Hi, I’m Cara
I am someone who values depth, presence, and honesty. Outside the therapy room, much of my world revolves around my family and sporting events.
In my therapy work, I am thoughtful, steady, and direct. I am willing to name patterns, ask hard questions, and say what often goes unspoken when it supports clarity and growth. I believe honesty, delivered with care, is essential to change.
I am deeply committed to helping people build lives and relationships that feel self defined rather than driven by expectation or exhaustion. I believe lasting change begins when we stop pushing through and start paying attention to what we actually need.
Why I Do This Work
I do this work because women and couples are shaped by culture and conditioning more often than we realize. I’ve also seen what becomes possible when cultural conditioning loosens its grip and people begin reconnecting with themselves and relating to others in ways that feel more honest.
My work supports women and couples in reshaping their relationships in ways that feel emotionally rich and aligned with who they truly are, not simply the roles they’ve been conditioned to play. Relationships where connection feels nourishing rather than depleting.
If you’re seeking depth, clarity, and a more honest way of relating than the roles you’ve been taught to play, I welcome the opportunity to work together.
Who I Work Best With
You’ve found your way here because you are exhausted. You’re not looking for surface level advice or a therapist who passively listens. You want real conversation, thoughtful insight, and a therapist who can meet you directly and honestly where you are.
At the center of my work is a strong, authentic therapeutic relationship. I intentionally limit the number of clients I work with so our work can be individualized, attentive, and collaborative. This allows us to engage deeply, work as a team, and create a space that feels responsive and purposeful rather than rushed or formulaic.
Therapy is an investment in yourself, your relationships, and the life you want to build. My role is not to offer quick fixes or checklists, but to help you gain clarity and build connection with yourself and others in ways that feel safe, honest, and sustainable.
If you’re looking for therapy grounded in real connection, with individualized and attentive care, we would be a strong fit.
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 20+ years in the field. I have completed Level 2 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and use Gottman Method Couples Therapy in my work. I am also a leader of The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work couples workshop. Before founding Novara Intimacy I was a couples counselor who also led large, multi-provider practices, recruiting, mentoring, and developing clinicians while building sustainable, high-quality systems of care.
For the Details-Driven
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker, State of Illinois
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Southern Illinois University Edwardsville - Specialization in Children and Families
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Social Work, Cum Laude, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
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The Gottman Method is one of the leading evidence-based approaches in the treatment of couples-backed by decades of research, with structured exercises that build closeness and teamwork.
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To join the next workshop or explore a private event schedule a complimentary 15-minute consult and we’ll tailor the details.
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A nod to my direct, coach-like style and belief that small adjustments change the whole game.
Credentials and Training
1 Book a call Use my online scheduler to find a time that fits your schedule. If you’re reaching out for couples therapy, either partner or both are welcome to join the call.
2 We’ll chat We'll have a FREE 15-minute chat to see if we're a good fit for each other.
3 Schedule your first session If we're a match, I’ll book your session and send you onboarding info.
I’m ready when you are
Schedule a complimentary 15 minute phone consultation