*Services available in Cantonese

I specialize in working with individuals who have a history of trauma and abuse, depression, anxiety, family conflict, immigration adjustment issues, and/or autism spectrum disorder. I work from an interpersonal perspective and believe that a trusting therapeutic alliance is vital to success in therapy. I am also EMDR trained and have found success in integrating these skills in the therapeutic process.

I received a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Utah and completed my doctoral internship at Boston University’s Center for Multicultural Training in Psychology. After completing my doctorate, I obtained a post-doctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School’s McLean Hospital where I helped children diagnosed with autism spectrum learn to cope with their struggles.

In addition to clinical practice, I was a professor of psychology at Pine Manor College, a liberal arts college for women in Boston, Massachusetts from 2005-2008. I now am a full-time clinician helping adults, children, adolescents, and families find peace and hope within themselves.

*Virtual appointments only

I studied Counseling Psychology at the University of Utah and completed my Masters of Education. Prior to that, I obtained degrees in Psychology and Biology at the College of Charleston in South Carolina. I lived and worked as a therapist in Utah for the past 13 years, but I recently relocated back to South Carolina. The Salt Lake community holds a very special place in my heart, so I still do virtual sessions with existing and new Utah clients. Online therapy doesn’t work for everyone, but I strive to bring the same level of warmth, compassion, and presence regardless of our physical locations.

My clinical work combines elements of storytelling, support, empowerment, and fun. I believe change comes from noticing the patterns that hold us back and experimenting with new ways of interacting with the world around us. I value authenticity and vulnerability in my relationships. I also believe in the power of play and the potential for growth and healing through our special interests. There’s always space in therapy for the things that get you excited—video games, books, anime, fandoms. I’m as interested in your DnD character as I am in your family history (and, for reference, both of those are 10/10 interesting). To me, it’s all important and relevant to the work we’re doing together. Aside from being a therapist, I'm a gamer, artist, cat mom, and I enjoy crochet, swimming, craft fairs, farmers markets, and music.

*Services available in Jamaican Patois

I obtained a Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies from Cornell University and a MEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Utah. I am currently a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Utah, where I research the sociocultural factors that influence what happens in therapy and the outcomes from treatment. I am passionate about identifying what counselors need throughout their training and development to help them provide competent, compassionate, and socially just care. I have experience working with adults who have relationship and identity development concerns, a history of trauma, experiences with grief and loss, difficulties with anxiety, depression, and emotional expression, as well as work-related stress and career concerns.

Due to my background in human development, I bring a psychodynamic, family systems, and attachment-based perspective to my clinical work. I believe that early experiences with significant caregivers shape the way human beings see themselves, others, and the world. When working with clients, I aim to co-create a relationship built on trust, genuine connection, and encouragement. It is my belief that security in the therapeutic relationship allows clients to explore themselves and their worlds more freely and deeply. Additionally, I use the bioecological systems theory to hold the complexity of the human experience at the forefront of my mind. I think about the contexts that individuals frequently engage in and how these contexts— especially when harsh, invalidating, and/or oppressive— make it difficult for people to actualize their potential. My vision is for therapy to be a place where clients are empowered to be their authentic selves despite external challenges, and by doing so, they may transform the world around them.

I obtained a MEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Utah. While counseling operates within the medical model, I prioritize a relational approach with clients. We will work collaboratively to find the best approach for our work together because every person is different.

Pain is a universal experience, but suffering does not need to be. Life, events, and even other people’s actions, happen outside our control, and pain becomes inevitable. However, when we fight against this pain or struggle to live with it, we might experience suffering – and alternatively, counseling can be a space to channel our energy into healing from the pain.

By nurturing self-understanding and self-acceptance, you become more open to the change you seek. I see therapy as a vehicle for you to progress to the version of yourself you hope to be. I look forward to meeting you and creating a space for us to both show up with radical honesty and authenticity.

*Services available in Farsi

I bring a client-centered approach to my practice, prioritizing empathy, collaboration, and bolstering individual lived experiences. My therapeutic style is rooted in creating a non-judgmental space where clients feel heard, understood, and supported on their journey toward mental well-being. I consider systemic factors that influence wellness, acknowledging the broader social barriers and cultural contexts that impact mental health.

I have experience working with adults managing concerns related to depression, anxiety, loss/grief, immigration issues, relational challenges, identity development, and adjustment to life changes. My approach is informed by relational and multicultural therapy perspectives, establishing a non-pathologizing and collaborative relationship to address ongoing concerns. I integrate mindfulness and compassion-based strategies to foster resilience, authenticity, self-awareness, and growth, helping clients navigate life's challenges and create new meanings.

I am currently a fourth-year Counseling Psychology doctoral student at the University of Utah, and I’m working under the supervision of Dr. Le Ngu.

My name is Carina (they/them), you can also call me Car, and I have been honored to work in the field of mental health for ten years. My therapeutic approach is largely informed by Feminist Multicultural Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I have worked with people facing a variety of challenges, including depression and anxiety, OCD, painful body image, trauma and abuse, and socially enforced harms on the bases of sexuality, gender, race, ability, and class. I frequently work with queer or LGBTQIA+ individuals.

I believe when humans are met with radical empathy and acceptance, healing takes root. I consider the holistic needs of each individual, and work to establish a collaborative relationship centering client autonomy and empowerment. Within this relationship, I hope to witness and bring recognition to the holistic impacts on individuals from environments and systems, co-creating empowerment and improved wellbeing for those I am privileged to work with.

Authenticity is an essential ingredient to my view of therapy, and I show up with clients as my true self. I aim to facilitate a space where clients feel safe to show me their whole selves – a vulnerable trust I do not hold lightly. Helping human beings be seen, heard, and healed – not regardless of but wholly in tandem with their most unique, fragile, or hidden experiences – is sacred to me. I am a queer, White, educationally privileged, atheistic, able-bodied person, native to the Utah desert and originating from a low-income family. I feel deeply connected to nature, living beings, community, movement, creativity, and furry family. I am a fourth-year Counseling Psychology Doctoral Candidate at the University of Utah. Integrating science and heartfelt care, gentleness and honesty, I feel grateful to all who trust me with their journeys.

As a therapist, I focus on building a genuine, nonjudgmental relationship where clients feel supported, understood, and accepted. My approach is rooted in person-centered values—I meet people where they are and take the time to understand what matters most to them. I integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) elements to help clients build psychological flexibility, clarify their values, and take meaningful action toward a more fulfilling life, even in the face of difficult thoughts and emotions.

I see therapy as a collaborative process. There’s no one right way to heal or grow, so I work alongside each client to explore what feels most helpful for them. Whether someone is navigating anxiety, grief, identity questions, life transitions, or any other challenge, my goal is to offer a grounded, compassionate presence and to support their process with curiosity, care, and respect.

I am a fifth-year University of Utah Counseling Psychology Doctoral Program student. I am working under the supervision of Dr. Le Ngu.

I have been working at InSight before it was called InSight!  On my time off work, you will often find me spending quality time with my family, watching a good show, doing projects around the house or gardening in my yard.