Welcome to Karuna Counselling Winnipeg
Hi, my name is Cara Altomare. I am a Registered Social Worker with the Manitoba College of Social Workers. I have been providing therapy services for ten years in different settings, including CancerCare Manitoba, Child and Family Services, and Employee Assistance.
I have a personal interest in working with those struggling on their journey to conceive or going through fertility treatments.
My focus during our time together will be ensuring that you feel understood, respected, and supported as the expert in your own life.
I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, self-compassion and mindfulness practice as tools that have proven to be beneficial.
Let’s work together to harness your strengths and help you navigate life in a more manageable way!
Areas of Practice
Fertility
It is estimated that on average, one in six Canadians experience infertility. Trying to conceive and navigating fertility struggles can be incredibly isolating. As an individual who has personally dealt with infertility, I understand the various emotions such as sadness, helplessness, anxiety, envy, shame, and anger that can arise from tracking cycles, managing the two-week wait, and witnessing others’ pregnancy announcements. Advocating for yourself with health professionals can also be challenging. Drawing from both my personal and professional experiences, I offer deep empathy and understanding to support my clients who are struggling to conceive. Together, we work on processing the complex and conflicting emotions that come with infertility while developing effective coping strategies to navigate this uncertain journey.
Grief
My approach is grounded in creating a safe environment where you can freely let your pain stretch out and occupy the necessary space. In a world that often pressures you to tidy up or suppress your grief, I offer the liberating concept of giving your pain the freedom to expand and unravel. Embracing your pain allows you to simply exist with it, offering yourself the gentleness and support essential for navigating through difficult emotions. Remember, your pain deserves room to breathe and unfold at its own pace.
“To feel truly comforted by someone, you need to feel heard in your pain. You need the reality of your loss reflected back to you- not diminished, not diluted. It seems counterintuitive, but true comfort in grief is in acknowledging the pain, not in trying to make it go away.” - Megan Devine
Terminal Illness
My passion for therapy was nurtured during the 7 years I spent providing counselling services to patients and their families at CancerCare Manitoba. Witnessing the varied responses of individuals facing life-limiting illnesses, such as grief, fear, loneliness, depression, and anxiety, inspired me to assist them in navigating their emotional journey. Terminal illnesses often exacerbate psychological distress, leading to conditions like depression and anxiety disorders. Therapy offers a safe space to unpack and comprehend the whirlwind of emotions that come with a terminal diagnosis. I am here to support you in processing grief, expressing your emotions, and improving communication within your relationships.
Generalized Support
In addition to these specific areas of practice, I also have experience assisting individuals in navigating generalised anxiety, depression, and employment-related concerns. My goal is to provide a supportive and understanding space for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and work towards positive change.
“We don’t have to do it all alone, we were never meant to.”
-Brene Brown