Cara Kayse, LMSW

(She/Her/Hers)

Licensed Mental Healthcare Provider

"The idea of therapy can be uncomfortable, intimidating, and even scary. It takes courage to embrace our vulnerabilities and trust a therapist. By reading this, you're taking an important first step! I would consider it an honor to walk with you on the path to hope and healing."

Throughout her life, Cara has had lived experiences that have contributed to her empathy for and understanding of her clients. Whether it affected her loved ones or herself directly, these experiences include divorce, loss, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance abuse.

Master of Social Work, 2014
University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA

Bachelors, Psychology, 1996
University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA

Cara's Areas
of Expertise

Anxiety, Depression, Grief & Loss, LGBTQ Affirming Care, PTSD, Substance Use Disorder, Suicidal Thoughts, Trauma

Offering Mental Health Therapy Services For

Teens & Adults

Treatment
Methods

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectal Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, Person-Centered Therapy, Trauma Informed Care, Feminist Therapy, Mindful Self-Compassion

Get to know Cara

Cara Kayse, LMSW welcomes people from all walks of life. She is especially passionate about working with women, Veterans, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Cara has many years or experience in serving those impacted by domestic violence, moral injury, and substance use disorders.

Personal Experiences

Throughout her life, Cara has had lived experiences that have contributed to her empathy for and understanding of her clients. Whether it affected her loved ones or herself directly, these experiences include divorce, loss, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance abuse.

A Safe Place

Cara is dedicated to maintaining a safe space for those in her care that is free from judgement. Her office is a place where you will be honored for who you are and who you want to become. Her approach is laid back and nurturing.

Cara sees her role as providing compassionate support, offering tools for personal growth, and empowering clients to make the changes they desire. She enjoys uncovering the strengths that are already within each person who walks in her door.

Motivations

On the difficult days, Cara is reminded of her “why” when she sees the artwork that has been gifted to her by past clients. Many individuals she serves find art to be a welcome outlet for expressing feelings and coping. As a thank you to her, some of them have gifted her their artwork. This is very meaningful for her, not only because it’s a kind gesture, but because it is part of their journey. The fact that they have chosen to share it with her is one of the greatest motivators for her.

Additionally, it is inspiring to her when people discover their strengths and learn how to prioritize their values within their own life. As someone who seeks to be a life-long learner, she focuses on continued learning and improvement. Not only as a provider, but as an individual. In turn, she encourages those that she works with to do the same.

Interests

Cara married her husband later in life, and through this marriage she gained four kids. She is also a dog mom to Stella Blue, a beautiful Corgi Husky mix. Her husband is also a veteran, and together they find different ways to help with related causes.

Please reach out to schedule an appointment with Cara.

Request an Appointment with Cara

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OFFICE HOURS
Monday thru Friday
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

CLINIC LOCATION
2720 1st Ave NE, Suite 300
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402

Get direction for your life!

Most of our poor decisions and behaviors that we wish we could re-do are driven by our feelings. In most cases we are probably reacting from an emotion and not even really thinking!

ODD is one of the most common behavioral disorders among kids. Unfortunately, people exhibiting these behaviors are sometimes mislabeled as "naughty" or "bad," which can be damaging.

Regulate your emotions and then engage in co-regulation with your teen from a place of curiosity and compassion.

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