Theresa L. Carter, LCSW

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with certifications as a Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), Narcissistic Abuse Treatment Clinician (NATC), and Personality Disorder Treatment Provider (C-PD). I provide a supportive space where clients can process complex trauma, including betrayal trauma and challenging family-of-origin dynamics.

I assist individuals recovering from environments shaped by abuse, neglect, abandonment, coercive control, chronic fear, and instability. My work addresses dynamics such as narcissistic family systems, family scapegoating, trauma bonds, enmeshment, antagonistic relationships, and addiction—experiences that often lead to intergenerational trauma and nervous system dysregulation. I help clients normalize their emotions, feel validated, and build greater resilience. I am a certified clinical specialist in DBT (C-DBT), anxiety (CCATP), mood disorders (CMDP), ADHD (ADHD-CCSP), and autism (ASDCS).

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 serving as a psychotherapist for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, working as a behavioral specialist with children facing autism, ADHD, and adjustment challenges, and supervising social workers in county behavioral health settings. I have also led interdisciplinary teams of social workers and nurses in case management, supporting individuals with complex medical needs, and managed public health teams of case investigators, contact tracers, data analysts, and nurses responding to infectious disease outbreaks.

I am deeply committed to helping clients heal from psychological and emotional harm, recognizing the profound impact these experiences can have on overall well-being.

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 practice emphasizes creating a safe, supportive environment where you can begin building coping skills and increasing self-awareness.

This initial session is primarily an opportunity for you to feel heard, ask questions, and determine whether this feels like the right fit. To support your journey, I incorporate psychoeducation to help you better understand your experiences, drawing on research-based information that supports both mental and physical well-being.

What to expect

My work is rooted in person-centered and strengths-based therapy, integrating validation, psychoeducation, open-mindedness, empowerment, and emotional support. I know 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 sustainable coping strategies across different areas of life.

I support individuals navigating 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 a deeper understanding of the unique factors that influence their emotional well-being.

A connection

Change is often challenging because the brain likes familiar routines. Fortunately, the brain can adapt and form new connections through a process known as neuroplasticity. When we intentionally practice new behaviors and ways of thinking, these neural pathways become stronger over time, making change feel more natural.

In my role as a Certified Interpersonal Neurobiology (C-IPNB) Clinician, I incorporate this science-backed framework to guide our collaborative work. When we expand our understanding of how thoughts and behaviors connect, we create the space where true progress and healing can emerge.