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Marla Carman

Marla Carman, LMHC, LPC

Arizona

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Licensed counselor - Anger and relationship issues

  • ACT and CBT
  • EMDR for trauma
  • Mindfulness practice

About Marla

Marla Carman is a licensed mental health counselor - LMHC and LPC - with 21 years of experience. She practices in Arizona and works with adults on concerns such as stress, anxiety, relationship problems, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, addictions, anger, and related issues.

She uses practical, evidence-informed approaches in sessions. Marla draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, client-centered methods, and mindfulness techniques. Her work is focused on helping people manage strong emotions, rebuild relationships, and cope with life changes.

In sessions she prioritizes clear, direct conversation and concrete steps. People learn skills to notice unhelpful patterns, shift behaviors, and test new ways of relating. She also incorporates trauma-focused strategies when past events continue to interfere with daily life.

Marla has experience across a wide range of concerns, including intimacy-related issues, family of origin problems, caregiver stress, body image and eating issues, and compassion fatigue. She also supports people facing career transitions, grief, fertility and end-of-life concerns, and the practical strain of parenting and aging relatives.

Her style is straightforward and focused on workable changes. Clients can expect a mix of talk, skill practice, and mindfulness exercises. Marla helps people identify values, set realistic goals, and take small steps that reduce anger, anxiety, or depressive symptoms.

To get started, follow the site's process to compare online therapy options and schedule a first session. Marla provides services in English and does not take international clients.

Approaches used in online sessions and how they help

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify what matters to them and take action despite difficult feelings. It is useful for anger, anxiety, and life transitions where values guide practical steps. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches skills to change unhelpful patterns. It is commonly used for anxiety, depression, and stress. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a trauma-focused approach that works on memories and the emotions connected to them; it can be helpful when past events continue to cause strong reactions.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Marla will discuss options and collaborate with each person to decide what to try first, adjusting methods based on needs, goals, and preferences. That means sessions can include different techniques over time as issues shift.

Confirm current session formats before booking so you know what is offered. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. They also make it simpler to keep appointments during work breaks or family obligations. Talk with the provider about what will fit your schedule and what to expect in a first appointment.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Also works with

AddictionsFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommunication problemsDependent personalityDivorce and separationEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsPanic disorder and panic attacksPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaTraumatic brain injuryWomen's issuesWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Mindfulness TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

21+ years

Listed in

Arizona, Florida, Washington

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does she help with?

She works with stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, addictions, anger, self-esteem, and related concerns.

What is her therapeutic style?

She uses a practical mix of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, client-centered methods, and mindfulness. Sessions focus on skills, values, and manageable steps.

How much experience does she have?

She has 21 years of experience working in the mental health field and with a broad range of clinical issues.

Where is she licensed and based?

She holds LMHC and LPC credentials and practices in Arizona.

Which languages are supported?

Sessions are offered in English only.

Can people from other countries work with her?

She does not accept international clients at this time.

How are sessions arranged and what do they cost?

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

What are the steps to begin?

Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.

Whenever you are ready

Review online therapy options and next steps on BetterHelp, in your own time.

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Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If anyone is in danger, or you are afraid of someone at home, contact emergency services. Emergency and domestic abuse numbers

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Marla CarmanLMHC, LPC

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