She is a therapist specializing in the often-overlooked intersection between eating disorders, OCD, and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). These conditions frequently overlap, sharing features such as intrusive thoughts, rigid rules, compulsive behaviors, perfectionism, and deep distress around control and appearance, yet are too often treated in isolation or overlooked altogether. This can leave individuals misdiagnosed, treated with ineffective approaches, or only partially supported, with core symptoms misunderstood as “just anxiety,” “just depression,” or “just body image issues.”

Drawing from both professional expertise and personal recovery, she is passionate about increasing awareness of this overlap and providing integrative, evidence-based treatment that addresses the full picture. Her work focuses on helping clients break free from cycles of obsession, shame, and self-criticism; find balance in their relationship with food and body; and build a life not defined by fear or control, but by freedom—choosing acceptance over resistance and living by their core values.

Carina earned her Master’s in Social Work and Bachelor’s in Psychology from Arizona State University. Her clinical experience spans outpatient, intensive outpatient (IOP), partial hospitalization (PHP), and residential treatment settings. She has worked in specialized eating disorder programs, community mental health, wilderness therapy, and crisis response, giving her a comprehensive understanding of how complex issues like OCD and eating disorders often overlap and reinforce one another.

Carina takes an integrative, evidence-based approach to treatment, drawing from CBT, DBT, ACT, and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). She is especially attuned to how intrusive thoughts, rigid rules, and compulsive behaviors—whether around food, body image, or other anxiety themes—can become deeply distressing and disruptive. Her work is trauma-informed and centered around restoring safety, flexibility, and self-compassion in both mind and body.

With a background in the fitness and wellness industry as a former ACE-certified personal trainer and head coach for athletes with severe physical disabilities, Carina also brings a unique lens to body image and movement-related OCD and eating concerns. She supports clients in developing a more peaceful and trusting relationship with their thoughts, bodies, and daily lives.

For clients who desire it, Carina offers faith-sensitive counseling that incorporates Christian values and practices into the therapeutic process. Regardless of spiritual background, she provides a warm, nonjudgmental space that honors each individual’s journey.

A bit about Carina – she is originally from California, but has lived in Arizona most of her life. She is a passionate mental health advocate and someone who believes recovery is possible for every individual, even when it feels far away. Outside of the therapy room, Carina enjoys strength training, hiking, serving at church, and spending quality time with her husband, son, and step-son. Carina is honored to walk alongside individuals and families on their path to freedom from OCD.