Hi, my name is Cara. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Texas, certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, with more than 24 years experience providing individual therapy. I received a bachelor's degree in psychology in 1995, and a master's degree in 1997, in counseling and educational psychology from Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi. I have had a private practice since 2005, while also working in psychiatric hospitals, outpatient mental health and rehabilitation facilities, correctional facilities and university counseling centers. I am licensed to see clients, all over the State of Texas, through a HIPAA-compliant confidential video link, a very convenient way to get therapy. The hardest step to take is that first step. I applaud your courage and look forward to working with you to overcome challenges and obstacles to meet your greatest potential in a non-judgmental, non-biased and safe atmosphere.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

Respect, trust and empathy are critical components of the therapeutic relationship. No matter what issue a client may bring to therapy, they may be assured that I will respect them and support them in their struggle for wholeness and resolution. Additionally, I strive to provide a safe space for an individual to process difficult and painful emotions and experiences while also assisting them in holding themselves accountable for the changes they want to make in their lives. It is important to me that my clients know that I feel their pain with them and yet I can still offer objectivity to help them move beyond the pain to genuine healing.

What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?

My clinical focus has been primarily on clients struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, women's issues, post-traumatic stress and severe and persistent mental illness disorders including bipolar disorders, schizophrenic disorders and personality disorders. While I am certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, we will use a therapeutic approach that best suits your needs. Currently, I am treating adults ages 18 and older with some age exceptions depending on the presenting problem.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

One of my biggest strengths in counseling my clients is in helping them take control of the stress and anxiety that they endure on a daily basis and making it work for them as opposed to against them. Stress is known to be a silent killer in our world, and if not under control, can exacerbate a multitude of problems with our mental and physical health and well being. By learning about how to deal with stress in your everyday life you can decrease your anxiety, anger issues, frustration, etc., while also increasing your sleep which overall increases your ability feel happiness, fulfillment, hope and reach some of the goals you have in life. An area I feel strongly about is learning how to communicate effectively by learning how to listen with an easy communication skill.

About Cara Haynie-Peña, M.S., LPC