Kara

My Favorite Quote

"Caring for myself is not self-indulgence. It is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” — Audre Lorde

Specialties

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Trauma
  • Relationships
  • Parenting
  • Behavior Issues
  • ADHD
  • Self Esteem
  • Stress
  • Life transitions

Get to Know Kara

Therapist | LPCC

Individuals are clearly unique. We come from different backgrounds, attachment styles and family constellations. Naturally, we respond to different styles of therapy. Typically I blend my Existential therapy with a wide variety of appropriate interventions from across modalities. (Behavioral, Trauma Informed, EMDR, CBT, Narrative Practice, Mindfulness) At the heart of it, the most important parts of therapy come from the environment we create together. I believe therapy is most successful when a client feels: respected, free to express their experience without fear of judgement, supported, and appropriately challenged.

I work hard to provide a supportive, creative and appropriately challenging atmosphere, with the understanding that my role is to create opportunities for clients to explore and ultimately find their own way. Existential therapy means that I am here to journey alongside you, to help you make sense and meaning in your life. I closely monitor symptoms and we develop and adjust goals together throughout the process, with the understanding that life moves and changes during the course of our time together. I truly believe that people have the ability to heal themselves. Therapy provides a valuable place to collaborate with an unbiased ally to help gain perspective, grow, and heal.

My Professional Background

I have over a decade of experience in mental and behavioral health. I predominantly work with teens, young adults, and individual adults. Much of my experience has been in Oakland, CA. I work with folks from all walks of life, gender expressions, sexual orientations, and cultural identities. Working with “non-traditional” lifestyles and diverse identities is a passion of mine. I also really enjoy teens and I have a lot of experience to draw from.

I have clinical experience working with identity concerns, trauma, PTSD, anxiety, inter-generational trauma, depression, substance use, self-harm, school related concerns and special education, as well as transitional stress. I have previously provided psychotherapy for public high school and college populations. I am also passionate about supporting folks in the “helping professions”.

Education, Training, and Certifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree- National Louis University (Chicago) – Applied Behavioral Science
  • Master’s Degree- Argosy University (San Francisco) – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • EMDR Certified
  • STARS Behavioral Health
  • Supporting Trans Youth
  • Center for Deployment Psychology- Star Behavioral Health Tier 1&2
  • Extensive Autism Spectrum Disorder treatment and direct service

Fun Facts

I’m an avid video gamer. I love attending concerts and music festivals. I love all types of music, and I particularly enjoy dark wave and rock. I garden and cook new recipes in my spare time. I accidentally have four cats, and I’m an animal lover of all sorts. Current book: Seed to Harvest by Octavia Butler

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Schedule a Free Consultation

During the consultation you and one of our Clinical Coordinators will discuss why you’re interested in starting therapy or coaching, and review your goals. We can also answer any questions you may have about our services. Consultations are by secure video conferencing session, or by phone.