Meet Carisa
Hello! My name is Carisa Bustillos Givens, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), assisting clients who present with a wide range of concerns, including perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD), grief, loss, and life transitions.
My passion for mental health advocacy began parallel to my journey as a young widow in 2007, at the age of 26, when I lost my late husband, Michael, in a tragic car accident. Not only did I lose my life partner, but I also lost a way of life. At the time, I searched high and low for resources and support groups for young widows, with very little luck. I spent so much time and energy looking for a community and a therapist that cared and that could relate to what I was going through. From this experience, I was determined to become a mental health resource and therapist for bereaved individuals, walking alongside them through their transition after loss.
After our world was turned upside down with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and after my own experience of perinatal loss, I re-assessed my priorities and recognized the need for more compassionate counselors to help in our communities and, thus, decided to pursue private counseling with Finding Freedom Therapy.
I also specialize in work and career-related stress and family-dynamic challenges. My counseling style is warm and interactive, combining a cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and solution-focused counseling approach. I am bilingual in Spanish, committed to tailoring our communication and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I began my professional counseling career in higher education settings, assisting students from all walks and seasons of life to make healthy life transitions. Serving at multiple institutions in the DFW metroplex, I have helped students understand and overcome social, emotional, and developmental challenges. I have facilitated numerous student success seminars, including Stress Management, Coping with Anxiety and Depression, Healthy Relationships, BIPOC Mental Health Awareness, and Emotional Intelligence.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts from Southern Methodist University and a Master of Education from the University of North Texas. I am currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Counselor Education from the University of the Cumberlands. I am also in the process of completing my Perinatal Mental Health Certification, PMH-C.
I am passionate about helping individuals and couples walk through their grief journey because this can be an eye-opening opportunity to create a new internal and external identity, making adjustments that fit your “new normal.” Moreover, I want to support you in being honest about your grief. After all, authenticity leads to stability.
I am a Certified Grief Counseling Specialist, a Certified Career Services Provider, and I am obtaining my Perinatal Mental Health Certification. I am in network with BCBS.
*This clinician is an independent contractor