Scott & White Health Plan Therapists in Georgetown, TX

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from the University of North Texas. I have specialized coursework in play therapy, sand-tray therapy, and extensive work in college counseling. I work with individual children, adolescents, and adults.

Do you feel held back by your past? Is there a traumatic event that you feel like you "should" be over by now? Traumatic events, especially those experienced in childhood, have an immense impact on your life. Trauma left untreated will allow you to believe lies, such as "I am unloveable, I am a failure, It's all my fault..." Through our work together, you will come to realize that you are worthy, loved, the trauma wasn't your fault, and your past does not define you.

I am a clinical and forensic psychologist who provides psychological evaluations and compassionate, solution-focused therapy. I use a collaborative, goal-directed approach, meaning that you and I will work together to identify your specific treatment goals and regularly evaluate how well therapy is helping you to reach those goals. An individualized plan is developed based on your unique needs; there are no "cookie cutter" approaches used.

Carmela enjoys working with Adolescents, Couples, Individuals, Families, & Groups addressing the issues of adolescents, parenting, marriage, divorce, change, grief, communication, family disputes, & crisis. Carmela utilizes a Cognitive Behavioral Approach with "supportive confrontation" to assist & facilitate change within individual dynamics, focusing on one's strengths while building on their perceived "weaknesses". Perception Is Everything!~ Carmela has served as Senior Supervisor, Juvenile Probation Officer, & Family Preservation & PROMPT Program Supervisor and Family Therapist providing mental health counseling services to court ordered juveniles and families within homes, school, & community settings. Carmela has experience working with Military personnel & families through deployments of Desert Storm & Somalia.

In a blink of an eye, you're now a parent of a tween/teen(s). Your child has become w/drawn, negative, loss of interest & enjoyment of activities they once enjoyed. There's a change in their sleep, eating habits, doing poorly in school, isolating from friends and family, showing risky or harmful behaviors, even possible suicide thoughts. Your child shares with you that they feel depressed, anxious and don’t want to go to school. You try asking them what’s wrong, just to be yelled, “nothing, you wouldn’t even understand. You turn to your partner for support just to find yourself feeling angry, emotionally overwhelmed, invalidated.

Should you ever encounter a therapist that tells you they have the answers for you . . . Run Away!!! Therapy is a deeply personal process that is not about fixing an issue, but rather creating a safe place for growth, insight, and healing. I will never claim to have answers or magical solutions to another's unique story or experience. What I can offer is years of experience with creating safety and warmth for those who have difficulty finding those environments. I have a genuine affection, curiosity, and appreciation for the rich and inspiring life stories that clients share with me.