LCSW, 4 years of experience
Hi there! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I earned my Master’s Degree in Social Work from San Diego State University, and I’ve been practicing for over five years. My work is centered around helping individuals, from teenagers to adults, who are struggling with anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. I truly believe that healing is possible for everyone, and it’s rewarding to witness the shift in my clients as they start to understand their patterns, challenge negative thoughts, and build healthier ways of thinking and feeling. Whether you’re facing a major life transition, dealing with overwhelming emotions, or simply seeking more self-confidence, I’m here to support you on your journey toward greater balance.
In our first session, you can expect to have an open and supportive conversation about what brought you to therapy and what you're hoping to achieve. I'll take time to listen to your story and get a sense of your challenges and goals. From there, we’ll work together to identify what’s most important to you and begin formulating specific goals that align with your needs. My approach is collaborative, so I’ll ensure that you feel heard, understood, and empowered to take the next steps on your journey.
I believe my greatest strengths as a provider stem from my ability to connect with clients on a deep, human level. I bring empathy, patience, and genuine curiosity into every session, making it a priority to create a space where clients feel safe, seen, and understood. I’m particularly attuned to the unique needs of each individual, which allows me to meet them where they are in their journey and support them in ways that feel authentic and personal. One of my core strengths is my ability to listen deeply. This allows me to ask questions and offer insights that help clients see themselves and their situations in new ways. I also have a natural ability to balance compassion with directness, which allows clients to feel both supported and challenged to grow. Above all, I’m deeply committed to the process of healing. I genuinely believe in my clients’ potential for change, and I bring a sense of hope and optimism into every session. My goal is to empower clients to feel more in control of their lives and their choices, and to help them become the person they want to be.
The clients I work best with are those who are ready for change and recognize that their current ways of thinking, living, or reacting are no longer serving them. I appreciate clients who are willing to engage in an honest, collaborative relationship where we can explore new perspectives and approaches with compassion and curiosity. Suppose you’re ready to rewrite the story of who you are and transform your relationship with yourself and others. In that case, we’ll work together to uncover the strengths and values that have always been inside you. My goal is to help you evolve into the person you’ve always wanted to be and feel empowered to live that out in your daily life.
I’ve been using CBT in my practice for the past four years. CBT is grounded in the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all interconnected. In CBT, we work to identify and challenge unhealthy thinking patterns and replace them with healthier, more realistic thoughts. This shift can be incredibly freeing for clients, as it reminds them that they are the creators of their own experiences, allowing them to feel more empowered and in control.
I also integrate Internal Family Systems (IFS) in my practice, though I am not a certified practitioner. IFS is a powerful therapeutic model that helps clients connect with different “parts” of themselves These parts may be holding on to past wounds, fears, or unresolved emotions, and by approaching them with compassion and empathy, clients can begin to heal and integrate these aspects of themselves. With the right client, this work can foster a sense of internal peace and self-acceptance, which is why I love using it alongside other modalities.
I use this modality to help clients increase their psychological flexibility and get "unstuck" from current life patterns. With ACT, clients take into account their core values and then take action consistent with those values, enabling them to live a meaningful life.
5 ratings with written reviews
July 12, 2025
I’m thankful to have Karen as my therapist. She listens to me non-judge mentally and gives me exercises/visuals that help ground me. As a latina with not too many role models, she is one for me. Thank you so much Karen for your support and understanding.
June 6, 2025
Karen does tremendous work. She is easy to talk with and receptive to your thoughts both in regard to your therapy and her approach as well.
June 6, 2025
I liked the way she was able to help direct and guide the conversation into a positive space. She humanized me and made me feel normal and I really appreciated it.