Cara Kalakewich, LMFT

Therapist · Pennsylvania · 13+ years of experience

Compassionate therapist for life transitions

Opens BetterHelp in a new tab, where you can review online therapy options.

13 years experience
LMFT in Pennsylvania
Relationship focus

About Cara

Cara Kalakewich is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) practicing in Pennsylvania. She brings 13 years of clinical experience to sessions and focuses on helping people through relationship struggles, trauma, addiction, and major life changes. Cara works to create a calm, nonjudgmental space where feelings can be named and understood.

Her style is warm and collaborative. She affirms clients' experiences and then gently challenges unhelpful patterns when needed. Sessions are conversational and practical, with attention to how family, faith, work, and values shape daily life.

Cara combines techniques from several approaches to fit each person’s needs. She uses client-centered work to listen and reflect. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps spot thinking patterns that keep problems going. Dialectical Behavior Therapy offers skills for intense emotions and stress.

She also draws on Emotionally-Focused Therapy and the Gottman Method when relationship dynamics are central. These approaches aim to improve connection and communication. Cara pays attention to intimacy-related concerns, attachment issues, and complicated grief.

Clients often come with overlapping concerns such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, parenting strain, or substance issues. Cara breaks these into manageable steps and coaches practical changes. Her goal is to empower people to make thoughtful choices that fit their values and life circumstances.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issues

Also works with

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTGriefEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepression Coping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAttachment issuesBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issues Body imageCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSImpulsivityInfidelity Isolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purpose Midlife crisis Money and financial issues Mood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualityWomen's issues Workplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Gottman MethodMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

13+ years

Credentials

Pennsylvania

Languages

English

Approaches that guide online care

Cara uses Client-Centered Therapy to listen closely and respond to what matters most to each person. This approach focuses on empathy, reflection, and building trust so clients feel heard and understood.

She also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help identify and change thinking patterns that contribute to anxiety, depression, or unhealthy behaviors. CBT offers concrete tools for testing thoughts and trying new behaviors.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Cara will discuss goals, preferences, and life circumstances to choose methods that fit. She aims to collaborate so treatment feels relevant and doable rather than imposed.

Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life and to keep continuity during transitions. If you prefer not to be on camera, some options may require less bandwidth or allow shorter check-ins; confirm current session formats before booking. Talk with Cara about what will work best for your schedule and needs so sessions can be integrated into everyday routines.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does she help with?

Cara works with relationship difficulty, trauma and abuse, addiction, anxiety, depression, and stress. She also supports people facing parenting strain, grief, eating and sleeping concerns, ADHD, and life transitions.

What is her therapy style like?

She takes a nurturing, collaborative approach that validates experience and then helps shift unhelpful patterns. Sessions are conversational and focus on practical steps and emotional understanding.

How long has she been practicing?

She has 13 years of professional experience working with clients on relationship issues, trauma, addictions, and related concerns.

Where is she licensed and practicing?

She is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) in Pennsylvania.

Which languages are offered?

Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients.

What session formats are available?

The original biography does not specify session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.

How does pricing work?

Cost varies by location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.