Marla Carman, LMHC, LPC

Marla Carman uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a starting point to help people change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. She blends evidence-informed approaches with a practical, down-to-earth style. Marla draws on 21 years in the mental health field to guide people through stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship challenges. She is licensed as an LMHC and LPC and practices from Arizona.

Marla focuses on concrete, manageable steps clients can use between sessions. She often combines CBT with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and mindfulness tools to help people tolerate difficult feelings and take values-driven action. When trauma is involved she may integrate EMDR techniques alongside skills work to reduce distress from past events.

Sessions tend to be collaborative. Marla listens for what matters most to each person and adapts techniques to match their goals. She helps people tackle sleep and eating concerns, intimacy and sexual culture questions, caregiver stress, and career or life transitions. Practical problem solving and building everyday coping skills are central parts of her approach.

Her background includes long-term work with diverse issues such as addictions, bipolar mood concerns, family of origin struggles, and compassion fatigue. She also supports people facing end-of-life, fertility, and first responder stresses. Marla aims to create a calm space where people can try new ways of thinking and acting.

People who meet with Marla can expect straightforward strategies, brief mindfulness exercises, and homework tailored to their life. She encourages steady progress over time and helps clients notice small wins during change.

How CBT, ACT, and EMDR translate to online sessions

Marla commonly draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people identify and change patterns that maintain anxiety or low mood. CBT in an online format uses thought records, behavioral experiments, and goal setting that clients can practice between sessions. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy focuses on values and willingness to feel difficult thoughts while staying connected to what matters; online ACT often uses short exercises and mindfulness practices people can use during the day.

When trauma shows up she may integrate elements of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing to reduce distress from past events. In a remote setting EMDR-style protocols are adapted so clients can track sensations and process memories safely with the therapist guiding steps and pacing. Choosing or combining these approaches is collaborative - the therapist will work with the client to figure out what fits their needs, goals, and comfort level over time.

Online therapy offers flexibility for people with busy schedules or mobility limits. Video calls let therapists and clients use worksheets, screen sharing, and live demonstrations. Phone sessions use less bandwidth and can be a good choice for shorter check-ins. Live chat and text-based messaging make it possible to send quick updates, practice skills between sessions, or check in when a written note feels easier than speaking. These options help therapy fit into real life while keeping the work focused and practical.