Lia Pate-Carolan received her training at Birmingham-Southern College (B.S), Auburn University at Montgomery, and Lehigh University (Ph.D., Counseling Psychology).  She completed both her pre-doctoral internship and a post-doctoral position at the New Jersey VA Medical Center.  She also co-authored a textbook based on research and focused on the therapeutic relationship and supervisory relationship.   

Dr. Pate-Carolan works with adults on a wide range of presenting issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and chronic medical disease.  She also specializes in working with older adults and caregivers of older adults.  Dealing with changes that can accompany the later stages of life may overwhelm one's coping skills, whether it be the older adult or the person caring for that adult.  Therapy can aid in transitioning through some of the changes that older adults face, as well as stressors their caregivers may experience. Dr. Pate-Carolan provides individual and group therapy, as well as psychological testing.  The combination of therapy and testing can allow the client a broader view of his or her current situation. 

Dr. Pate-Carolan approaches therapy believing that a supportive, safe, and non-judgmental relationship allows the client a comfortable space in which to explore his or her thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.  She also believes that everyone has the capacity for change.  By setting goals for themselves, clients will identify areas in which they want to work and an effective vehicle for change will be created.  Dr. Pate-Carolan views herself as a guide for this exploration, and with practice, clients can change how they are currently functioning. 

Dr. Pate-Carolan utilizes Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in chorus with interpersonal techniques.  This allows the client to explore the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are leading to the current distress.  Understanding what one is going through is the first step towards changing how one is functioning. Practicing new skills is another important step in change; clients will have the opportunity to strengthen their new skills through assignments outside of the therapy hour.