Theresa L. Carter, LCSW

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) specializing in trauma recovery, committed to supporting clients on their healing journeys. As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and Certified Narcissistic Abuse Treatment Clinician (NATC), I help individuals understand the roots of emotional pain and build lasting resilience. My additional training in personality disorders, mood disorders, ADHD, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy further supports my integrative, evidence-based approach to care.

I grew up in an environment with people who never discussed mental health; this sparked an early interest in the unspoken challenges I observed. As a dual major in psychology and sociology, my coursework was impactful, and the lessons carried over into graduate school, where I earned dual master's degrees in social work and public administration. I completed internships at a domestic abuse shelter, a short-term residential crisis center, and a community behavioral health services facility. I took specialized trauma-informed care courses, as well as other coursework in the field.

My professional experience includes work at a non-profit organization supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, serving as a psychotherapist and behavioral specialist for children with autism, ADHD, and adjustment challenges, and supervising social workers at county behavioral health agencies. I have also managed case management teams of social workers and nurses assisting individuals with catastrophic illnesses, and led project teams of case investigators, contact tracers, data analysts, and public health nurses in response to infectious disease outbreaks. I remain deeply passionate about helping clients improve and heal from psychological, emotional, and other forms of abuse, mental injuries, and challenges; providing support in these areas has proven to be crucial, as they can affect every facet of human existence.

Our first session

In our first session, I partner with you to understand your background, current concerns, and goals for therapy. We’ll begin exploring any emotional, social, or psychological challenges you may be facing, at a pace that feels comfortable for you. My approach emphasizes creating a safe, supportive environment where you can begin building coping skills and increasing self-awareness.

I also incorporate psychoeducation to help you better understand your experiences, using research-based information that supports both mental and physical well-being. This initial session is an opportunity for you to feel heard, ask questions, and determine whether working together feels like the right fit.

What to expect

I use a person-centered approach, integrating validation, psychoeducation, open-mindedness, empowerment, and emotional support. I understand how important it is to feel heard when discussing difficult experiences and challenging thoughts.

I work collaboratively with clients, combining active listening with evidence-based interventions to build effective, sustainable coping strategies across different areas of life. While I support individuals across a range of concerns—including trauma, stress, and life transitions—I have particular experience working with clients in early adulthood, many of whom value gaining deeper insight through psychoeducation.

A connection

Meaningful change often requires both readiness and willingness, which can be challenging because the brain naturally prefers familiar patterns. Fortunately, the brain can adapt and form new connections through a process known as neuroplasticity. By consistently practicing new behaviors and ways of thinking, these neural pathways become stronger over time, making change feel more natural.

As clients deepen their self-awareness and begin to shift their thoughts and actions, they often experience real progress and a growing sense of healing.