I understand what it’s like to push yourself hard, aim high, and quietly carry the pressure of needing to do everything well.
Meet Carissa
Hi, I’m Carissa, a licensed mental health counselor based in Indianapolis, Indiana.
I work with high-achieving, deeply caring people who are used to holding a lot and often doing it quietly, and people who are ready to move toward a more grounded, gentle way of being with themselves while still honoring their drive, values, and responsibilities.
I found my way into counseling early on, after a career assessment in college and a lot of people in my life saying, “That makes total sense for you. This is who you are.” Nearly fourteen years later, I still feel the same pull toward this work. I can’t imagine doing anything else. Walking alongside people as they heal, grow, and reconnect with themselves continues to matter deeply to me.
I live with my family in central Indiana and outside of my counseling work, you’ll often find me at a baseball game, out on a hike, holding a yoga pose, or mid-sip with a mug of coffee in hand, usually while enjoying deep, meaningful conversations with the people I love.
What We Treat
I specialize in supporting those navigating anxiety, perfectionism, burnout, trauma, people-pleasing, high-functioning depression, and the quiet weight of always being the srong, reliable one. Together, we untangle the patterns fueling your stress, lower self-criticism, help calm your nervous system, and build sustainable, value-aligned strategies so you can show up fully in your work, relationships, and daily life.
We may be a good fit if you can relate to any of the following:
- Feeling stuck with fears that started after something painful or overwhelming happened
- Ongoing headaches, stomach issues, or body tension that seem connected to stress
- Successful on the outside but carrying a lot of self-doubt or feeling “not good enough” inside
- Helpers or healthcare workers who feel constantly on edge, exhausted, or emotionally drained
- High achievers who look like they have it all together but quietly struggle with anxiety
- Feeling burned out, unmotivated, or questioning your career path
- Always putting others first and feeling tired of making yourself smaller to keep the peace
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s rooted in your whole story.
Instead of offering quick fixes or one-size-fits-all strategies, we slow down and look at what’s underneath the stress, overthinking, or burnout. Together, we honor your lived experience, nervous system, identity, and values so the changes you make are sustainable, compassionate, and aligned with the life you actually want to be living.
It’s intentionally integrative.
We understand how trauma and stress is stored in the mind and body and the strong connections between physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. Our work integrates EMDR & trauma-informed care, mind–body awareness, faith and values, and practical tools you can actually use to stay present and move forward in your life.
EMDR Consultation for Certification
We offer support and consultation for therapists seeking ethical, grounded, and sustainable EMDR practice without hustle culture or burnout.
Mental Health Consultation and Training
Partnering with schools, faith communities, businesses, clinics, and nonprofit organizations to support emotional wellbeing, resilience, and trauma-informed care.
These consultations are practical, compassionate, and tailored to your community’s real-world needs. Services may include:
- Trauma-informed training for staff, leaders, and caregivers
- Nervous-system-informed approaches to burnout and secondary trauma
- Support around emotional invisibility, compassion fatigue, and role overload
- Consultation for supporting neurodivergent, anxious, or overwhelmed populations
- Faith- and values-supported mental health education when relevant
Whether you’re supporting students, congregations, employees, clinicians, or volunteers, the goal is the same: creating environments where people can function and heal.
Therapist Support Circles & Mentorship
Spaces for helpers to be held, not just hold others. Community, reflection, and nervous-system-informed support for clinicians to reduce isolation and reconnect.
I am a licensed mental health counselor in Indiana, and I do offer individual mental health counseling in-person and virtually through Family Counseling Associates located in Indianapolis. To schedule an initial session, please contact the front desk at 317-585-1060 or email frontdesk@fcahelp.com.
I am licensed in Indiana and Ohio to provide mental health counseling.
