Profile / United States

Marla Carman, LMHC, LPC

Arizona

Licensed counselor - anxiety and trauma

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Trauma informed care

About Marla

Marla Carman, LMHC, LPC, is a licensed mental health counselor with 21 years of experience. She works with stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, addictions, and other life stresses. She practices in Arizona and carries the credentials LMHC and LPC as provided.

Marla uses straightforward methods to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and try different responses. She draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify thinking patterns that maintain distress. She also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Client-Centered techniques to help clients clarify values and work toward meaningful action.

For trauma-related concerns she includes EMDR-informed strategies and mindfulness practices when appropriate. That work focuses on reducing intense reactions and improving day-to-day functioning after difficult events. Sessions can address grief, intimacy, body image, and issues connected to family of origin or caregiving strain.

Marla has two decades of practice experience across many settings and with diverse life situations. She supports people dealing with career stress, sleep and eating concerns, bipolar mood management, and compassion fatigue. She also helps with communication problems, codependency patterns, and separation or divorce adjustments.

Her approach emphasizes practical steps and clear skills. Clients can expect a mix of talking, skill-building, and hands-on exercises aimed at changing patterns that cause distress. To begin, follow the site steps for matching and scheduling a first session.

How Marla blends CBT, ACT, and trauma work for online sessions

Marla draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people identify and change thought and behavior patterns that contribute to anxiety, depression, and relationship strain. CBT work often means tracking thoughts, testing assumptions, and practicing concrete skills between sessions.

She also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help clients clarify values and take committed action even when difficult feelings remain. ACT focuses on noticing internal experiences and choosing behavior that aligns with what matters most. For trauma-related issues Marla incorporates EMDR-informed and mindfulness techniques to reduce intense reactions and improve day-to-day coping.

Finding the right mix of methods is part of the work. She treats the choice of approach as collaborative and will help clients decide what to try based on goals and preferences. That may mean focusing on skills at first or shifting to trauma-processing tools later.

Session logistics and formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and avoid travel time. Licensed professionals can use a mix of talking, guided exercises, and homework to make progress across everyday life demands.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuse Grief Depression

Also works with

AddictionsFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommunication problemsDependent personalityDivorce and separationEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingIsolation / loneliness Life purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsPanic disorder and panic attacksPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaTraumatic brain injuryWomen's issues Workplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Mindfulness TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

21+ years

Listed in

Arizona, Florida, Washington

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does she focus on?

She works with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, addictions, and related life challenges listed on her profile.

How does she use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

She uses CBT to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and practice different ways of responding. That often includes short exercises and homework to build new habits.

What is her professional background?

She has 21 years of experience in the mental health field and has worked in varied clinical settings with different populations.

Where is she licensed and based?

She is licensed in Arizona and lists the credentials LMHC and LPC as provided in her profile.

Which languages are sessions offered in?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can people outside the United States work with her?

She does not accept international clients at this time.

How are sessions paid for?

Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What are the steps to start working together?

Use the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.

Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe, use the crisis numbers.

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