Share via email
Hi, I'm Kara Lorenz, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a passion for helping individuals navigate life's challenges and discover their personal strengths. My goal is to provide an empathic and supportive space whether you're facing overwhelming emotions, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, life changes, or seeking personal growth. I am based on the Monterey coast of California and provide therapy to clients statewide via telehealth.
My approach
I utilize a holistic, strengths-based, and highly personalized approach, tailoring my therapy style to meet your individual needs. I draw from evidence-based practices including, but not limited to, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), grief support, nonviolent communication, and Solution-Focused Therapy. My work is trauma-informed and client-centered to support you with the goals you identify while providing non-judgmental motivation and guidance along the way. Through a collaborative and non-judgmental therapeutic relationship, we will explore your challenges, identify patterns, and work toward making effective changes.
My focus
I have 10 years of experience working in mental health in both individual and group therapy settings with adults of all ages (18-80). Throughout these years I've gained extensive experience and training in treating a wide range of individuals with depression/anxiety, mood dysregulation symptoms, personality disorders, anger, challenges with sleep, grief, thought disorders, and more.
My communication style
I hope to provide a comfortable space that is non-judgmental and safe. I value my therapeutic relationships and always aim to be direct while also being respectful. My style is very reflective and inquisitive to help you learn about yourself. I strongly believe that communication is key to all healthy relationships and I hope to model that throughout our work together.
My journey to mental healthcare
I have always been passionate about mental health and helping people learn about their patterns, strengths, and goals for themselves. I believe that therapy can be a helpful tool to process life's challenges in a way that is helpful and allows us to grow. I'm driven to help people change their lives in ways that also better the lives of those around them. As humans, we all have experiences and emotions that can make life difficult, but you don't have to go through it alone. I'm here to help you, help yourself.
My goals for you
I will work with you collaboratively to identify goals that are personal to you. Together, we will discuss those goals and their importance, the pace at which you feel comfortable moving through those goals, and the ideal length of treatment. While setting goals I utilize a SMART approach that ensures the goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. My goal is to value your time and the goals you have for yourself. We will also likely discuss your personal needs and your current emotions to identify the treatment method that will best address your goals and meet your needs.
My first session with you
During our first session, I will introduce myself and aim to provide a space that is comfortable through establishing a connection and building trust/rapport. This session is also an opportunity to learn about what is bringing you to therapy, how you have been feeling lately, what you are hoping to get out of therapy. During our first session together, please feel free to ask questions and get to know me as a therapist to ensure we are a good fit. Your comfort is my priority.
