Carole LaFreniere, LCSW, CSW

Carole LaFreniere is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and midlife transitions. She also supports those struggling with trauma, addiction, relationship and intimacy concerns, parenting stress, and questions about life purpose. Carole draws on practical methods to help people move forward and find clearer next steps.

She trained at the University of Texas at Arlington and holds the LCSW and CSW credentials. Carole has eight years of experience in mental health settings, including work with inpatient psychiatric populations and community-based clients. That background shapes a calm, steady approach in sessions.

Carole centers the relationship in therapy. She works collaboratively to set goals and make a plan. Sessions focus on strengths, realistic problem solving, and skills that people can use between visits.

Her approach blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Client-Centered techniques, EMDR, and mindfulness. Carole adapts these tools to the person in front of her rather than following a fixed script.

She aims to be non-judgmental and direct, and she brings a sense of humor when it helps. Carole schedules some evening and weekend appointments to fit around work and family demands.

People who want practical steps, steadiness while processing hard experiences, and help navigating life changes often find this style useful. If someone wants to explore next steps, Carole helps design a plan that fits their goals and circumstances.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify what matters most and take small steps that align with their values. ACT often helps with anxiety, depression, and decisions that come up during a midlife transition. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on how thoughts, feelings, and actions interact and teaches practical strategies to reduce symptoms and change unhelpful behavior. CBT is useful for anxiety, depression, and coping skills. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a respectful, non-judgmental relationship where the person sets the pace and goals; this approach supports people who need time to process loss, trauma, or life changes.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Carole will collaborate with each person to choose methods that fit their needs, goals, and comfort level. She adapts tools from these approaches rather than using a one-size-fits-all plan.

Confirm the session formats Carole is offering before you book so you know what options are available. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow for evening or weekend meetings that match work schedules. It can also let people use phone- or video-based check-ins when a shorter conversation is needed. Ask about current options when you arrange a first appointment to find what will work best for your routine.