Meet Karen

Thank you for choosing to visit my website. If you're here you're probably experiencing some distress in your life. I do hope you'll find something here that offers comfort, and perhaps, points you in a direction towards increased health and wellbeing. 

One thing I know, no matter how uncertain, chaotic, or scary life may seem, we human beings have a tremendous inner capacity for comback. Sometimes all we need to activate this capacity is someone to help us see the greatness and beauty within ourselves. I believe my job is to see such light in my clients - to hold a picture of everyone I work with as whole and healthy, even if they can't yet see it themselves. I hold open for you the possibility for wholeness and healing until you are able to fully step into it yourself.

Counseling Philosophy

My philosophical lens is best described as integrative with a focus in health psychology and wellness. I use talk therapy together with evidence-based mind-body methods in my work with individuals and couples. You can learn more about this on the Psychology page and from reading my blog, Psychotherapist's Journal.

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 reduce stress and increase coping strategies. 

My clients come 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, and deepening your relationship with yourself. 

Credentials

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Washington State. This credential 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. I earned a masters degree from Antioch University and meet all required continuing education coursework to maintain licensure. I also earned a Bachelors degree from Columbia College in Liberal Arts.

My professional education has also included: Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Lifespan Integration Therapy, Craniosacral Therapy with SomaticEmotional Release, and Reiki. I have studied and practice many forms of yoga and meditation, including Kabbalah, Vipassana, and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) with a current personal practice in mindfulness meditation and bikram yoga. I have special interest in mind-body medicine, psychosocial oncology, grief and loss, and the expressive arts.

I believe personal crisis can be a tremendous opportunity for growth and creativity.  In my own experience, the process of healing has been the rite of passage towards an abundant life. It is my pleasure and an honor to offer my life experience and professional training in support of your sacred journey.