Carla da Cunha, MA

I aspire to welcome you into a sanctuary space where you feel acknowledged, supported, and prioritized. The world can be very chaotic with so many things affecting us, both in our control and not. Because of that, I am passionate about providing my clients with the opportunity whilst in the therapy room to have a person and a space completely dedicated to them, their mental health and wellness needs, and their personal goals. Not only do I want your therapy sessions to be valuable and worth your time and effort, but I also aim to collaboratively explore skills and techniques that you can implement outside of the therapy room and into your every day life. My goal is to work alongside you and combine your own personal story with my knowledge and expertise, together achieving your highest potential and wellness needs. Therapy is a vulnerable and sometimes challenging yet beautiful experience, and it would be an honor and privilege to be a part of your journey. I am committed to listening to you, supporting you, and trying my best to understand and guide you so that you can be *your* best you.

As a multi-cultural and multi-lingual psychotherapist (I provide therapy in English, Portuguese and Afrikaans), I understand the importance of viewing each client and their story as unique, comprising of many layers and contributing factors. I approach each session through a holistic lens, holding myself to the highest standard in providing racially conscious and culturally competent care. I utilize an integrated approach identifying which evidence-based treatments and modalities would work best with each client, specifically Relational Cultural Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Attachment Theory and Psychodynamic Theory among others. I believe I am most competent and valuable when working with individuals, couples, and families experiencing depression and anxiety, self-worth and confidence difficulties, relationship and interpersonal difficulties, grief and loss, trauma and difficulties adjusting to changes and transitions in life.

I received my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with a specialization in Latinx Mental Health from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from Stellenbosch University in Cape Town, South Africa. My training prioritized the importance of diversity and inclusion in the mental health field and has equipped me with the skills, competency levels, and self-awareness needed to provide appropriate mental health care to both marginalized and dominant communities. Prior to Wildflower, I accumulated extensive experience working both locally and internationally with clients ranging in age, race, ethnicity, and gender identity. Most recently I worked in an outpatient clinic at AMITA Health, providing individual, couples, and family therapy as well as adolescent and pediatric outpatient group therapy services.

Pronouns

she/her/hers

Selected training and affiliation

Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD training
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) training
Multi-Cultural Psychotherapy training
Relational Psychotherapy training
Member of American Psychological Association (APA)

Key beliefs

Together we are strong and collectively we can overcome.
We cannot change what we have been through, but we can change how it continues to affect us.
Life is like a book. Each chapter varies in length, content, and characters but we need to finish and understand one chapter before we are able to effectively move onto the next.

More about me

I see myself as a Soul Surgeon, aspiring to heal what has affected and hurt the soul.
Cooking and fresh air are two of my main self-care pleasures.
A life without indoor plants, chocolate, and sushi would feel incomplete to me.
I have called both land and sea home before, and have sailed the Transatlantic multiple times.