Cara Pettinger, M.S., LPCC
About Cara Pettinger
Cara is a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate (LPCC) in the state of Colorado, who is called to walk alongside individuals who feel weary, lost, or burdened by life’s challenges. Her passion is helping those who are crushed in spirit rekindle their faith, rebuild hope, and rediscover the strength that has always lived within them.
Cara’s journey began in education, where she worked as a teacher nurturing both academic and emotional growth in children. During that time, it became evident how much healing can occur when a person feels seen, safe, and supported. While completing her Master of Science Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Grand Canyon University, she was employed as a mental health provider within a local school district, where her focus included play therapy, emotional regulation, and social-emotional learning. Those experiences deepened her commitment to helping others navigate life’s challenges with compassion and curiosity.
Today, Cara works with children, adolescents, and adults; helping each person find peace, purpose, and a renewed connection with themselves and with God. My therapeutic approach draws from evidence-based modalities including CBT, DBT, ACT, Solution-Focused Therapy, Grief Counseling, and Motivational Interviewing, while remaining grounded in trauma-informed care, empathy, and hope.
Additionally, rooted in a Gestalt therapy-informed perspective, Cara helps clients cultivate awareness, self-compassion, and presence. She believes healing begins when we slow down, listen inwardly, and allow God’s grace to meet us exactly where we are.
Whether you are navigating grief, trauma, burnout, or simply seeking a deeper sense of peace, Cara will strive to create a safe space for growth, where emotional restoration and spiritual renewal can flourish together. Although faith is an important part of her own journey, she welcomes and respect clients of all beliefs. You do not have to share common faith to feel seen, accepted, and supported with Cara. What matters most is that you feel safe to be exactly who you are.
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
— Psalm 34:18
Education: M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Grand Canyon University; B.S. in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University.
Insurance Accepted: Medicaid (CO only), United Healthcare, Rocky Mountain Health Plans, CO Access, CCHA
Fees: $140/hr