Carmen Cooks is a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner in Nebraska who holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling from Bellevue University. She brings over 10 years of experience providing therapy to children, adolescents, and adults, with a specialization in supporting individuals navigating serious and persistent mental illness, relationship and behavioral concerns, life transitions, complex trauma, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and grief.
Carmen’s work is rooted in a person-centered approach, and she is deeply committed to helping each client feel seen, supported, and empowered throughout their healing journey. She creates a safe and compassionate space where clients can explore their experiences openly while developing tools for meaningful and lasting change.
In addition to her clinical work, Carmen brings more than 20 years of experience in the helping profession, including roles in child and family services, developmental disabilities, crisis intervention, and elder care. These diverse experiences inform her holistic perspective, allowing her to understand the broader systems that impact her clients’ lives and approach therapy with depth, insight, and compassion.
Carmen understands that beginning therapy or returning after time away, can feel overwhelming. She intentionally creates a warm, trauma-informed environment where clients feel safe, respected, and supported from the very first session. Using a flexible and integrative approach, she incorporates mindfulness, psychoeducation, and collaborative goal setting to meet each client where they are.
Clients who work with Carmen often report feeling understood, encouraged, and more confident in their ability to navigate life’s challenges. She is dedicated to helping individuals build self-awareness, strengthen resilience, and move toward what matters most to them.
Outside of her clinical work, Carmen enjoys creative expression through crafting, candle-making, and working on epoxy and resin projects.
Therapeutic Approaches:
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based Practices, and Play Therapy
