Cara Joyner, LPC, ASDCS
Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist & Practice Owner
Clinical Background
Working with clients across the lifespan, Cara specializes in providing integrative and neurodiversity-affirming therapy for complex trauma, ADHD/AuDHD, autism in adults (diagnosed/suspected), postpartum mental health, eating disorders, OCD, bipolar disorders and personality disorders.
As a graduate of Wake Forest University, Cara has had the honor of receiving training and supervision from incredible leaders in the mental health field. After completing a year of clinical training for the treatment of eating disorders, she spent three years working under the supervision of a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist.
Her work has expanded through ongoing training in complex trauma, Polyvagal theory, attachment, exposure and response prevention (ERP), internal family systems (IFS), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Through advanced training and clinical practice, Cara was certified as an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist in 2025.
Prior to beginning clinical work, Cara worked as a professional birth doula and Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, shaping the work that she does today to support perinatal and postpartum mental health. As a mother of five, Cara is passionate about providing support to parents at all stages of parenting.
Therapeutic Approach
Because the therapeutic process requires a high degree of trust and time, I believe that it's helpful to know what you can expect from a specific therapist before investing your energy and resources.
When therapy is ambiguous, it can feel frustrating. With this in mind, I bring an active voice into appointments, focusing clearly on your goals. My expertise is in understanding the intersection of neurology, trauma, attachment and the nervous system. Together, we will explore how you want to create meaningful change that you can implement outside of sessions.
My hope is that therapy can be a space to gain awareness and understanding into your experiences, building confidence in your own resiliency and intuition. You are the expert in you. My role is to come alongside of you, as both a witness and as a guide with tangible support, while you do the brave work of creating change.
Education
Virginia Commonwealth University, Bachelor of Science, Psychology
Wake Forest University, Master of Arts, Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Additional Certifications
Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist
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Both as a therapist and as an ADHD woman, Cara understands the unique strengths, challenges and stigma associated with neurodivergence.
As research has evolved and our understanding of neurodiversity has expanded, clinical perceptions have begun to change.
Following the evidence and learning from experts in the field, Cara operates from a strengths-based model that affirms the validity of different neurotypes and resists pathologizing these valuable differences in processing.
Neurodivergence helps create context for understanding the specific strengths and experiences of individuals, as well the challenges that often co-occur.
Cara works with clients to understand their own neurodivergent profile and to create strategies that match their particular goals and needs.
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While neurodiverse relationships can be incredibly fulfilling, they can also be quite challenging. This is especially true around communication and conflict.
Cara is passionate about supporting neurodiverse families as they work to bridge the gap created by differences in neurotype, increasing understanding and seeking connection in new ways.
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While there can be beautiful moments throughout pregnancy and postpartum, these seasons are also often filled with uncertainty, change, fear and grief.
Cara specializes in supporting women while they prepare to give birth, as they grow into motherhood, and as they rediscover themselves on the other side.
Prior to beginning clinical work, Cara worked as a professional birth doula and Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, shaping the work that she does today to support maternal mental health.
As a mother of five, she is passionate about providing support to parents at all stages of parenting.
This focus on maternal mental health support also includes supporting women following birth trauma, miscarriage & loss.
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Complex PTSD develops following a history of chronic traumatic experiences, often occurring during childhood. Using the latest research in the treatment of trauma, Cara specializes in treating adults experiencing the lasting impacts of complex trauma.
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Understanding the root of anxiety / depression is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment. Cara has extensive experience treating generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress, and bipolar disorders.
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With extensive experience treating eating disorders at multiple levels of care, Cara understands the complexity of eating disorder recovery.
Partnering with a client's treatment team (typically including their physician and registered dietician), Cara provides evidence-based treatment for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), binge eating disorder and the many mixed presentations that fall in between.
Rates
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Individual Psychotherapy | $160
Couples Therapy | $160
Family Therapy | $160
Intake and Assessment | $180
