LPC, 25 years of experience
Hello! I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Pennsylvania. I received my masters in Clinical Mental Health from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. I am a doctorial candidate; working towards a PhD in Counseling Education and Supervision. I have been practicing for over 25 years with individuals with a substance use disorder in in-patient facilities, as well as private practice working with children 8 years old through adults; assisting them in becoming the best version of themself with skills to manage their future. The counseling session ultimately belongs to the client...not the counselor.
Often, the initial desire for a counselor and actually getting connected with a counselor can be a wait; therefore, I use the first part of the initial session to allow the client a time to vent and talk about issues that brought them to counseling. While talking, there are items in the biopsychosocial assessment that can be completed just listening the client's narrative. During the first session, I also seek to establish goals that will be used in the treatment plan and discover the best way to achieve those goals. At the end of the session, I engage the client with a brief series of questions about what worked for them in the session, what was comfortable and/or uncomfortable? I do this to establish the best way to build a comfortable therapeutic environment, as well as assure a sense of safety.
My greatest strength as a provider is my ability to listen and assure the client that they are both heard and understood. Understanding is not always agreeing, but even that is okay when building the therapeutic relationship. I endeavor to appreciate the client's experience and opinion without bringing personal judgement in the session. I try to make sure the client has a safe space for authenticity. If there is a time when I challenge a client's thinking, I always make sure the client feels free to agree and/or disagree. The counseling session ultimately belongs to the client...not the counselor.
I enjoy working with adults who are survivors of early childhood trauma; which impacts their ability to thrive as adults. I assist in giving strength and hope, as well as finding meaning and worth in their life. Additionally, I work well with senior citizens, assisting them in the late stages of Erikson's development Generativity vs Stagnation and Integrity vs. Despair. All ages bring a set of issues to the therapeutic relationship; some unique and others the typical part of development and adjustments to a changing society. I enjoy working to help improve the client's ability to function and thrive.
CBT is cognitive behavioral therapy; which focuses on how the client thinks about issues/experiences and what needs to change. Change in thoughts can assist in change in behaviors
I have several years (over 25) working in couples counseling as a private practitioner, as well as in the capacity of senior pastor of a church.
I am an ordained minister, senior pastor and have the capacity to incorporate spiritual concepts with secular theologies.
I have several trainings using MI and use it to access readiness for change.
I believe that childhood experiences often shape adult thinking, worldview and behaviors. By exploring earlier experiences, the client may better understand and regulate thinking/behaviors that impact life experiences.
15 ratings with written reviews
August 4, 2025
She sees me for who I really am and what I will be in the future. It feels like I'm talking to family when I talk to her. She makes it very easy for me to open up, which is usually very difficult for me to do with most people.
June 30, 2025
My first meeting with Karen there was a connection and I was comfortable sharing information about .
May 30, 2025
I selected Ms. Karen because she has many years of D&A experience, Christian pastoral experience, and understands trauma. She has helped me to work through challenging relationships in light of my faith while encouraging me to not over-spiritualize situations. She both validates my feelings and challenges my thinking. Together, I’ve made progress in working through some issues that had me stuck emotionally and spiritually.