Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathy Carter.
Hi Kathy, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey into this work has been both professional and deeply personal. I have been in social services for 29 years in various capacities, working in prevention, intervention, and sustainability programs. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, and my career originally began in Wisconsin before relocating to Texas nearly four years ago.
Over the years, I’ve worked with individuals facing a wide range of challenges, including trauma, grief, substance use, and major life transitions. That breadth of experience has shaped my clinical approach and deepened my commitment to meeting clients where they are.
At the same time, my own life experiences have profoundly influenced the way I show up in this work. The loss of my son changed me in ways that are hard to put into words. It deepened my understanding of grief, healing, and what it truly means to sit with someone in their pain. That experience not only shaped who I am as a person, but also how I connect with the clients I serve.
After spending time in group practice, I felt called to create something of my own—something that reflected both my clinical experience and my heart. That’s how Bear’s Pathway Counseling was born. The name itself is in honor of my son, whose nickname was “Bear,” and it represents a pathway toward healing, hope, and new beginnings.
Today, I’ve built a practice focused on providing a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where clients feel seen, supported, and empowered. My goal is not just to help people cope, but to help them truly heal and move forward in their lives.
Opening my own practice has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. It has allowed me to grow not only as a clinician, but also as a business owner, and I’m excited about continuing to expand and serve the Waller and surrounding communities.
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?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, and I think that’s true for many people in both this field and entrepreneurship. There have been professional challenges, personal losses, and moments where I had to really reflect on whether I was being called to keep going or shift directions.
One of the most difficult experiences in my life was the loss of my son. That kind of grief changes everything, and learning how to continue showing up—for myself, my family, and my clients—was a journey in itself. At the same time, it also deepened my purpose and strengthened my commitment to this work in a very meaningful way.
More recently, stepping into private practice has come with its own set of challenges. From navigating the business side of things to managing uncertainty—especially during the build-out of my office space and delays that were outside of my control—it has required a lot of patience, persistence, and trust.
There have also been moments of self-doubt, particularly around putting myself out there, marketing, and building something from the ground up. But I’ve learned that growth often comes with discomfort, and each challenge has pushed me to become more confident, both as a clinician and as a business owner.
Looking back, I wouldn’t say the road has been easy, but it has been meaningful. Every challenge has shaped me, strengthened me, and reinforced why I do this work.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Bear’s Pathway Counseling was created to be a place of healing, hope, and new beginnings. We provide counseling services for children, teens, adults, and couples navigating life’s most challenging experiences, including trauma, grief, substance use, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, and major life transitions. I also offer Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) services in accordance with DOT guidelines, supporting individuals through evaluation and return-to-duty processes.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC), as well as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional-II, Certified in Sand Tray Therapy and as a trainer, and a Certified Grief Educator. These specialized trainings allow me to approach each client’s needs with depth, flexibility, and a trauma-informed lens.
What sets Bear’s Pathway Counseling apart is the level of compassion, authenticity, and real-life understanding that is brought into the therapeutic space. My approach is grounded in meeting clients where they are, without judgment, and creating an environment where they feel safe enough to be seen and heard. I believe therapy is not just about coping—it’s about true healing, growth, and moving forward with intention.
I also incorporate specialized approaches, including trauma-focused work, EMDR, Parts Work, DBT, somatic work, and LENS neurofeedback, to support clients in a more holistic and individualized way. Every client’s journey is different, and I take pride in tailoring the therapeutic process to meet their unique needs.
Brand-wise, what I am most proud of is the meaning behind the name Bear’s Pathway Counseling. It was created in honor of my son, and it represents both my personal journey and the path I help others walk as they move through their own healing. The brand is rooted in warmth, safety, and connection, which is reflected in everything from the environment we are creating to the way we engage with our clients.
I want readers to know that this is a place for healing, self-discovery, and new beginnings. Whether someone is feeling overwhelmed, stuck, grieving, or simply ready for change, Bear’s Pathway Counseling is here to support them in finding their way forward.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that there is no such thing as the “perfect time” to start. If you wait until everything feels completely certain or comfortable, you may never take that first step. Growth often comes with uncertainty, and learning to move forward anyway is part of the process.
I also wish I had known how important it is to trust yourself. Especially in the beginning, it’s easy to second-guess decisions or look to others for validation. While guidance and mentorship are valuable, there’s something powerful about learning to listen to your own intuition and experience.
Another piece of advice I would give is to be patient with the process. Building something meaningful, whether it’s a career, a business, or personal growth, takes time. There will be challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt, but those experiences are often where the most growth happens.
I would also encourage people to stay connected to their “why.” For me, this work is deeply personal, and remembering the purpose behind what I do helps me stay grounded, especially during difficult moments.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help and build a support system. You don’t have to do everything on your own. Surrounding yourself with the right people, whether that’s mentors, colleagues, or community, can make a significant difference in both your growth and your resilience.
Pricing:
- $185.00 supervisory level therapist
- $165.00 fully licensed therapist
- $120.00 supervised therapist
- $60.00 student intern
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bearspathwaycounseling.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585056953719
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-carter-b1715a3b1/
