Cara Guglielmino

I strive to create a supportive, collaborative therapeutic space where all students feel safe to show up authentically. I value vulnerability, honesty, and curiosity, and believe that meaningful change happens through a therapeutic relationship that honors each student’s unique experiences, identities, and strengths.

My approach is relational and client-centered, using an integrative framework grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Psychodynamic/Psychoanalytic theories. My style emphasizes mindful self-compassion, emotional insight, and resilience to help students deepen self-understanding and navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence and clarity. I aim to meet students where they are and work together toward their goals in a way that supports their growth and well-being.

Prior to UC Davis, I worked in Division I college counseling centers, community mental health, and residential vocational programs. I work with all students and am passionate about supporting students navigating college adjustment, identity development, trauma, PTSD, eating concerns, and relationship challenges. With a deep appreciation for performance-based disciplines and student life, I am committed to empowering students to thrive, both personally and professionally.

I am a doctoral candidate in Clinical Psychology in the Sport Psychology Emphasis. Originally from the East Coast, I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and spent several years working as a professional dancer and actor in New York and Los Angeles. My transition into the field of psychology was inspired by my background in the performing arts, personal experiences, and a growing interest in the mental aspects of performance and well-being.

My dissertation focuses on maltreatment in elite dance training, with the goal of informing future research and addressing critical gaps in athlete and dancer welfare. I am currently pursuing a certification as a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology and completing my doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Geoge Fox University.

I am a big fan of all things Taylor Swift and the Olympics. In my free time, I enjoy puzzles, cooking, traveling, watching shows and live sports. I am excited to explore Northern California with my partner and our new pup, Bee, who we are training to be a therapy dog.