Karen Potharaju

LPC, 9 years of experience
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New to Grow

VirtualAvailable

I take a collaborative, client-centered approach to therapy, drawing from a variety of methods to best support your unique needs. I like to help clients see that many of their struggles are shaped by social systems, cultural expectations, and identity, not personal shortcomings, and we can explore these influences in ways that feel safe and empowering. I also use evidence-based techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy to identify patterns in thoughts and behaviors, mindfulness practices to build awareness and calm, and psychoeducation to help you understand how your mind and body respond to stress or challenges. My focus is on practical, real-world strategies that help you feel more grounded, in control, and confident in your choices. Together, we create a space where you can make sense of your experiences, build skills, and move toward the life you want.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

Our first session is all about getting to know you and what brings you to therapy. There’s no pressure to have everything figured out. We’ll talk about your concerns, goals, and what you hope to get out of therapy. I’ll also explain how I work and answer any questions you have so we can find an approach that feels comfortable and useful for you. Think of it as a conversation where you can be honest, curious, and start exploring ways to feel more confident and grounded in your everyday life.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is my ability to blend multiple approaches in a way that’s tailored to each client’s needs. I strive to be genuine and authentic in every session, creating a space where clients feel truly heard and understood. Clients often tell me that my collaborative, nonjudgmental style helps them feel empowered and equipped with practical tools they can use outside of sessions. I’m committed to helping clients build self-awareness, confidence, and lasting strategies for managing anxiety, improving self-esteem, and navigating life’s challenges.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I’m best positioned to work with clients who struggle with anxiety, self-doubt, or challenges with self-esteem. If you often feel overwhelmed by worry, overthink situations, or struggle to feel confident in your abilities, I can help you understand the patterns behind these feelings and develop practical tools to manage them. My ideal clients are open to exploring how personal experiences, identity, and social pressures impact their emotions, and they’re ready to build skills that support greater self-awareness, resilience, and confidence in everyday life.

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Virtual
My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Many people experience distorted thinking patterns, such as catastrophizing, all or nothing thinking, or overgeneralizing, without realizing it. I help clients identify and challenge these patterns so they can reframe their thoughts in more balanced and helpful ways. CBT equips clients with practical tools they can use in everyday life. Through stress management strategies, we also build skills to navigate future challenges effectively.

Eclectic

I take an eclectic approach, meaning I draw from different therapeutic methods based on what will best support you. Rather than sticking to just one model, I tailor our work to your specific goals and challenges. My focus is on helping you see meaningful, practical progress in ways that feel relevant to your life.

Feminist

I help clients recognize that many of their struggles are shaped by societal expectations and systems—not personal failure. Together, we explore how identity, gender roles, culture, and power dynamics may be influencing your experiences. I strive to create a supportive, empowering space where you can better understand yourself and make choices that align with your values.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

I use mindfulness-based techniques to help clients tune into the present moment and notice thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations without judgment. This helps reduce stress, break unhelpful patterns, and respond to life’s challenges with more calm and clarity. The focus is on building practical skills you can use every day to feel grounded and more in control.

Psychoeducation

I use psychoeducation to help clients understand what’s happening in their minds and bodies, so they can make sense of their experiences and feel more in control. By providing practical, accessible information, I help clients apply what they learn to everyday life and take an active role in their growth.

New to Grow
This provider hasn’t received any written reviews yet. We started collecting written reviews January 1, 2025.