Kara Carnes-Holt

Kara Carnes-Holt, PhD, is a Professor and Department Chair of Counseling and Human Services at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS). She holds licensure as a professional counselor (LPC), registered play therapist (RPT-S), and certified play therapy supervisor (CPRT-S). Her academic leadership includes founding and directing the Rocky Mountain Center for Play Therapy Studies, which she later stepped down from to focus on her current roles.

• Education: PhD in Counseling from University of North Texas

Her research focuses on humanistic play therapy methodologies, child-parent relationship therapy (CPRT), and expressive arts interventions. She emphasizes the therapeutic relationship as central to fostering change in children, adolescents, and families. A key passion is supporting adoptive and foster families through therapeutic frameworks. Her clinical expertise spans play therapy supervision and trauma-informed practices.

Professional Contributions: As department chair, she oversees curriculum development and faculty coordination. Her prior directorship at the Rocky Mountain Center positioned her as a regional leader in play therapy education and training.