About

Hi! I’m Karensa. If you are looking for a counselor who is open-minded, non-judgmental, and fun, you are looking in the right place. My top three core values are kindness, compassion, and genuineness. I have nine years of experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia, working in community mental health. I have worked with a variety of concerns and diagnoses, such as depression, anxiety, family concerns, relationship issues, abuse and trauma issues, work stress, and many others. I have worked extensively with individuals who have spent long periods of time in the legal system, in and out of jail and prison, and have dealt with subsequent trauma related to these events. I have worked with many college students who are dealing with many concerns such as stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship issues, and other stress related to this time of life. I have worked with many different people in many different times in their lives. If you feel like we may be a good match, but are unsure if your area of concern is something I have experience in, please ask.
My counseling style is catered towards the individual as I get to know them. I work in Person Centered, Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy, and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. I feel like learning mindfulness is an important skill for everyone, being something I practice myself. I believe that it is important to look at where each individual is in their life, and what it will take them to move towards achieving their own goals and finding their personal meaning. I believe in setting goals early and checking in often on how you feel like you are progressing towards them. I am gender-affirming, and sex-positive. I practice cultural humility and awareness.
My office hours are currently Monday through Friday, hours vary depending on the day, for web, phone, and video session, with availability to be able to respond to messages throughout the week. We will complete an assessment prior to starting therapy so that I can gather information about you and your presenting concerns.
I know that there is much stigma around mental health concerns, and seeking counseling is a big step. It is something to be proud of just to be here, and I would be happy to take this journey with you.

Trainings:
Society for Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities Conference - October 2020
Black History Month Conference - February 2022
Racial Healing, justice, and liberation in queer and trans communities
Ethical Counseling of LGBTQ+
LGBTQ Youth: Clinical Strategies to support sexual orientation and gender identity
Beyond the (gender) binary
Working with Gender Expansive individuals in therapy
I also have completed training in many areas other than lgbtq+ specific training, which allows me to meet the needs of a wide diversity of people.

I know that there is much stigma around mental health concerns, and seeking counseling is a big step. It is something to be proud of just to be here, and I would be happy to take this journey with you.
“Strength grows in the moments you think you can’t go on, but you keep going anyway.”