Tired of being at war with your own mind? If anxiety, self-criticism, or feeling "stuck" has you trapped in cycles of rumination, you're in the right place. I specialize in helping people make peace with inner chaos, not just manage symptoms, but transform your relationship with them so you can build a life of purpose from the inside out. Imagine noticing your inner critic without being controlled by it, or feeling anxiety rise and being able to get curious instead of consumed. I earned my Master's Degree in Social Work from San Diego State University and have been practicing for over five years. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and psychotherapist who believes healing happens in connection. My own lived experience with trauma and the transformative support I received inspired me to become the therapist I needed. This personal journey fuels a deep, empathetic commitment to walking alongside my clients with genuine understanding.
My approach is grounded in the belief that you are not broken, but may be stuck in patterns that once helped you survive. I'm a relational, depth-oriented therapist who draws flexibly from multiple modalities to meet you where you are. In our first session, we'll explore what brings you in, but I'll also listen for the deeper "stories" you carry about yourself. You can expect a conversation that is both supportive and thoughtfully challenging, focused on creating a safe space for your whole experience.
My greatest strength is creating a space where no part of you has to be hidden. I bring deep curiosity and a calm, steady presence that allows us to approach even the most shameful or painful thoughts and feelings with safety. I am skilled at helping you listen to yourself differently. I won't just give you tools to fight your anxiety; I'll help you understand it, befriend it, and learn what it needs. Clients describe me as empathetic, intuitive, and able to hold hope for them when they can't hold it for themselves. My focus is always on helping you move toward a life rich with purpose and connection, not just the absence of pain.
I work best with adults and older teens who are tired of just managing symptoms on the surface and are ready to explore the root patterns. I help sensitive people and deep thinkers navigate overwhelm and find peace. My ideal clients often: Feel "stuck" in cycles of anxiety, rumination, or self-criticism, and have found simple positive thinking unhelpful. Are highly self-aware or "over-thinkers," but feel disconnected from their emotions or body. Sense that their struggles are tied to deeper stories about their worth, belonging, or safety. Are willing to be curious about their inner world, even the painful parts, in a supportive, collaborative space. A note on fit: My approach is less about immediate advice and more about facilitating a transformative process. If you are seeking primarily quick solutions, medication management, or highly structured CBT worksheets in each session, another therapist may be a better fit. If this resonates, I invite you to reach out. We'll start exactly where you are.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
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.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
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.
Psychodynamic
Uncover the root patterns and unconscious stories shaping your life, often rooted in past experiences.
Somatic
Notice how emotions live in the body, especially when words aren't accessible.
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.