KAREN THEISEN MA, LPC

Counseling offers a unique opportunity to identify strengths and weaknesses and to learn new coping skills that can lead to hope, peace, and joy. Research in the field of lifespan psychology demonstrates major transitions such as leaving home, getting a job, getting married, becoming a parent, and even retiring, can trigger unexpected stress or anxiety. Life is filled with challenges and those who choose to work with a professional can glean insight, clarity, and direction in a respectful, non-judgmental, and safe environment. I have personally experienced the benefits of going to counseling and am an advocate of inviting professionally trained helpers to assist during times of struggle and transition.

MY GOAL:

My purpose is to assist you in knowing yourself better and work toward improving your quality of life physically, emotionally, mentally, relationally and spiritually. This occurs in a number of ways including learning new coping skills that can alleviate emotional pain and help you heal, becoming the best version of you. Scripture teaches us that we have “a Helper” in this process: “And I {Jesus} will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor-Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever (John 14:16 Amplified Bible).

WHAT I OFFER:

Experience with teens, adults, couples, families, and group therapy

Experience with various faith perspectives including agnostic and atheist

Trauma-informed perspective

MY COUNSELING APPROACH:

My approach is person-centered with a foundation in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Interpersonal Therapy. I believe in collaboration in the counseling experience. As a former high school teacher who worked with students with learning disabilities, I understand each person is unique and strive to identify therapeutic approaches that will be most effective for each individual client. Outcome-based research shows those with eating disorders make the most improvement through a team approach. I work as part of a therapeutic team, including a medical physician and a registered dietician, to best serve clients with an eating disorder.

AREAS OF FOCUS:

Eating disorders

Anxiety Disorders

Depressive Disorders including Bipolar Depression

Trauma Recovery

Women’s Issues

Premarital Counseling

ON A PERSONAL NOTE:

I enjoy my work immensely and consider it a privilege to walk with others on their journey. I am grateful for my marriage, five adult children and five AMAZING grandchildren (I readily admit my bias!). We all need love, we all make mistakes and extending forgiveness to ourselves and others keeps life sweet. Travel and snorkeling keep me balanced and I enjoy both during free time.