Clinical Specialties

Carmen works with adults navigating through life transitions, grief, anxiety, depression, or a lost sense of self. She utilizes an integrative approach, meeting each client where they are and formulating a plan of care based on client need. She draws from several therapeutic modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Person Centered, Mindfulness and Body Centered approaches. Carmen has completed a year long intensive training in Psychedelic Assisted Therapy and is here to assist with integrating your psychedelic experiences.

Education

Carmen received her Master of Arts from the University of Iowa in 2017.

About Me

I knew from a young age I wanted to be in the mental health field, doing exactly what I am doing now. However, the path wasn’t as easy as you might think. I came to work towards that dream in my early 30s after beginning therapy for myself and learning I didn't have to adhere to the limits that my mind and others may have set for me in the past. Once I was ready, the choice was simple. 

After working in the healthcare field for ten years, I went back to school. Change isn't easy, going back to school while working full-time and navigating the struggle of just being human wasn't easy, therapy isn't easy. As challenging at times as it has been to become the me I am in this moment, I can find the ways in which the challenge was also exciting and liberating and allowed me to become the person I am today.

My goal as a mental health counselor is to help you navigate your own murky waters of life. I want to work towards identifying barriers to you allowing the you that is already there to come out and be seen. Sometimes we aren't quite ready to make the change, hey, it took me ten years to go back to school! That is okay. When you are ready you will know. You are the expert on your life and your needs. I consider myself a tool to help you gain insight, a mirror to help you better see yourself, and a guide to help you get to where to want to be. 

One of my favorite parts of my work is when the spark arrives for someone, or when they have been making the changes all along and finally allow themselves to see it. What an honor to be a part of that journey.