Psychologist for CEOs & Growing Leaders
Meet Dr. Karen
My career has been an exciting mix of leadership and the practice of psychology, all of which led me to my passion and purpose - supporting leaders to empower themselves to care for their mental health and improve their heart-centered leadership through a journey of self-discovery in therapy.
Being a leader is hard. It requires emotional intelligence, strategy, level-headedness, empathy, authenticity, and an ability to zoom in and out. Leaders are responsible to those they serve, to the organization, and to transforming cultures and systems for the betterment of the organization and its employees. The pressures and demands on leaders can take a toll. By nurturing and honoring yourself, mental health, work-life balance, and relationships can blossom.
A career in leadership and supporting growing leaders led me to the most valuable leadership lesson - strength, competence, and confidence in leadership are rooted in authenticity. As I put energy into developing an understanding of my patterns, emotions, worldview, values, and impact on others, this helped me deepen my leadership practice and impact. Finding spaces, like therapy, where I was nurtured and supported in self-discovery allowed me to bring my best self to the workplace to share with others.
I have supported leaders in their development throughout my career. I strive to encourage others to live their most authentic lives, to find the courage to be vulnerable, and to embrace their imperfections. Most importantly, I enjoy celebrating with leaders as they uncover their potential and make a change in this world.
Let’s bring heart to leadership development and nurture you as a growing leader.
Approach
As a psychologist for CEOs and growing leaders, cultivating a trusting relationship with you in therapy is my highest priority. When we create a trusting space together, you can express yourself and share openly in a way that uncovers the wisdom within you. We will spend time together discussing the challenges you face as a leader and in life, unpacking the early life experiences that are playing out as patterns and reactions in adulthood, and we’ll search for the solutions you hold within you.
We’ll listen to the messages you tell yourself and curiously consider whether those messages are serving you. I’ll be here as a witness to your journey and a compassionate mirror so you can see yourself more clearly. I will offer perspective and tested tools for you to consider. And sometimes, I’ll lovingly challenge you to explore an alternative that might unlock more greatness within you. We’ll be teammates on your growth, self-discovery, and leadership development journey.
Credentials
B.A. in Psychology (major)/Business (minor)
Auburn University, 2000
M.S. in Counseling Psychology & Family Human Services
University of Oregon, 2003
Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology
University of Oregon, 2006
Post-doctoral Residency in
Counseling & Psychological Services
University of California Davis, 2007
Licensed Psychologist
Oregon License # 3675