Meet Karen

Hello - I am a licensed psychotherapist with a focus in health psychology and wellness. I work through an integrative lens that acknowledges the wisdom and resilience within each of us. I believe we are all whole people with a mind, body, and spirit that work together. I blend mind/body and energy medicine modalities to facilitate wholeness and healing in individuals and families. I also facilitate wellness retreats and serve on the faculty at Harmony Hill Cancer Retreat Center.

Counseling Philosophy

Integrative psychology is a person-centered, mind, body, spirit approach that also recognizes the cultural context in which you live. Although we may discuss past events and how they relate to you today, the focus of our work will be to relieve your discomfort in the present, and recognize the possibilities available to you now. An emphasis will also be placed on creating wellness, through learning to manage stress and increase coping strategies. Read more about this on my Psychotherapy page.

I work with people from diverse cultural and spiritual backgrounds. My style places emphasis on developing an empathetic relationship as a means to support you in discovering your own truths. Overall, my approach might best be described as holistic.

Training and Education

I earned a Masters degree from Antioch University with a focus in human and organizational development. I have completed post-graduate coursework in clinical psychology, and meet all required continuing education coursework to maintain licensure. I also earned a Bachelors degree from Columbia College in Liberal Arts.

My post-graduate education includes: Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Lifespan Integration Therapy, and Craniosacral Therapy, including SomaticEmotional Release. I have studied and practice various forms of yoga and meditation, including Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Jewish Kabbalistic meditation, and Buddhist Vipassana meditation. I have received specialized training in grief and loss, psychosocial oncology, the mind/body connection, vibrational psychology, and therapeutic uses of the expressive arts. meditation.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Washington State. This qualification requires Department of Health approved Masters-Level Curriculum, plus 3000 hours post-graduate supervised clinical experience, a minimum of 100 hours of consultation with a licensed professional; and passing the National Mental Health Counselors Examination (NCMHCE) administered by the National Board of Certified Counselors.

Work Experience

My clinical work experience includes serving as program director at Jewish Family Service and support group facilitator at Gilda’s Club, a cancer support community. I trained and worked as a pastoral counselor at Swedish Medical Center, and have served on the adjunct faculty at Antioch University Seattle, Bellevue Community College, and Northwestern University in Chicago.

Before becoming a psychotherapist, I worked in organizational development and training. Through my business Modus 360, I continue to offer group facilitation services to corporate and nonprofit organizations, with a focus in the group process model, Open Space Technology.

In the Community

It is my pleasure to contribute to the growth and sustainability of our community. I have facilitated dozens of teambuilding and strategic planning retreats for local nonprofit organizations through the United Way’s Management Assistance program. I am a Red Cross Disaster Mental Health volunteer, and a founding faculty member of The Power of Hope. I served on the board of directors for Seattle Public Theater, and have been a counselor and workshop presenter at the annual Women of Wisdom conference.

I believe personal crisis can be an opportunity for growth and creativity. All it takes is a choice - with support to see it through. In my own experience, grief and loss has been the rite of passage towards a fulfilling and abundant life. It is my pleasure and and honor to offer my life experience and professional training in support of your sacred journey.

Your Sacred Journey

I believe personal crisis can be a tremendous opportunity for growth and creativity. All it takes is a choice — with support to see it through. In my own experience, grief and loss has been the rite of passage towards a fulfilling and abundant life. It is my pleasure and and honor to offer my life experience and professional training in support of your sacred journey.