*Online sessions by appointment only
Hi, I’m Carissa — I’m so glad you’re here! I’m an award-winning Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Certified EMDR Therapist, and bilingual English Spanish therapist.
I specialize in walking alongside people who carry the weight of complex trauma, including intergenerational, relational, and religious trauma. Many of the folks I work with describe themselves as high-achievers, perfectionists, or people-pleasers, and together we explore how to release old burdens, recover from burnout, and discover what it means to live more freely and authenticity.
Before becoming a counselor, I was deeply involved in competitive singing and outdoor camping. Both experiences taught me about the vulnerability, courage, and the strength that comes from finding your voice and your place in the world. Now, I bring that same passion into my work—helping others reclaim their voice, worth, and story.
Outside of my counseling work, you’ll often find me at a baseball game, out on a hike, holding a yoga pose, or mid-sip with a mug of coffee in hand—usually while enjoying deep, meaningful conversations with the people I love.
Para hispanohablantes: Haga clic para ver esta página en español
AM I THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOU?
I provide specialized support for:
- Overcoming trauma-related fears or phobias
- Chronic physical symptoms due to stress
- High performers with internalized shame
- Healthcare professionals stuck in survival mode
- Type-A achievers with well-masked anxiety
- Career dissatisfaction and burnout
- People-pleasers who are tired of shrinking
PATIENT POPULATIONS
Children (ages 6-12)
Adolescents (ages 13-18)
Adults (ages 18+)
TREATMENT SPECIALIZATIONS
Trauma
Anxiety
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Depression
Grief & Loss
Anger
SERVICES OFFERED
- 60 minute psychotherapy counseling session
- 90 minute psychotherapy counseling session (out-of-pocket/self pay only)
- EMDR intensive treatment (out-of-pocket/self pay only)
FAITH & SPIRITUALITY INTEGRATION
I believe faith and spirituality are important parts of a person and play an important role in growth and healing. I work from a Judeo-Christian perspective; however, I work with people from a variety of faith backgrounds, as well as those who are agnostic or atheistic. It is always up to you if faith is addressed during counseling or not.
LICENSE & CERTIFICATION
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (Indiana & Ohio)
Indiana License #: 39003366A
Ohio License #: E.2202785
Certified EMDR Therapist
EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) Certification #: 193040
GRADUATE-LEVEL EDUCATION
Masters in Science in Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
University of Dayton
Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy
Capella University
TRAUMA TRAININGS
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Basic Training (EMDR)
Personal Transformation Institute, EMDRIA-approved
Flash Technique Training
Dr. Philip Manfield
Prolonged Exposure Therapy
U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
Cognitive Processing Therapy
The Medical University of South Carolina
Imaginal Nurturing, Ego States, and Attachment Training
April Steele, MSc BCATR
ANXIETY-RELATED & OCD TRAININGS
Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy for OCD (First-Tier/Gold Standard for OCD Treatment) *
Cognitive Behavioral Institute
BOOKS I LOVE
- The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control by Katherine Morgan Schafler
- Try Softer: A Fresh Approach to Move Us out of Anxiety, Stress, and Survival Mode–and into a Life of Connection and Joy by Aundi Kolber
- The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk M.D.
INTRODUCTION TO EMDR THERAPY
“EMDR therapy targets the unprocessed memories that contain the negative emotions, sensations, and beliefs. By activating the brain’s information processing system, the old memories can then be “digested.” Meaning what is useful is learned, what’s useless is discarded, and the memory is now stored in a way that is no longer damaging.”
– Dr. Francine Shapiro, Founder of EMDR
Learn about EMDR therapy in this introductory video by the EMDR International Association.