We had the good fortune of connecting with Cara Waters and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cara, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
Well I would never say give up. However, when you know you have done your absolute best in the situation and you are still not getting the results you want then it may be time to walk away. Ultimately, what I have had to walk away from was painful in the beginning but eventually led to greater success because I became of aware of areas that needed more focus in my life. I believe everything that is meant for me will find me in the right time, but I have to take the necessary action.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate, and I work at D2Counseling in North Dallas. I believe what sets me apart from others is the ability to be human and own it. I have had many struggles and refused to give up. I take risks and may have fear doing it, but I do not allow the fear to hold me back. I go after what I want and what I feel passionately about. I believe there is hope in every person and every situation. I am most proud of my daughters, Ruby, Greta and Maggie. Being their mom has been the greatest accomplishment to me. I work diligently to be the mother they deserve and to be an example of honor and courage to them. I am also proud of how far I have come in my life. I have had many painful experiences, but I have used those experiences as an opportunity to develop deeper empathy and understanding for others. I believe this also sets me apart because I know the importance of feeling heard and having someone believe in you until you are strong enough to believe in yourself. Counseling is my calling and I express that through service to my clients.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We would have to visit Dealey plaza, the Sixth Floor Museum and the Old Red Museum. We would have to go bicycling around White Rock Lake and visit the Dallas Arboretum while we’re out there. Next, we would go to Klyde Warren Park, The Dallas Museum of Art and Nasher Sculpture Center. We would also have to see Deep Ellum and Reunion Tower; Trinity trails around Trinity Groves; Oak cliff Emporium Pies; Restaurants: Gloria’s, Mr. Sushi, and Mia’s in the Oaklawn area.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many wonderful people who have influenced me over the years, but there are two people in particular that have had the most impact. First, I would like to mention my supervisor, Rev. Daniel Gowan, LPC-S, LCDC, CSAT. He is the co-owner of D2Counseling in Dallas, Texas, and works there as a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor. Daniel has been supportive and encouraging from the moment I met him in 2018. He works tirelessly in our profession to help others. Daniel has a way of saying what needs to be said with grace and dignity, and he is a wonderful example of the kind of counselor I hope to be. The second person I would like to give a shoutout to is my mentor, Pam Newton, MS, LCDC. Pam is one of those people that if you know her, you love her. She has the best personality and is kind, gentle and compassionate. Pam is the one person in my life who never gave up on me, and I will always appreciate her for that. She has been a force in my life that has kept me going even when I wasn’t sure of the outcome. Pam is a remarkable human being and I am truly better for having known her. She has wonderful insight and is a great resource professionally. Pam can always help me see things from a different perspective and that is a gift to me.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carawaterslpca/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cara-waters-a72a3a244/

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.