-Meet Us-

Elizabeth McCarthy, LCPC, E-RYT

MD Board Approved Supervisor
Founder, Owner

Elizabeth's deep connection to nature and passion for holistic wellness led her to earn degrees in Cultural Anthropology and Community Counseling, along with certifications in yoga and nature-informed therapy. She specializes in somatic approaches and has expertise in Compassion Fatigue Prevention for caregivers, healthcare providers, and women undergoing mid-life transitions, while also enjoying time with her family, music, and outdoor activities.

  • Elizabeth's journey began amidst the verdant slopes of the Appalachian Mountains, where her youthful curiosity about the interplay between the cosmos, nature, and humanity took root.

    This profound connection to the natural world guided her academic pursuits, leading to an undergraduate degree in Cultural Anthropology and a Master's in Community Counseling. Her path further unfolded into a Yoga Alliance Teacher Certification and a Nature-Informed Therapy Certificate, reflecting her commitment to integrating holistic wellness practices. Elizabeth's dedication to lifelong learning is evident as she continually expands her expertise through diverse trainings and teachings, enriching her approach to healing others and personal growth.

    In her therapy practice, Elizabeth serves adults from diverse backgrounds with somatic approaches, such as Polyvagal Nerve Theory, Yoga, Mindfulness, and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. She also has training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Trauma-Informed Care, Internal Family Systems, and Expressive Therapies.

    Over the past few years, she has gained considerable insight into the specialized areas of Compassion Fatigue Prevention, focusing on Caregivers, Healthcare and Service Providers, College Students, and Women undergoing Mid-Life transitions. These niches have become her expertise, allowing her to offer targeted strategies and support.

    To stay young, Elizabeth loves to spend time outside of therapy with her family and two cats, listening to music, seeing live music, reading, knitting/crocheting, exploring nature, and of course, doing yoga daily.

    Insurance accepted:  BCBS, Cigna, Aetna, JHU EHP, and United Healthcare 

    To learn more, click below or make an appointment for a 15 minute consult

Shira Katz, LCPC

Shira, with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lamar University, has over 10 years of experience working with teens and adults on various mental health concerns using an integrative, holistic approach. She prioritizes creating a non-judgmental, empathetic space where clients can explore and heal deeply, utilizing techniques like CBT, mindfulness, and expressive therapies.

  • Shira received her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lamar University. Her knowledge is a culmination of  10 years of teaching and mentoring teenagers in the community. She has experience working with individuals and groups of all ages on various mental health concerns. 

    Meeting clients where they are, helping them find their inner wisdom, focusing on finding practical solutions to current concerns, and improving one’s well-being while healing historical wounds, with non-judgmental, empathetic presence are priorities for Shira.

    Shira works with teenagers and adults with anxiety, depression, relationship problems, vulnerable self-esteem, and PTSD utilizing an integrative holistic approach according to each client’s needs, including CBT, attachment and inner child work, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness, somatic therapy, and expressive therapies. She strives to make therapy a safe and comfortable place where clients can develop a deeper and more compassionate understanding of themselves and how to live their best life. 

    Ideal clients include teens and adults who are ready to dive patiently, but deeply into all aspects of their lives contributing to their current situation, and who value a holistic and expressive approach.

    When she is not working she loves to be in nature, spend time with her family, read a captivating book, or listening to podcasts!

    Insurance accepted:  BCBS, Cigna, Aetna, Medicaid, and United Healthcare 

Carl A. Carlton, LGPC

Carl is an experienced professional pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Community Care and Counseling, with over 20 years of teaching and three years of therapeutic counseling experience. He specializes in supporting clients through grief and difficult transitions, particularly men, and is dedicated to providing holistic care through techniques like CBT, Gestalt, and Mindfulness.

  • Carl, a compassionate and experienced professional, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Healing Self. Currently pursuing his Doctorate of Education in Community Care and Counseling, Carl is dedicated to guiding others on their healing journey.

    With over 20 years of teaching experience, he has instructed both students and staff in a level 2 emergency department. Carl’s advocacy and counseling skills have positively impacted thousands of patients under his care. Additionally, Carl has spent three years counseling clients in a therapeutic setting and is actively working towards full licensure as a clinical graduate professional counselor.

    Carl maintains the mission of Healing Self Wellness in providing holistic support to those from a variety of backgrounds. He is happiest with clients who are motivated to engage actively in the therapeutic process by utilizing healing tools and techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Gestalt, and Mindfulness. He has training and experience in working with young adults, adults, and couples. He specializes in supporting those with grief, transitions, and specifically men going through difficult transitions, such as divorce, seperation, or death of a loved one.

    For fun, Carl enjoys sitting with sunshine on his face, mindfulness practices, playing golf, and listening to jazz.

    Insurance accepted: BCBS, Cigna.