Practice information:

Karen is a Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW) with over twenty years of experience in mental health and counselling with a focus on children, adolescents, and families.  She has worked as a mental health clinician in community and provincial mental health and crisis response teams in Canada and in the United States.

Karen has held leadership roles at prominent public mental health facilities for children and youth, including BC Children’s Hospital, Fraser Health Authority, and Vancouver Coastal Health. She also has specialized training in working with youth and young adults presenting with early psychosis/psychotic disorders.  In addition, Karen is experienced in treating complex trauma and physical and sexual abuse in children and adults. 

Karen sees every person as a unique individual with immense strength and resiliency.  She is dedicated to mental health treatment and wellness for children and youth and strives to meet clients “where they are at” with patience and understanding.  Karen has expertise in treating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, complex trauma, and ADHD.  

Catering to the specific needs of an individual, Karen may use expressive therapies, such as art or play therapy.  She is likewise adept at traditional “talk therapy” and skills building.  Family therapy may be used to help families build better relationships and understand one another.  Karen can also guide parents through parent/caregiver coaching, helping them move from frustration, worry, and powerlessness to a place where they become active partners in collaborative problem-solving of their child’s concerns. 

Karen is passionate about working with individuals who have been impacted by trauma and systemic barriers to health and wellness, such as those who identify as BIPOC or LGBTQ+.  She creates an inclusive, open, and caring space where individuals know they are seen, heard, and respected.

Karen utilizes empirical-based treatment modalities including:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT- Exposure Response Therapy (ERP)

Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)

Expressive Therapies (play, art, sand tray)

Trauma Therapy

Motivational Interviewing

Solution-Focused Therapy

Early Psychosis Intervention

Narrative Therapy

Attachment-Based Therapy

Family Therapy

Karen’s approach is caring, compassionate, genuine, and welcoming. Her sense of humour, spirited energy, and empathy compliment her vast knowledge of child and adolescent development and the tools needed to reach emotional wellness. Individuals and families feel comfortable sharing their stories and find support, acceptance, and understanding with Karen.  The breadth of her clinical skillset encompasses all developmental stages of growth, from early childhood to adolescence and into young adulthood. Karen takes a client-centered/family-centered approach in her work, recognizing that trust, collaboration, and a strong therapeutic relationship are vital for treatment to be successful and sustaining.  Karen connects easily with others and is inspired by the strength and resiliency in individuals and families.