Karen Porta
Welcome, I am so glad you are here! My name is Karen Porta and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). I received my Master's degree from Nova Southeastern University and have been practicing for approximately 9 years. I have worked with a multitude of clients with issues coping with trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, life transitions, relationship issues, etc. It is truly my passion to work with clients through some of life's biggest challenges. Let's grow together! Also offer weekend appointments, please contact me for availability.
Big change always starts with small steps and I'm here to support you and help you get your life back.
First session
In our first session together, we'll start with brief introductions, then dive into the specific challenges you are facing. This will help to create an individualized plan for us to work through to meet your treatment goals.
Strengths
I bring compassion, warmth, patience, and a genuine desire to understand each client's unique experience. I create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can be honest and feel supported, and I help my clients develop practical tools they can use beyond therapy.
Ideal clients
My clients are eager to improve, but don't yet have the tools needed to make this goal a reality. They often feel stuck, overwhelmed and anxious about life's challenges.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT to help clients understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Together, we identify unhelpful thought patterns, challenge beliefs that may be keeping you stuck, and develop practical coping skills you can use in everyday life. My goal is to help you gain a greater insight, feel more in control and make meaningful changes that improve your overall quality of life.
Trauma Informed Care
I take a trauma-informed approach that recognizes how past experiences can affect your emotions, relationships, beliefs, and responses in the present. We'll work at a pace that feels safe while developing coping skills, increasing emotional regulation, and building a greater sense of control.
Supportive
I use supportive therapy to help clients manage emotional distress, life transitions, relationship difficulties, grief and ongoing stressors. Treatment focuses on strengthening coping skills, improve emotional regulation, reinforcing personal strengths and providing encouragement and validation while helping clients move towards greater stability and functioning.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I use solution-focused strategies to help clients identify strengths, build on what is already working, and focus on practical steps towards to the future they want. Rather than staying focused on what's wrong, we'll identify achievable changes that can help you begin moving forward.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Serves
Licensed in
- FloridaLicense MH20771