Learn More About Karyn

Approach to Therapy

As a therapist, my approach is person-centric and integrative, meaning I draw from several therapy models, such as CBT, Narrative, and Attachment-focused therapy, and collaborate with you to identify which strategies will be most helpful. As the client, all parts of you are welcome in session and explored as needed, in order to increase self-awareness and insight. I assist clients in identifying and reframing their internal narratives, so as to increase self-esteem, release guilt and shame, and lessen anxiety and depression. Utilizing a trauma-informed lens, I work with clients to examine how their past is impinging on their present and impeding their future, so that they can reconcile the traumatic events in their lives. To facilitate these processes, I work with clients to examine the behaviors, thoughts, and feelings that inform their life and sense of self.

I believe every person can change how they move through this world and feel more aligned with their true self. While diagnostic labels can offer insights, they don't define you. Regardless whether you have a formal diagnosis or not, I recognize you as an individual with a rich tapestry of experiences, and my approach respects your uniqueness. At the core of my work with clients is the development of a warm and authentic therapeutic relationship that provides a safe space in which you can deepen your understanding of yourself and heal from pain, all while working towards making lasting change.

Background

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I have a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Antioch University and a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Washington State University. I have additional training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma-informed CBT, as well as the delivery of mental health counseling services via digital platforms (telehealth). I am also a certified Master Life Coach.

My previous professional experience includes 25+ years serving in various management and leadership positions, primarily with larger non-profits, where I designed and led projects and programs while supervising and coaching numerous employees. My work in the private sector included training and developing new managers. One of my favorite professional experiences was my time spent working for KUOW Puget Sound Public Radio, a local NPR affiliate, and I will admit to being a confirmed "public radio nerd." In addition to my professional work, I was a Crisis Line volunteer with Crisis Connections for many years, which provided me with the opportunity to work with individuals from all backgrounds who were experiencing a wide variety of mental health-related issues and concerns.

I was raised both here in Seattle, WA, and in Alaska. I have a deep love and appreciation for the mountains, trees, and waters that make up our unique landscape in the Pacific Northwest, British Columbia, and Southeast Alaska. Outside of my work and volunteer experiences, I am a parent, a partner, a writer—and both a cat and a dog person! I enjoy spending time outdoors, writing, creating art, reading British mystery novels, wistfully plotting the next travel adventure, and continually trying wrangle my "monkey-mind" in meditation...only to give up and go on long walks with my corgi instead.

Not a therapy dog per se...

but occasionally heard snoring

in the background!