Therapist Karen Bradt Photo

Karen Bradt, LCSW

Stress, Anxiety Relationships Trauma, Abuse Sleeping disorders Anger management
Video Phone Live Chat Messaging

About me

I am a licensed clinical social worker and certified trauma professional. I graduated from the University of Central Florida with a BSW in social work, a certificate in Addictions, and an Master's in clinical social work. I have worked with clients experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, agoraphobia, borderline personality disorder and depression; clients with a history of physical and psychological abuse, self harm, sexual abuse, and other traumas.
I utilize a combination of traditional talk therapy, education on how trauma affects our brains, and implementation of practical tools and action steps to achieve the changes you want to make in your life. I believe talk therapy is helpful but that it takes action to reprogram your brain's reactions to triggers. Most clients I have worked with who are experiencing any form of anxiety believe they are crazy. I assure you it is not crazy. Your brain is meant to function in the way it does to protect you. I also wholeheartedly believe physical and mental health are intertwined. I will ask you to experiment with new techniques and reactions to triggers and difficult relationships. I provide the knowledge of tools and techniques but you are the expert on you.
Generally, I start with getting to know you and what you want to work on. We move into education on your specific diagnoses and on brain function and how we can reprogram. We begin taking small steps using tools I will teach you. All I need is for you to be willing to experiment with new techniques and reactions to difficult situations and people, and to let me know if the specific technique does not work for you so we can try another. Those steps have been as small as having clients who experience agoraphobia sit in a different room for 5 minutes, simple but not easy. I will also focus on your physical health and activity level. There is much research that shows some type of physical activity is helpful. I myself have experienced this. I am a hiker, an activity leader for the Florida Trail, and wilderness first aid certified. I hike, when I am inactive I definitely experience mood changes. If hiking is not your thing that is okay. We will find something that works for you.

Professional experience

12yrs in practice
Stress, Anxiety Relationships Trauma, Abuse Sleeping disorders Anger management

Additional areas of focus: Addictions, LGBT, Family conflicts, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Parenting issues, Self esteem, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Coping with life changes, Abandonment, Attachment issues, Avoidant personality, Caregiver issues and stress, Codependency, Communication problems, Control issues, Coping with natural or human-caused disaster, Dependent personality, Dissociation, Domestic violence, Emptiness, Family of origin issues, Family problems, First responder issues, Guilt and shame, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Phobias, Post-traumatic stress, Pregnancy and childbirth, Prejudice and discrimination, Sexual assault and abuse, Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues, Young adult issues

Clinical approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Hypnotherapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy

Services offered

Video
Phone
Live Chat
Messaging

License information

FL LCSW SW11449

Reviews

These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Karen Bradt. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.

I have had a great experience with Karen. She has given me several tools that have helped me work through my medical anxiety.

Written on Dec 09, 2024 after therapy with Karen for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety

Karen is the perfect blend of empathy and constructive criticism. I know she’s feeling my heartbreak but she’s also motivating me to find ways to help myself feel better.

Written on Nov 07, 2024 after therapy with Karen for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, parenting issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd

Has been there from the start look forward to checking in with her weekly she’s awesome and not hard for me to understand

Written on Jun 19, 2024 after therapy with Karen for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and anger management

I’ve been working with Karen for about a year now. She has helped me half into the parts of myself that are uncomfortable, and it helped me reach a level is grow and the but I have not been able to with other therapists. Incredibly grateful for her knowledge and her compassion.

Written on Jun 10, 2024 after therapy with Karen for 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, and coping with life changes

Karen's human and realistic approach is refreshing among the load of professionals that don't know what they're talking about and struggle to meet the client where it's most needed.

Written on Jun 06, 2024 after therapy with Karen for 2 years and 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and compassion fatigue

Meeting Karen was like finally finding someone who spoke my language and knew exactly what I needed. Caring, tough, eye opening, and down to earth, Karen has always made me feel comfortable like I was speaking to a friend, but that friend actually had helpful advice. She always checks in and responds when I need it. I couldn't have found a better therapist ♡

Written on Apr 09, 2024 after therapy with Karen for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, and grief