Cara Wheeler, Psy.D.
Integrated Behavioral Health
New patients by referral
“My most proud moments are when patients regain their lives and the light behind their eyes.”
An integrated behaviorist, Dr. Wheeler collaborates with our pediatricians and obstetrician-gynecologists to treat patients 2 years and up who have behavioral health issues that are affecting their overall health. Dr. Wheeler has special training in eating-disorder recovery and autism evaluation.
Language(s) - English
For Cara Wheeler, what was merely a minor field of study while pursuing a pre-medical degree, eventually became her passion. “Psychology found me and I put it on like a favorite pair of jeans that had gotten lost in the closet.” She says her patients would describe her as approachable and warm. “I can identify with people from all walks of life knowing that being human is an imperfect state.”
Dr. Wheeler says the patient “is always the expert on themselves” and that she has a skill set and knowledge base that can help the patient see things in a new way or learn how to interpret their experiences. “My approach is collaborative, and I am not satisfied until progress is being made. I ensure that the patient has a comprehensive diagnosis and then guide them towards feeling better through various avenues of treatment.”
Outside her practice, Dr. Wheeler loves to “explore the world” with her family. She enjoys arts and crafts and is learning to have a green thumb. “Also, as a mommy, I love engaging in learning activities and play.”
Education
Doctor of Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA, 2008; Bachelor of Science, Psychology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 2004
Experience
Beach Counseling Center, Panama City Beach, FL, 2014-2017; Emerald Coast Psychology, Panama City, FL, 2010-2014; Salus Behavioral Health, Panama City, FL, 2012-2013; Canopy Cove and Health Management Institute, Tallahassee, FL, 2008-2010
Certification
Licensed Psychologist
Research Activities
Eating Disorders, Attachment, and Spirituality
August 2006-Fall 2008
As principle investigator, this study investigated the relationship between eating disorders and the participant’s experience attachment to others and attachment to God as a parental figure. This original data gathered from the inpatient eating disordered population served to complete doctoral dissertation. Collaborated with Remuda Ranch, Center for Change, and Canopy Cove for data collection. Research sought to explore the relationship between religious commitment, attachment styles, attachment to God, and God-Image. The goal of this study was to expand the research concerning eating disorders, spirituality, and to promote the empirical study of analytic theory, as well as spirituality.
God-Image Research Group
August 2006-July 2007
Members of the God-Image research group are asked to assist in professional research done at Regent University concerning issues of spirituality and psychopathology. Specifically, this group looks to explore issues of God image in various populations through research and clinical implementation.
Hope Focused Marital Therapy Research
August 2006-July 2007
The creator of Hope Focused Marital therapy, Dr. Everett Worthington, offered training and certification in Hope Focused therapy for the purpose of research. As a researcher and therapist, duties include taking couples through two types of controlled therapeutic manualized treatment protocols and recording the results of the therapeutic intervention.
Change of Rein
August 2006-July 2007
Using the Eating Disorders Inventory-III pre and post testing results were gathered with hopes of evaluating the efficacy of the Change of Rein program. The Change of Rein program is an Equine based treatment protocol for adolescent females who have been diagnosed with eating disorders. As one of the original authors of this program, the program protocol was presented at the National Renfrew Conference as a poster in November of 2006.
Mental Health Missions
July 2005
Worked as a member of the Tanzania Marital and Parenting team to create a pre and post measure to test the efficacy of the marriage and parenting program. The goal of this research was to test the effectiveness of the program material. The measure created was translated into Swahili for the people of Tanzania, Africa.
Intelligence Test Performance as a Function of Self-Reported Anxiety
January-May 2003 As a research assistant, tasks included setting up heart rate and skin conduction measures. Once these apparatuses were in place several self-report measures of depression and anxiety were given. Also, portions of the WAIS-III were given to participants. Results were presented during a poster presentation.
Professional Presentations
Change of Rein
November 2006
A Twelve-Week Curriculum for Equine Therapy with Females, Ages 12 to 18, with Eating Disorders. Presented a poster at the National Renfrew Conference in November of 2006. This presentation delineated the 12- week curriculum and research strategies of the program.
What If It Were Your Child?
December 2006
Co-presenter of a comprehensive multi-media presentation was conducted for the Norfolk, Virginia City Public Schools in-service day. The goal of this presentation was to inform teachers and counselors of the warning signs, dangers, and treatment strategies for a wide range of disordered eating patterns.
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