About
Me
Licensed. Experienced. Certified. Supportive.
Fellow follower of God.
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I believe healing is both holy and human — a sacred partnership between God’s grace and the science of the mind and body He created.My name is Dr. Carolyn Litteral, though most people lovingly call me Dr. L(and yes — my last name really is pronounced Literal… literally).I am a Christian relationship and trauma therapist with over 15 years of experience across nearly every mental health setting. But more than my credentials, what shapes my work most deeply is my own story of redemption and restoration.
I have lived through trauma.I have used unhealthy coping strategies.I have chosen relationships that did not honor my worth or God’s design. And by the grace of God — I healed.I don’t speak of transformation academically.I have lived it —inside my nervous system, inside my relationships, and inside my spirit.God used Scripture, neuroscience, therapy, and community to renew me and sanctify me. That’s why my approach can integrate both faith and evidence-based treatment for patients who are open to a spiritual approach:
I believe God authored emotion, attachment, intimacy, and the brain — and He equips us with both spiritual tools and psychological ones for healing and growth.
My Faith Journey
I am actively deepening my theological education.
I do not claim to be a pastor or spiritual authority —
I am a fellow follower of Christ, learning, studying, and growing alongside you.
I bring my clinical training, my lived experience, my faith, and my humility.
I am here to stand with you, not above you. My Heart for This Work:
​I do not judge.
I do not shame.
I do not assume.
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I simply walk beside those who desire healing, wholeness, emotional wisdom, covenant love, and a life aligned with Christ’s design.
Healing is not a sign of weakness.
It is evidence of courage, wisdom, and obedience to God’s invitation to grow.
If you’re ready to begin, I would be honored to walk this journey with you.
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Education and Experience
Equipped by God, Formed by Training, Refined Through Service
My work has been shaped by faith, education, clinical experience, and many years of serving people through some of life’s hardest places. I believe God often prepares us one season at a time, and I am grateful for the education, mentors, clients, students, and experiences that have continued to refine both my work and me.
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I earned my PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision from Walden University, an MS in Counseling from Southern Methodist University, an MA in Criminal Justice from Tarleton State University, and bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Texas Woman’s University. My academic and clinical interests have included trauma, military families, addiction, relationships, and complex human behavior.
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I am a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S), Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC), Master Addiction Counselor (MAC), Certified EMDR Therapist, and former EMDRIA-Approved Consultant and Basic Trainer. I have also served as an EMDRIA-Approved Continuing Education Provider and hold advanced training in trauma, telehealth, the Gottman Method, couples recovery, complex couples work, and Emotion-Focused Therapy. I continue formal theological study as part of my own growth in Scripture and Christian discipleship.
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For almost two decades, I have worked with individuals, couples, families, clinicians, and organizations. My experience includes executive clinical leadership in trauma and addiction treatment programs serving veterans and first responders, private practice, EMDR and trauma treatment, couples therapy, addiction recovery, clinical consultation, and crisis and debriefing support for federal law enforcement, including the DEA and federal law enforcement with a focus on spiritual abuse and narcissistic abuse.
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I have also had the privilege of serving as graduate faculty, clinical supervisor, and trainer through Walden University, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, and Southern Methodist University. Over the years, I have supervised dozens of counselors and trained hundreds of clinicians through universities, treatment programs, government agencies, and professional organizations.
A Calling, Not Just a Career
I am grateful for my education and credentials, but I try to hold them with open hands. They prepare me to do the work; they are not what makes healing happen.
“To whom much is given, much is required.” — Luke 12:48
For me, this work sits at the meeting place of psychology, faith, science, and grace. I believe God is the ultimate healer. My responsibility is to remain well-trained, humble, honest, and willing to serve the person sitting in front of me.
I am simply grateful to have been entrusted with the work.
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A healed heart loves differently — gently, boldly, Christ-first.
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Godly love is not passive — it pursues, protects, prays, and practices patience.
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Grace builds bridges; pride builds walls.
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You can’t grow intimacy while guarding your wounds from God.
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Your spouse is not your enemy — the enemy is your enemy.
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Healthy communication is worship when done with humility and truth.