About Cara, LMFT Associate

Supervised by Rachel Pendergraft, LMFT-S

I’m Cara, a former social worker/healthcare administrator/interior stylist who always dreamed of becoming a counselor after graduating from Texas A&M. Still, life seemed to have a different path.

Now in my 50s, I am an LMFT Associate (licensed marriage and family therapist associate) under the supervision of Rachel Pendergraft, LMFT-S.

My approach to counseling is systemic and grounded in attachment theory, a Christian worldview, and the power of emotions that serve as our compass. I believe each person is unique, created by God, highly valued, and can overcome hardships, pain, and despair. I explore how thoughts, beliefs, and emotions impact personal well-being and the health of relationships. To understand where we are going, we need to know how we arrived at this crossroads. Change begins through the therapeutic relationship built on trust, acceptance, honesty, and emotional connection.

My focus and passion are relationships. Relationships challenge us on all levels, whether it is a relationship with yourself, spouse, partner, family, or friends.

I ground my approach in attachment theory and with the knowledge that humans are created for connection and our emotions, unlike our thoughts, never lie to us. Emotions orient us to our present experience. Through exploring our emotions, thoughts, and beliefs, we can work together towards a brighter tomorrow.

I work with couples, premarital couples, families, and individuals age 12 and up who are experiencing relationship distress, betrayal trauma, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, life adjustments, and more. My goal is to come alongside my clients in their journey to hope and healing.

Cara’s rate is $105 for individual counseling and $125 for couples or families. If you would like to meet with Cara, just let us know in the contact form!

See my services

Education

I earned a B.S. in Psychology at Texas A&M University, College Station, and M.Ed. in Counseling and Development, focusing on Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling at Lamar University.

I am trained in:

Emotionally Focused Therapy – this is considered the gold standard of couple’s therapy; I am working toward certification
Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Emotional Freedom Technique (tapping)

I have completed coursework in:

Internal Family Systems
Integrative Trauma Treatment
Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy

I am a member of these professional organizations:

International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
American Counseling Association

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Three Facts About Me

Change is possible

I am filled with hope, knowledge, and a deep belief we can achieve a life filled with love, acceptance, and peace. For me, my power to change and grow resides in Jesus Christ and how His love has molded and shaped me. I know from personal experience that change is possible when you are willing to work. It is not easy, but therapy is transformational.

I've been a helper my whole life

For as long as I can remember, people have always felt comfortable and safe sharing their problems with me. It is a privilege to connect with others more profoundly and genuinely. I have a natural ability to see the bigger picture, uncover hidden patterns, and find creative and personalized approaches to concerns. I am excited and passionate about helping clients explore what might be getting in their way and helping them find their path forward.

Married for 28 years

I have been blessed with a wonderful husband and partner. I have two stepchildren and four grandchildren. I am also a dedicated dog mom, animal lover, and knowledge seeker who finds serenity at the beach.