Karen Friese
Karen Friese
I have been described as easy to talk to, warm, non-judgemental, relatable, and direct. People seem to enjoy sharing their story with me and I consider it an honor to be part of their journey. If you are looking for someone to talk to for healing, guidance, a different perspective, support, or recovery, I have experience to do just that. I believe we all need a safe space to share our innermost feelings without being worried about anyone else. I encourage self awareness and self care as a central part of the therapeutic process. I have a diverse background with work in various settings like juvenile corrections, criminal justice, family foster care, schools, etc. I love working with adolescents/teens and adults. Most recently I have worked supporting individuals who have been impacted by wild fires. I have a unique background because I am married to a retired first responder and I have a passion for supporting first responders and their families. I use a trauma informed approach, CBT, mindfulness, narrative therapy, and solution focused. I am client centered and use tools to help empower clients to find what works best in their circumstances. I am a follower of Jesus and my beliefs inform my approach but I only use my faith in counseling if requested by the client.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
During your first session, we will learn about one another, explore expectations for therapy, discuss challenges you are facing, and develop a plan on how to move forward.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My biggest strength is my personal and professional experiences that have shaped who I am. I am married to a retired California Highway Patrol Officer who has PTSD. I have experienced vicarious trauma and sought treatment for myself. Through my own journey of healing, I learned self compassion and made some tough choices. I am so grateful to be where I am now and I would not change a thing.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My passion is to support first responders and family of first responders because I can identify with the culture. I have experienced exposure to critical incidents and vicarious trauma through my husband who is a retired law enforcement officer. Another population close to my heart are adolescents and teens struggling with anxiety, depression, insecurities, and ADHD. It is hard to navigate through middle school and high school trying to fit in and be different from their peers. I have experience working with kids in a variety of environments including juvenile justice, schools, and foster care. I practice Christianity and welcome the opportunity to serve adults or adolescents looking for spiritual and mental health support. I am comfortable using the Bible to seek support/guidance and comfort through scripture and prayer.
About Karen Friese
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Trauma Informed Care
I have personal and professional experience providing fire recovery therapy to individuals impacted by wildfires. This gives me insight into helping people living in survival mode because of a natural disaster.
Christian Counseling
As a practicing Christian, it is hard to find a therapist that will integrate the Bible into therapy. Biblical principles are an important part of faith, healing, and change. I use the Bible to support clients looking for therapeutic goals based on the way God teaches us to live.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use psychodynamic therapy to identify negative cognitive distortions developed throughout stages of development and replace them with positive truthful statements. This method takes commitment, dedication, and time from the client because it can involve homework in between sessions including worksheets and reading.