Carrie Leafblad, LCSW- Rockwall/Fate Therapy & EMDR

About Carrie

Helping Adults & Children Heal, Grow, and Feel Empowered
In-Person in Fate/Rockwall Texas | Online Therapy Across Texas

Hi, I’m Carrie—a Licensed Professional Counselor and someone who deeply understands that healing doesn’t always follow a straight line.

For the past 15+ years, I’ve been walking alongside children and adults as they navigate some of life’s toughest moments—from trauma and anxiety to life transitions and emotional overwhelm. Whether you’re a parent trying to hold everything together, a young adult stepping into a new phase of life, or someone feeling stuck in old patterns, therapy can help you reclaim a sense of direction, safety, and hope.

My clients are often trying to heal from trauma, manage anxiety or depression, or find their way through major life shifts like parenthood, career changes, or recovering from past pain.

As a mother, a former educator/teacher, and a mental health professional who’s worked in both community-based programs. out-patient programs, and private practice, I bring a deeply compassionate and practical approach to therapy. I know what it’s like to juggle real-life responsibilities while also trying to care for your mental and emotional well-being. My goal is to offer a space where you (or your child) can feel safe, supported, and empowered to grow—at your own pace.

Background & Experience

I earned my Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling and have been provided therapy since 2018. Over the years, I’ve worked in a wide range of settings—including schools, community-based outpatient programs, and private practice—serving individuals and families from all walks of life.

My clinical experience includes:

• Supporting children and families in school and community mental health programs

• Working with out-patient treatment programs through a variety of mental health issues

• Working with adults through trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions

• Helping new moms and caregivers manage identity shifts and emotional stress

• Providing culturally responsive care to clients with diverse lived experiences

• Using trauma-informed practices to support healing and growth, including expressive art and EMDR

Who I Work With

I work with adults (18+) and children ages 5–11, as well as parents and caregivers navigating stress, change, or family challenges. Many of my clients come to me feeling overwhelmed, stuck in old patterns, or unsure where to start—but they know they’re ready for something to shift.

Issues I Work With

For Adults (18+):

• Anger management and emotional regulation difficulties

• Bipolar disorder and mood regulation

• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

• Coping with medical trauma, chronic illness, and adjustment difficulties

• Depression and persistent low mood

• Emotional regulation difficulties and anger management

• Experiences of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse

• Grief, loss, and major life transitions such as parenthood, career changes, divorce, and aging

• Marriage and relationship issues, including communication and conflict resolution

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and related symptoms

• Parenting challenges, co-parenting, and family stress

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and trauma, including childhood trauma, abuse recovery, and domestic violence

• Self-esteem issues, perfectionism, self-sabotaging behaviors, and confidence building

• Substance use, addiction, and impulse control difficulties

• Work-related stress, burnout, and work-life balance

• Women’s health concerns, including perinatal mood disorders and hormonal changes

For Children (ages 5–11):

• Adjustment disorders and coping with life transitions like starting school, parental separation, or moving homes

• Anger management, frustration tolerance, and impulse control

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• Behavioral concerns and emotional regulation difficulties

• Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)

• Emotional and social development issues such as shyness, low self-esteem, and difficulty with boundaries

• Grief, loss, and family transitions such as divorce, moves, blended families, and adoption

• Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

• School-related challenges, including academic stress, learning disabilities, bullying, and social skills deficits

• Sleep disturbances and somatic symptoms related to stress (headaches, stomach aches)

• Trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), including abuse recovery

• Building resilience, coping skills, and confidence

My Approach

I believe therapy should feel safe, grounding, and—when possible—hopeful. My job isn’t to fix you. It’s to walk beside you, help you make sense of your experience, and equip you with tools that really work in everyday life.

I use a combination of evidence-based approaches tailored to your needs, including:

• Trauma-Informed Therapy – understanding the impact of trauma on the body and mind

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) – for processing trauma and past events

• CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) – to shift unhelpful thought patterns

• DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) – to support emotion regulation and mindfulness

• CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy) – especially helpful for trauma recovery

• Expressive Arts Therapy – for creative expression and emotional exploration

• Person-Centered Therapy – grounded in empathy, respect, and deep listening

Sessions with me are collaborative and goal-focused, but also flexible. We’ll set a direction together and adjust as your needs evolve.

What to Expect

In our first session, we’ll take time to get to know each other. We’ll review your history, talk through your current challenges, and begin setting goals that feel meaningful to you. I’ll always work at a pace that feels comfortable, and I’ll offer structure and support as we move forward.

You’ll never be expected to have it all figured out. That’s what therapy is for.

Why Work With Me?

Because I show up as a real person—not just a clinician. My clients often tell me they feel truly seen and heard in our sessions. I blend professional expertise with lived understanding, so the support you receive feels grounded, practical, and honest.

If you’re ready to take the next step, I’m here to walk with you—through healing, through growth, and into something new.

“Healing and growth are not linear, but with support, guidance, and the right tools, you can learn to face life’s challenges with courage and confidence.”