Cara Bonsma

LPC

My path to becoming a therapist was deeply personal. I’ve lived with anxiety for as long as I can remember and spent much of my life feeling overwhelmed, misunderstood, and unsupported. I also have ADHD, which added another layer of challenge, especially when it came to managing daily responsibilities and regulating emotions. For a long time, I didn’t have the tools—or the support—I needed. It wasn’t until adulthood that I sought therapy for myself and finally began to understand what was going on in my brain and body. That experience changed everything. I learned how to manage my anxiety, work with my ADHD, and feel more in control of my life. What inspired me to become a therapist was a desire to offer others the kind of support I wish I had growing up. I know how isolating it can feel when you’re struggling and don’t have a roadmap. Now, my goal is to help teens and young adults develop practical tools, self-compassion, and a greater sense of control—so they don’t have to figure it all out alone.

My personal experiences with anxiety have deeply shaped how I show up as a therapist. Because I’ve been there, I don’t just understand anxiety on a clinical level—I know what it feels like from the inside. I know how overwhelming it can be when your thoughts race, your body feels out of control, and nothing seems to quiet the panic. That lived experience allows me to bring true empathy into the room. Clients don’t have to explain what anxiety feels like to me—I already get it. This helps me create a space that feels safe, validating, and nonjudgmental. I also know firsthand that anxiety doesn’t define you and that real, lasting relief is possible with the right tools and support. My goal is to help clients feel less alone, more understood, and genuinely hopeful about what’s possible for them.