Karen Burton
As a veteran therapist in my 70s, I've helped hundreds get to where they want to go. I'll come along side you - not as a sage on the stage but a guide on the side. We'll work together to explore where you've been, where you are, and where you want to go - at your pace, in your style, on your own terms. I provide a free 15-minute consultation to see if we're a good fit. I specialize in working with adults navigating through grief, failures, losses, depression, anxietym betrayals, uncertainties, setbacks, traumas, etc. I customize our sessions to your needs and wants (integrating client-centered, DBT, ACT, experiential, solution focused, and narrative modalities, from a faith-based perspective if desired). One of my life's mottos is "to see the best and to bring out the best in others." We'll explore and build on your strengths as we work towards moving from old patterns of thinking, feeling, and being that have held you back to becoming more of the best version of yourself.
First session
In our first session, we'll get to know each other. I'll provide active, empathic listening skills to learn where you've been, where you are, and where you want to go. Our first session will be conversational in nature. It takes courage to step up for yourself. I''ll provide what I like to call "the Triple A" impact of giving you the gifts of Acceptance, Affirmation, and Appreciation. One of my life mottos is to see the best and to bring out the best in others. That's what I'll do for you.
Strengths
The strengths I bring to our sessions are the ability to really listen to you, to accept and to meet you where you are - no matter what! I will create a safe and secure space for you to unpack what needs to be unpacked; then we'll move forward, learning from the past, and bring back more hope and healing in a life-changing transformative way.
Ideal clients
I really don't have an "ideal client." Everyone is different. However, I most appreciate clients who are committed to making transformative changes in their lives. As a seasoned therapist – honoring mind, body, and Spirit - my solution-focused, client-centered, strength-based approach has helped hundreds have long-lasting powerful, life-changing breakthroughs. We will work together to create your therapeutic goals and we'll track your progress, making adjustments as needed.
Treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
My life motto is to see the best and to bring out the best in others. I will do that for you with empathy, accepting you right where you are, and will be committed to come alongside you in a supportive, compassionate, nonjudgmental approach to deal with your losses, angst, uncertainties, betrayals, transitions, struggles, and identity issues. As a 70-year-old therapist, believe me, I've been through the wringer. Through the torments, I've not only survived (don't like that word!), I've thrived. ACT embodies this quote, "Unless we embrace our deepest pains, we cannot fully celebrate our deepest joys." You'll learn to be more accepting of yourself, others, and your community at large. It's not easy; but the peace that comes from letting go brings freedom to the soul.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Dialectical thinking is one of the most powerful strategies for responding to difficulties. It's a way of shifting from limited "either/or" thinking to expanded "and/both" thinking. The rewards of being able to choose gratitude with the grievances, resiliency over rigidity, abundance amidst scarcity, and betterment through the bitterness is life changing. It brings forth more peace as we increase our emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and communication skills within ourselves and others and our community.
Faith-based therapy
For clients who value their faith in God, I come alongside and provide spiritual support in your faith journey. As an open-minded Jesus follower, Christ's tenets are universal. I will honor your faith and will integrate theology and therapy in helping you get where you want to go.
Narrative
Narrative therapy reduces shame and guilt. It's based on the idea that "the person is not the problem; the problem is the problem." I help clients separate the two. Whatever emotions or thoughts keep you entangled, we'll entangle them; then you'll learn real-time tips, insights, strategies, and practices in dealing with triggers.
Attachment-based
It's valuable to understand how and why we attach and detach from people the way we do. In learning what styles we use for different relationships and in different settings, we empower ourselves by not allowing others to control us. It relates to leaving the limited "either/or" world and to create a more expanded "and/or" world. When we practice appreciating who people are, their strengths, and what they have to offer, while at the same time accepting who they are not, their limitations, and what they cannot offer, we experience more wellbeing.
Location
Virtual sessions