Karen Cappello

Hi, I'm Karen! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and am excited to support my clients from pain to living a full and enriching life! I approach each client as they are - with no hidden agenda, no expectations, just greeting you in a laid-back, open-minded, and nonjudgmental space. Working together, we will get to the root of the problems that are taking away from you living your fullest life and find solutions that work for YOU!

My approach

I find that most of my clients enjoy getting down to the business of getting better and want to move away from their challenges quickly. With that in mind, I rely heavily on Motivational Interviewing to learn what your pain points are, when they are most likely to crop up for you, and then we start to work on what to do about them. Using CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), I'll ask you to look at the thoughts that might be getting in the way of you living a positive life and then help you challenge those thoughts. We may also use Play Therapy, Art Therapy, Narrative Therapy, DBT (Dialectical Based Therapy), Solution-Focused, and Strengths-Based Therapy. While I may use these techniques, you will most likely not be aware of them; just know that I'm well-versed in the various modalities to move you from pain to healing.

My focus

My favorite clients are children 10+, teens, and women who struggle, are courageous, seek to get better, and are willing to share with me their challenges. I know it is very hard to ask for help and seek out help, so by coming to talk, you have already shown how courageous you are!

My communication style

Clients have expressed that I am very happy, laid-back, easy-going, and easy to talk to. I don't judge, will never tell you what to do, and am great at listening and will even challenge you from time to time. I am compassionate, energetic, and honest, and I will keep whatever you tell me to myself (in confidence).

My journey to mental healthcare

I've always wanted to be a counselor ever since graduating from high school and then earning an AA in Business. The desire to help others was so strong, but I was afraid to take the leap into the program. Fast forward 30+ years, and after losing many people to cancer and feeling unequipped to help those of us left on the sidelines, I felt dissatisfied with my career and sought something that would feed my soul. Returning to school to earn a Master's in Social Work was the best decision I ever made for myself! I now get to sit in a very peaceful environment and hold space for clients that suffer from anxiety, fear, anger, loss, tremendous confusion, guilt, and other limiting emotions and offer them a safe place to talk through their worries and find a better way. It's the most gratifying and meaningful and difficult work I've ever done, but I wouldn't change a thing. I'm honored to be a part of each of my client's chapters.

My goals for you

Together is how we set goals. Your goals are for YOU and no one else. Once I get to know you a bit, we'll talk about what you want to achieve from therapy and then work out goals and the objectives - steps that help us reach those goals. My clients drive the therapy, not me or their parents, or anyone else.

My first session with you

You should expect when you show up (virtually or in person) that I will ask you to share with me what brings you to therapy. The first session is where I will get a bit more detailed about your background so that I have a clear picture of who you are. I will listen to your needs. It's a great chance for you to get to know me and make sure you're comfortable with me and I'll get to know you. I'm super laid-back -- no one has gone running yet!!