“What if I’ve never been to therapy?”
And other Q’s you have about me and working together…
hey, i’m kara
WHO ARE YOU?
I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor with 25+ years of experience working with teens and women in St. Louis, Missouri. I'm committed to helping my clients see their true potential by using evidence-based approaches mixed with an authentic human-to-human connection.
In my first year of life, I had hearing problems - which led to challenges in language development throughout my childhood. I worked with specialists who showed me how powerful it is to have someone believe in you at a young age.
I hope to support people the way I was supported - which is what led me to get my bachelors in Special Education and then onto the field of counseling. The work I do comes from the heart - it’s personal, and it matters.
I want to give you the encouragement I had - to believe in you and, through our time together, help you believe in yourself. I hope to help you shift your focus from the hard things in your life to your outstanding strengths - so you can take actionable steps and start moving forward.
WHAT ELSE CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT YOU?
I received my B.S. in Special Education from Miami University and my M.S./Ed.S from Indiana University.
My work has reached beyond my private practice. I've been honored to speak at the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) annual conference on BFRBs and the American School Counseling Association (ASCA) national conference on teens and confidence building. I contributed to The Drama Years (Simon & Schuster) and served as a consulting editor on The BFRB Workbook for Teens and Young Adults (Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2025), where I helped bring the teen voice into the book.
I served as a consultant and on the advisory board of Girl Talk, where I helped lead curriculum development. Nearly two decades ago, I helped launch a camp for middle school girls through Girl Talk that continues today, serving girls from across the country. I also serve on the board of Girls in the Know and speak in their expert speaker series.
I'm a regular speaker at schools and organizations throughout St. Louis, including:
Washington University
Visitation Academy of St. Louis
Cor Jesu Academy
Villa Duchesne
Ladue Middle School
The Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School
The National Charity League
United Hebrew Congregation
CHADS Coalition for Mental Health
NCJW
I've also been a guest on the A Parent Page podcast with Mindy Knows and on The Character's Toolkit podcast with Marisa Gelfand, LPC.
"Kara has a wealth of knowledge and experience working with adolescents. Whether meeting with a client or speaking to an audience, she brings a warm and kind demeanor that fosters openness and learning. Kara is a trusted resource in our community."
Dr. Sarah Garwood
Professor of Pediatrics, Washington University
WHAT IS IT LIKE TO WORK WITH YOU?
I'm a laid-back, friendly, and casual professional - yes, this is a real thing! When you work with me, I want you to feel as comfortable as possible - if that means curling up in your chair, having a good cry, cussing because it feels good, or sitting in silence to gather your thoughts - it's a safe and open space to do so.
WHAT IF I’VE NEVER BEEN TO THERAPY?
You're probably wondering if therapy will help, right? While every individual and situation is different, I will say that most clients report relief from their symptoms, self-acceptance, and a renewed sense of confidence after working together. If you're curious, you can book a free consultation call with me to see if we are a good fit.
IS IT TRUE YOUR FIRST WORDS WERE, “LET’S GET TACOS?”
My first words were actually e-i-e-i-o from Old McDonald had a farm. But I love tacos a LOT! I eat them at least once a week, will go out of my way to share tacos with a good friend, and once threw a taco-themed party. Obsessed? I'll let you be the judge - but they make a great analogy for the human experience. "It's ok to fall apart. Tacos fall apart, and we love them too!"
WHAT MAKES YOUR WORLD A BETTER PLACE?
Dogs - honestly. I have two labs, and they're my heart and soul. Both rescues, one is like a stoic accountant, and the other has the attitude that "every day is a good day," nothing can bring her down. I love them so much! There is no question that I adore my sweet fur babies.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Trained- Beck Institute
Exposure Response Therapy (ERP) Trained- IOCDF BTTI and Massachusetts General Hospital
Inference-based Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (I-CBT) for the treatment of OCD
Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE)- Eli Lebowitz, Yale Child Study Center
Habit Reversal Training (HRT) for the treatment of Body Repetitive Focused Behaviors (BFRBs)
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) for the treatment of anxiety, OCD, depression and PTSD
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Trauma Specialist- Arizona Trauma Institute Certification Program
CREDENTIALS and CERTIFICATIONS
I WANT TO WORK WITH YOU — WHAT’S NEXT?
First off - that's fabulous! Taking the first step can be uncomfortable, but it is so worth it. Next up, you'll need to click the button below to message me about setting up your first consultation call. This conversation is a 30-minute phone chat where we'll discuss your specific needs, current challenges, and hopes for what would make a successful working relationship. You can ask me any questions you might have about the process, and we'll decide if we are a good fit to work together.
If you're ready to move forward at the end of our call, I'll schedule your first session and send you onboarding information.