Karen’s Journey to Becoming a Counselor
I’ve always been fascinated by the human mind — the way it shapes how we experience the world, connect with others, and find meaning. What draws me most to this work, though, is the privilege of sitting with people during their most vulnerable and transformative moments. I consider that one of the most sacred spaces a person can inhabit, and I feel called to help others feel known, loved, and empowered as they move toward more fulfilling lives.
I grew up in Washington state, where I first discovered how nature has a way of quieting the soul — a lesson that continues to shape how I understand rest and healing. I later moved across the country to Arizona for my bachelor’s degree, drawn by the chance to stretch myself in a new environment. During this time, I found joy in mentoring teen girls as they navigated various developmental milestones. I concluded my undergraduate studies in Barcelona, Spain, an experience that deepened both my love of adventure and my curiosity about the many different ways people live and express their experiences. Since returning to the U.S., I’ve been pursuing my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, continuing to grow in my ability to walk alongside others on their own personal journeys.
My Approach to Counseling
I take a holistic view of each client, seeking to ensure that neither the body, brain, heart, nor spirit is neglected in the process of healing. I draw on elements of person-centered therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, attachment theory, and parts language to explore how the past has contributed to the present, how the present might become a more hospitable space to dwell, and how both of these elements of a client’s story may be utilized to pursue a meaningful future.
I try to understand each individual in the unique way they encounter the world and make meaning of their experiences, and I want the therapeutic space to feel like a true collaboration — one where we work together to explore complex emotions and create solutions that feel congruent with each client’s own values and aspirations.
I also believe that every behavior has served a purpose for the person who developed it. Because of this, I aim to create an atmosphere of curiosity and compassion toward every part of ourselves, so we can discover what those parts need and how they might be understood and integrated in service of overall well-being. When we learn to respond to ourselves with empathy and attunement, we’re able to engage more fully in the many roles life asks of us.
Desired Areas of Specialty
I am interested in working with children, teens, and adults who are navigating:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trauma
- Relational difficulties
- Life transitions
- Self-worth/confidence
- Exploration of purpose
- Attachment wounds
- Child/Adolescent development
Degrees, Certifications, and Trainings
- Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Denver Seminary In Progress
- Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Arizona