Karen Kearby

I hold a doctorate in Psychology and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC-MHSP) and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) with 6 years of experience. I have worked in a myriad of settings including private practice, prison/jail, and military installations. I have served children, adolescents, adults, couples, and groups to deal with self-esteem issues, depression, anxiety, partner relational problems, anger/stress management, trauma, and life adjustment issues.

My approach

My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, and positive psychology, I am eclectic and emphasize a holistic approach to mental health.

My focus

My approach emphasizes the mutual development of goals for therapy and the provision of ongoing evaluation of the therapeutic approach. My theory is that when people have hope and can learn to challenge and replace irrational thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes, people are free to experience change. I provide individuals with a warm, compassionate, and nonjudgmental environment-a safe place to explore the issues that may be preventing them from living the life they want. It is my passion to guide you during difficult times and help you take a step into the future. I look forward to working with you and helping you navigate some of the emotions you are experiencing. I work from a strength-based perspective. Sometimes it is hard to live our most fulfilling lives if we have low self-worth and are overwhelmed by stressors. This can impact all spheres of functioning. Reaching out to me is a wonderful first step and demonstrates that you feel like you deserve some help. And you do!

My communication style

I am interactive, and engaged, and provide unconditional positive regard to create a safe environment for expression and exploration.

My goals for you

Working on something daily will help build new connections in your brain (the brain is a wonderful and amazing thing- it is capable of building billions of new connections every second!). So, the more we practice what we talk about in therapy, the more our brains will follow. We will want to challenge/ refute some negative cognitive thoughts and replace them with healthier ways of thinking! I also work from a strength-based perspective- what this means, is that we will be focusing on past positive experiences and drawing from the skills you already have…and cultivating new ones built on past successful experiences. Therapy is a process…it is a journey….it is not a linear process…this means that there are going to be ups and downs….why? Because we are human beings!!!! Human life is hard and full of distractions and failures, and any course of treatment, both psychological or medical, will also have moments of failure and the need to keep trying….remember, new ways of thinking take time and practice. Therapy is an investment in yourself on so many levels. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps toward change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

My first session with you

The initial session involves rapport building and asking questions to help paint a picture of what brought you to therapy. Based on what is shared, we will collaboratively establish some treatment goals to work towards.