Grief, Behavioral Issues, Addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress
Accepted insurance & self-pay
About Cara Leigh
Cara-Leigh Recker is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who entered the field of mental health based on the idea that we often do not know the burdens that others carry.
She has a background working with individuals who are seeking purposeful treatment of substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, grief, post-traumatic stress disorder and/or bipolar. Cara-Leigh holds that mental health and substance use therapy is meant to be a collaborative process where goals are set together in a strength-based approach. Cara-Leigh completed a Masters of Special Education with a focus on ASD.
Her experiences in the foster care system led Cara-Leigh to return to school for a licensure in Mental Health Counseling to continue working with individuals seeking personal growth. Cara-Leigh strives to help her clients with positive self-regard through solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and narrative therapy.
Asking for help can be one of the hardest, most awkward, and bravest things you can do. If you are seeking guidance during a challenging time, or a compassionate voice in a time of chaos, Cara-Leigh is eager to offer you the support, encouragement, and strategies you need.
"I firmly believe that sometimes we are not the best person to be talking to when we talk to ourselves — therefore, it would be an honor to guide you to a more generous self-narrative, continued self-improvement, and increased self-worth."
Get to know Cara Leigh
Why did you decide to become a counselor?
I discovered that we carry around such unspoken burdens, that can be lifted in the act of saying them out loud in a safe space to a trusted clinician. I have a unique and incredibly rewarding job, as I get to be a witness to deep and profound healing.
What types of clients do you work with best?
I love to work with anyone who is also seeking to put in the work!
What type of clients are you most excited to work with?
Have you found yourself regulating your internal emotions with unhealthy external methods?
What's one thing you wish all clients knew?
That just because you are struggling, it does not mean you are failing.
Why did you choose to practice at Thriveworks?
Thriveworks is client AND clinician focused practice that cares about self-agency.
What inspires you?
I'm inspired by people who find strength in being vulnerable.
What can clients expect in their first session with you?
Our first session will be a getting to know each other, with paperwork (of course!), goal setting, limits of confidentiality, and a collaborative look of past therapeutic experiences regarding what worked, what did not work, preferences for homework, etc.
What do you want to accomplish with an individual in their first session?
Recognize that you are not alone in this process.
What do you do for fun/on your time off?
My goal is to reach all 50 states in the US, and I'm currently at 49. I enjoy travel, painting and gardening.
Other areas of focus
Education and training
- Years in practice
- 5.5 years
- Graduating institute
- SUNY Potsdam
- Graduating degree
- Masters of Special Education
Additional details
Practice information
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