About Karen

Karen Joaquin

CA LMFT 82969, NV LMFT 4211-R, AZ LMFT 16270 CCTP-II

I enjoy working with diverse clients and have worked with anxiety, depression, complex-trauma, family of origin issues, addiction issues, interpersonal conflict, and career/life transitions. Although there are a lot of effective strategies, therapy isn't one size fits all. My approach is tailored to each individual: I use primarily Internal Family Systems and attachment-based interventions as well as CBT, DBT, & EMDR. Because I love it and it is a part of my personal journey, I also teach about the mind-body connection and ways to work with the nervous system to improve mood regulation. By listening to the signals our bodies send, we can learn to work with our bodies instead of against.

I obtained my California Marriage and Family Therapist license in 2014. I cut my teeth as an intern working with teens and adults, many referred from the the justice system or from Child Protective Services. I then moved to county mental health to support those who have serious mental health conditions. During this time, I noticed that many clients were not getting the support they needed and I was determined to do what I could to help. I have taken thousands of hours of additional training in a broad range of topics including: emotional regulation, trauma work, challenges with anxiety & depression, body acceptance, chronic pain/illness, and family of origin. Another area of focus in my studies has been the experiences of those in the LGBTQIA+ community, and I enjoy supporting those in or considering transitioning. I am currently nearing completion of my Doctorate in Psychology, and I am also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Level 2 (CCTP-II).

On the personal side, I have lived in Tahoe since 2011, have 3 dogs, and I'm a total brain nerd. I listen to audiobooks and bake goodies in my spare time. In the summer, I like to paddle board, swim and garden.

If you are a seeking a therapist who will support you in focusing on the tough stuff, let's chat! I'm ready to help you get out of the woods.

Some of my favorite mindfulness quotes:

Meditation is not about stopping thoughts but recognizing that we are more than our thoughts and our feelings.

Arianna Huffington

It is indeed a radical act of love just to sit down and be quiet for a time by yourself.

Jon Kabat-Zinn

To think in terms of either pessimism or optimism oversimplifies the truth. The problem is to see reality as it is.

Thích Nhất Hạnh

The present moment is the only time over which we have dominion.

Thích Nhất Hạnh

When we get too caught up in the busyness of the world, we lose connection with one another – and ourselves.

Jack Kornfield

Don’t believe everything you think. Thoughts are just that – thoughts.

Allan Lokos

Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.

Thích Nhất Hạnh

$175 per session

I contract with a company called Headway to take some insurance. Check your coverage here.

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