Today we’d like to introduce you to Carla Barnes LPC-S.
Hi Carla, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in Wimberley, Texas, and the beauty of the Hill Country still lives in my soul. My early years were marked by family mental illness, alcoholism, sexual abuse, and the absence of a father figure. I often felt lonely, but I carried a deep sense that my life had meaning.
At age 15, I began counseling, and it changed my life. For the first time, I understood that my family of origin did not have to define my future. That experience planted the seeds of my career and showed me the power of counseling to rewrite stories.
I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in 1999 and a Master’s Degree in Counseling in 2003. I began my career in education, first as a Special Education Teacher and later as a School Counselor.
In 2019, I opened Carla Barnes LPC PLLC as a small private practice, driven by the belief that our community deserved greater access to compassionate counseling. What started as just me quickly grew into a thriving group practice in Schertz. Today, I lead a team of seven dedicated therapists, each bringing unique specialties and life experiences that enrich the care we provide. I also partnered with Brandi Martin LPC, in a co-op model, an invaluable collaboration that made the journey less lonely and more meaningful. In addition, I now serve as an LPC-Supervisor, equipping the next generation of counselors so the work of healing continues long after me.
But my proudest role will always be that of a mom. My three children Nick, Jackson, and Jordyn are my greatest treasures. It is the most personal and important part of my life’s work to break the generational cycles I experienced. I want my kids to embrace their “weird,” because their uniqueness is what makes them beautiful. My hope is that they live with honesty and intentionality, discover their purpose, and know they never have to hide or minimize who they are.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Along the way, I’ve faced many identity-shaping moments: childhood trauma, losing my grandfather in a plane crash in 1997, discovering in 2016 that the father I thought was mine was not (an NPE discovery that reopened old wounds), the loss of my sister to suicide, and walking through an unexpected divorce in 2023. Each one triggered feelings of grief and abandonment, but each also pushed me deeper into discovering who I truly am and gave me the compassion I bring into the therapy room today.
Building a practice also came with hurdles. Without a business background, I had to learn everything from insurance and billing to marketing and scheduling by teaching myself, asking questions, and seeking mentors. That persistence and curiosity helped me build the thriving practice I’m proud of today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Carla Barnes LPC PLLC and Associates?
Carla Barnes LPC PLLC & Associates is a group counseling practice based in Schertz, Texas. We see clients in person from surrounding areas, and virtually anywhere in Texas.
We serve children, teens, adults, couples, and families, offering support for depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, life transitions, grief, addictions, self-esteem, parenting, and more. Our therapists draw from a wide range of approaches, including CBT, DBT, ACT, EMDR, IFS, Attachment-Based Therapy, Family Systems, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy, Faith-Based, and the Gottman Method.
One of my unique specialties is counseling for those impacted by genetic identity issues and the loss of genetic continuity, whether through adoption, assisted reproduction, or an NPE (Not Parent Expected) discovery. At the same time, the other therapists on my team bring a wide range of specialties, making us a diverse and well-rounded practice.
What makes us different is that we are not a chain—we are a community-rooted, mom-and-pop style practice that prioritizes people over revenue. We are known for creating a safe, welcoming environment where clients feel seen, supported, and empowered. Our therapists bring their own stories and strengths, which enrich the care we provide. I’m proud that we are known for supporting not only our clients but also our community and SCUC ISD through partnerships, sponsorships, and advocacy.
It matters deeply to me that the therapists I work alongside know they are valued and empowered to make a difference. And that clients find hope, joy, and the peace to keep moving forward, even in the face of hardship.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
For anyone beginning their journey, whether in counseling, business, or life, be an information seeker. Read, ask questions, and find mentors. Take healthy risks and step outside your comfort zone, because that’s where the most growth happens.
If I could go back, I would tell myself to open my group practice sooner. It would have allowed me to help more people earlier. But I also trust that my journey unfolded as it needed to, and every experience prepared me for the work I do today.
The best advice I can give is this: know your worth. Own what is yours, but don’t carry other people’s baggage. Love yourself even in the messy, imperfect seasons of life. Remember that rejection, loss, and trauma are only chapters as they are not your whole story. When you believe that, you’ll find freedom, resilience, and the ability to help others heal too.
Pricing:
- We accept most major insurance plans and offer private pay options. For those without insurance, we provide competitive self-pay rates to make counseling accessible.
- We offer in person counseling for surrounding areas and virtual counseling anywhere in Texas, with day, evening, and weekend hours to make therapy accessible for every schedule.
- Text 512-557-4491 to start your healing journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.carlabarneslpc.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carlabarneslpc
