult internal experiences while still moving toward actions that align with personal values. In my work, I incorporate mindfulness to help clients stay present and grounded, and I support them in making meaningful changes that feel authentic and aligned with who they want to be.
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
CPT focuses on identifying and working through trauma-related thoughts and beliefs that can shape how you see yourself, others, and the world after trauma. In my work, I help clients process these experiences in a structured and supportive way, with the goal of reducing distress and creating space for more balanced and adaptive beliefs.
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
I use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) as a primary treatment for OCD. ERP is an evidence-based approach that helps clients gradually face feared thoughts, situations, or triggers while reducing compulsive behaviors and avoidance. In my work, I support clients through this process in a structured and collaborative way, with the goal of increasing freedom and reducing the impact OCD has on daily life.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Serves
Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 155454