Carla Cook is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who graduated from California State University, Bakersfield with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, a secondary degree in Gerontology and a Masters degree in Social Work. Before she became a clinician she worked for years with the deaf and hard of hearing and is fluent in American Sign Language. Carla is a strong advocate for social justice, human rights, autonomy and respect for individuality. She strives to cultivate cultural sensitivity, empathy, compassion, and ethical integrity. She has experience working with cultural diversity, alternative lifestyles issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, personality disorders, justice-involved individuals, and a wide variety of mental health symptoms and populations. She has a strong commitment to the Recovery Model, supporting people during the transitional periods of their life, and helping others develop positive coping strategies to navigate a stressful world. Carla has a holistic approach to mental health, and is a Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional, She is trained in mindfulness and Vipassana meditation techniques. In her free time she enjoys relaxing with her husband of over 40 years, spending time with her three adult children, visiting with friends, playing with her exotic silkie chickens, two cats and her English bulldog, Winston. She is currently studying German and Spanish and hopes to visit German and Spain someday soon.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional

FAST FACTS

IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ANYONE WHO WOULD IT BE?

My father who passed away when I was six years old.

WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL SATURDAY?

Ziplining with loved ones in a beautiful environment in nature.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO MOVE YOUR  BODY?

Combat Hapkido, boxing and yoga.

HOW DO YOU TAKE YOUR COFFEE?

w/collagen powder, oat milk and maple syrup.

WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD DREAM?

to be a veterinarian

WHAT IS THE GREATEST THING ABOUT BEING A THERAPIST?

I have the honor of walking beside people on their journey of change and recovery to witness their incredible strength and courage.