Hi, my name is Cara McDowell, and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience providing therapy for clients. I attended the University of San Diego, where I received my Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Master's degree in Marital and Family Therapy. Throughout my career, I have worked in various settings, including schools, community colleges, non-profit agencies, hospitals, and private practices. My approach to helping clients is warm, respectful, responsive, and nurturing, as I have a genuine interest in their happiness and well-being.

I am particularly passionate about guiding couples to renew their relationship and utilize Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy in my work. EFCT is a structured, research-backed, and highly effective approach to couples therapy that aims to replace negative cycles with positive, nurturing interactions that foster deeper emotional bonds. Helping couples reconnect, communicate effectively, and enhance intimacy is at the heart of my work. I hold advanced training in this model and am pursuing continued certification and training to further my expertise.

In addition to my focus on couples, I work with individual adults who are navigating challenges related to relationships, family dynamics, anxiety, depression, and trauma. My approach is compassionate and tailored to each person's unique needs, providing a safe space for healing and growth. I also greatly appreciate working with parents and those seeking postpartum mental health support, helping them build resilience and navigate the complexities of parenthood with confidence and care.

I also highly enjoy working with adolescents and their families. I’ve found that I have a special ability to offer teens active, authentic, and respectful insight by using direct and non-judgmental feedback. I help them to take control of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors by providing them with the skills and knowledge to make better decisions. If beneficial, I like to include the adolescents’ family in treatment to bolster secure attachments between the family members. I guide the family to help them overcome problematic patterns that are holding them back from getting the close, fulfilling relationship they want.

I hold the utmost respect for those willing to be vulnerable and face the most painful parts of themselves, committing the time and energy to work on themselves and their relationships. I am humbled and honored every day to have the trust of my clients as they embark on their personal journey of self-growth and healing.

When I'm not working, I spend time with my husband and our three sons, cook shared meals for family and friends, take long walks with my dog, and enjoy quiet moments reading and doing puzzles.