Perhaps my greatest strength as a therapist comes from my own life experience.
I have walked through the pain of unhealthy and abusive relationships and the struggle of codependency. I have had to learn, often the hard way, how to set and maintain healthy boundaries.
Today, I am in a place of greater peace, and am grateful to be able to draw on both my personal journey and professional training to support others in their healing.
How I Support Your Healing Journey
I believe traditional talk therapy alone often isn’t enough to fully heal the deep wounds of relational trauma.
Healing requires more than just talking about the past.
Because trauma is stored in the body as well as the mind, I offer trauma-informed care that integrates gentle, body-based approaches — including somatic and polyvagal practices. These methods help you safely release stored trauma, regulate your nervous system, and begin to feel more at ease both in and outside of therapy.
My session style is very relaxed, comfortable, and tailored to meet you where you are.
I enjoy teaching grounding and mindfulness skills you can use in everyday life. I also encourage my clients to explore books, podcasts, and simple homework assignments outside of our sessions.
The work you do between sessions is where much of the real change happens…
It’s what helps the healing take root and last.
Cara Bickel, LMSW
Outside of my work as a therapist, I find peace in simple moments that help me recharge.
My favorite place is the pool at night, where I can do water aerobics with my earbuds in and let the day fade away. I also love relaxing at the beach, playing pickleball, binging my favorite TV shows, and spending time with my family and close friends.
More importantly, my faith in Jesus has been my anchor. Without His guiding hand, I would not be standing here today, in a place where I can walk alongside others in their healing.
Professional Degrees & Certifications
Licensed Master Clinical Social Worker (LMSW)
Certified Advanced Narcissistic Abuse Treatment Clinician (NATC)
Advanced Training In
Trauma-informed care
Polyvagal and somatic approaches
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Attachment theory
Recovery from narcissistic and toxic relationships
Codependency and relationship patterns
Coping with emotionally immature parents
Healthy boundary setting
“Like a flower in the desert
I had to grow in the cruelest weather,
holding on to every drop of rain
just to stay alive.
But it’s not enough to survive,
I want to bloom beneath the blazing sun,
and show you all of the colors
that live inside of me.
I want you to see what I can become.”
- Christy Ann Martine