Hi and welcome. It takes courage to ask for help, and counseling can be helpful in many ways. I will provide a kind and safe place where I make no judgments and do my best to help you learn self-compassion; and, how to achieve a healthier life. Counseling is a challenge because it requires a commitment. It is an experience we share and we will do this together. I want to get to know you and ask you to try some new things that I think may be helpful to you. I will help you focus on what is most important to you. We can develop achievable goals together and practice important skills to create the life you want. Life can be difficult at times and you can learn to handle those difficulties. If right now you are struggling, that’s ok, you are capable of becoming healthier. I am optimistic about your ability to be healthier and look forward to working with you.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Washington with 13 years of professional experience as a mental health counselor working both online and in person. I earned my Masters of Arts in Community Counseling in 2010. Prior to becoming an experienced therapist, I had an additional 14 years of professional experience in higher education, and at least 9 of those years working with students on wellness issues such as disordered eating, adjusting to change, career choices and more. I am experienced in helping clients with stress and anxiousness, depressing thoughts, loss of focus, worry, or the inability to get things done, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, personal growth, career planning and work/life balance. I treat everyone with respect, sensitivity and compassion. We will build your treatment plan together to meet your specific concerns and I will support you in your healing process.
Additional areas of focus: Family conflicts, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Career difficulties, Coaching, Control issues, Emptiness, Impulsivity, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Money and financial issues, Women's issues, Young adult issues
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
WA LMHC LH60461716
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Karen Contardo. 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.
Karen is a great listening and has done a great job helping me think through my thoughts, concerns, and finding best approach to be my best self.
Written on Jul 08, 2024 after therapy with Karen for 7 months on issues concerning relationship issues, eating disorders, and self esteem
Karen is very kind and respectful. She really understands what is challenging for me, and helps me formulate strategies to grow toward my goals.
Written on May 20, 2024 after therapy with Karen for 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, and self esteem
Karen is extraordinarily gifted as a therapist. She is insightful, hears what wasn’t said out loud and offers me great strategies. She has helped me to see what I can and cannot do in my situation and made it clearer to me what I should do. I really appreciate Karen’s insight, honesty and supportive pushing. She is genuine, trustworthy and like the best therapists, hears what I say - when I haven’t!
Written on Mar 26, 2024 after therapy with Karen for 2 months on issues concerning family conflicts, grief, parenting issues, and coping with life changes
Karen is very insightful and a good listener. She has helped me a lot so far
Written on Jan 18, 2024 after therapy with Karen for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, and adhd