Cara Plasencia

Pronouns: she/her/hers

I have been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 2016, and have been practicing therapy since 2008. I joined Elon's Counseling Services staff in fall 2021, after working at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Oswego's Counseling Services Center for 6 years. I earned both my undergraduate and graduate degrees from Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York. At the start of my career, I worked for Syracuse University's Office of Residence Life as an Assistant Residence Director while earning my Master's degree. During graduate school, I was selected to work on a team of therapists who specialized in working with transgender clients, which fostered my passion for diversity and inclusion, and my commitment to advocating for clients from marginalized groups. I have worked at several community mental health agencies with individuals, couples, families, and children who have experienced sexual and physical trauma, depression, anxiety, substance abuse issues, and relationship and familial issues. I am an AAMFT (American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy) Approved Supervisor and Clinical Fellow. I have experience coordinating training and development for counselors in training, as well as providing clinical supervision.

My clinical approach as a system's therapist informs the way I seek to understand my client's broader system of who they are connected to, as a way to conceptualize what might be going on for the client. I implement strategies from several theoretical orientations, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and Experiential Therapy. I feel creating a safe space is most important for clients to be able to challenge themselves while being supported to truly reach their goals. Being a therapist is most rewarding when I can help my clients heal through realizing how strong and resilient they are. I am excited to help support Elon's students in their educational journey.