Cara McDowell
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #43358
Lead Therapist
Location
Encinitas Office & Telehealth
Fee
$250 per 50 minutes
Education
Bachelor of Art, Psychology | University of San Diego
Master of Arts, Marriage and Family Therapy | University of San Diego
Professional Training
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy Externship
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy Core Skills (in progress)
Availability
Monday: 10:00am to 5:00pm
Tuesday: 10:00am to 4:00pm
Friday: 10:00am to 4:00pm
Hello, I’m Cara McDowell, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience supporting couples and individuals as they heal, grow, and reconnect. I specialize in relationship challenges, whether my clients are feeling emotionally distant, stuck in conflict, rebuilding after betrayal, or hoping to rekindle sexual intimacy.
Relationships are my passion. I guide partners in breaking free from painful cycles, restoring closeness, and cultivating a more secure and satisfying bond. My approach is trauma informed and based on Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT), an evidence-based model rooted in attachment theory, to help couples and individuals understand their emotions, express their needs, and reach for others with openness and care.
I work with many couples and individuals who are actively parenting, balancing professional responsibilities, and managing the ongoing demands of daily life. My focus is on helping them maintain good communication while strengthening their bond amid these stressors. I have a particular interest in working with neurodivergent couples and have completed specialized training in supporting those impacted by ADHD.
I bring warmth, clarity, directness, and compassion to every session. Clients often share that they feel seen and understood by me, sometimes for the first time in a long time. I help my clients slow down, tune in, and interact in ways that foster trust, safety, clarity, and connection. Whether you are in crisis or simply looking to strengthen your relationship, I offer a steady, supportive presence and a path forward.
In addition to couples and relationship therapy, I work with individuals navigating life transitions, infidelity, divorce, trauma, anxiety, depression, and ADHD. I provide a thoughtful and grounded space where healing and growth can unfold.
Outside of the therapy room, I’m a mom to three boys and a wife to my wonderful husband. I enjoy family dinners, walking our dog, and relaxing with a good book or a challenging puzzle.