Cara Shanks

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than a decade of experience supporting people through life’s most challenging and overwhelming seasons. Since earning my Master’s in Social Work in 2013 and becoming independently licensed in 2019, I’ve worked with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and self-esteem concerns. I understand that starting therapy can feel vulnerable, especially when you’ve been carrying a lot on your own. My goal is to offer a compassionate, steady space where you can slow down, feel understood, and begin making sense of what you’re experiencing. Whether you’re feeling stuck, emotionally exhausted, disconnected from yourself, or unsure how to move forward, therapy can be a place to build insight, strengthen confidence, and create meaningful change at a pace that feels manageable for you.

My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that each person already holds important strengths, even if they feel hard to access right now. I use evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and trauma-informed care to help clients better understand their thoughts, emotions, and patterns while developing tools that feel practical in everyday life. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, I tailor therapy to your goals, lived experiences, and what feels most supportive to you. Together, we may focus on understanding the roots of distress, building healthier coping strategies, improving self-awareness, and creating more self-compassion. I aim to help therapy feel both supportive and productive, with space for reflection, healing, and steady progress over time.

You can expect a therapeutic relationship that is respectful, encouraging, and centered on your individual needs. I work to create an environment where you feel safe to be honest about what’s working, what feels difficult, and what you hope will change. In our work together, I will listen closely, ask thoughtful questions, and help you identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck. I also believe therapy should be practical, so our sessions can include concrete coping tools, strategies for managing stress and emotions, and opportunities to build resilience in ways that fit your real life. Above all, you can expect care that is compassionate, nonjudgmental, and personalized. My hope is that you leave sessions feeling more understood, more grounded, and more equipped to navigate challenges with clarity and confidence.