Kara Holland
Greetings! I am an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) deeply dedicated to assisting individuals on their path to mental and emotional well-being.
My diverse experience includes supporting adolescents and adults facing a range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, relationship issues, communication difficulties, parenting concerns, self-esteem, and trauma.
Fueled by empathy and a strong foundation in counseling techniques, my goal is to establish a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their challenges and progress towards positive growth and healing. I completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology at Pennsylvania State University in 2021 and later earned a Masters in Applied Clinical Psychology at the University of South Carolina Aiken in 2023. My diverse experience includes supporting adolescents and adults facing a range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, relationship issues, communication difficulties, parenting concerns, self-esteem, and trauma.
First session
I want clients to leave their first session feeling welcomed, heard, and comfortable taking the next step in their therapeutic journey. I believe rapport building is one of the most important parts of the counseling process, so I prioritize getting to know each client as an individual before jumping into treatment goals or interventions. I strive to create a safe, welcoming, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel comfortable being themselves and sharing as much or as little as they are ready to. During the first session, clients can expect to discuss what brought them to therapy, their current concerns, personal experiences, and what they hope to gain from counseling. I also take time to explain the therapeutic process, answer questions, and explore what they can expect moving forward. Most importantly, I want clients to understand that they do not have to have everything figured out before coming to therapy. Building trust and establishing a strong therapeutic relationship takes time, and we will work together at a pace that feels comfortable for them.
Strengths
My professional journey commenced with a role in Career Services during my initial year of graduate school, allowing me to assist clients in career-related matters. Subsequently, I further refined my counseling skills by working at the campus psychology clinic, where I engaged with a diverse population encompassing middle schoolers, adults, and inmates. This exposure broadened my understanding of mental health challenges and enhanced my ability to tailor counseling approaches to suit the unique needs of each individual. I seamlessly integrate this wealth of experience into my practice as an LPC, emphasizing a person-centered approach that values empathy, respect, and individualized support for every client. I’m truly excited about being a part of your journey towards a happier, healthier you. Taking that first step is a significant accomplishment, and you should feel immensely proud of yourself! Together, we’ll work towards positive growth and healing. Let’s make this journey a meaningful and fulfilling one!
Ideal clients
My ideal client is someone who is open to exploring themselves, gaining a better understanding of their emotions and behaviors, and working toward personal growth. I enjoy working with adolescents, and adults who may be navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, ADHD, relationship difficulties, self-esteem concerns, or life transitions. I especially enjoy working with individuals who may feel misunderstood, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to navigate their emotions and experiences. My ideal client does not have to come into therapy knowing exactly what they want to work on or have everything figured out. I value clients who are willing to show up, explore their challenges at their own pace, and remain open to learning new perspectives and developing healthier coping skills. Ultimately, I enjoy working with individuals who want to better understand themselves, build confidence, strengthen their relationships, and create meaningful changes in their lives.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) by helping clients understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and how these patterns can influence their everyday experiences. Together, we identify unhelpful thinking patterns, explore how those thoughts impact emotions and actions, and work toward developing healthier, more balanced perspectives. I use techniques such as cognitive restructuring, identifying cognitive distortions, thought challenging, behavioral strategies, and practical coping skills that clients can practice both in and outside of sessions. I strive to make CBT approachable and collaborative by using activities, worksheets, real-life examples, and discussions tailored to each client's age, needs, and developmental level. My goal is to help clients build greater self-awareness, recognize patterns that may be keeping them stuck, and develop practical tools to navigate challenges with increased confidence and independence.
Trauma-Informed Care
I incorporate Trauma-Informed Care into my practice by recognizing how past experiences, particularly traumatic events, can influence an individual's emotions, behaviors, relationships, and overall well-being. I strive to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel empowered, respected, and in control of their therapeutic experience. I prioritize building trust, establishing emotional safety, and moving at a pace that feels comfortable for each individual rather than pushing clients to discuss experiences before they are ready. I also emphasize understanding behaviors within the context of a person's experiences rather than viewing them in isolation. As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (C-CCTP), I have specialized training in recognizing and addressing trauma-related concerns. I incorporate trauma-informed techniques to help clients develop emotional regulation skills, identify triggers, strengthen coping strategies, and gradually process difficult experiences when appropriate. My goal is to help clients feel empowered in their healing journey while recognizing that healing is not linear and looks different for everyone.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I incorporate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) into my practice by helping clients develop practical skills to better understand, manage, and navigate their emotions. I focus on teaching skills in four key areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. These skills help clients become more aware of their emotional experiences, manage overwhelming feelings, tolerate distress without engaging in unhelpful behaviors, and develop healthier communication and relationship patterns. I often use interactive activities, worksheets, real-life examples, and skill-building exercises to make these concepts approachable and applicable to everyday life. I tailor DBT interventions to each client's individual needs, age, and developmental level. My goal is to help clients recognize that while they cannot always control what happens around them, they can develop healthier ways to respond to life's challenges and feel more confident managing difficult situations.
Location
Virtual sessions