I'm Karen, a therapist and former paramedic. I help first responders, their families and anyone carrying trauma find practical tools that actually work, and a steadier footing.
Avoidance is the enemy of recovery.
From the work of Edna Foa
Maybe something from years ago keeps resurfacing, or something recent has thrown you off course. If you're having a hard time coping, that's reason enough to call. Many people start feeling better within a few weeks.
Asking for help is the hardest step, and you've already started. You deserve to live fully, not just get by.
Trauma, relationships and grief are the heart of my work. I also help with many of the other things life throws at us.
Post-traumatic stress is an injury, not a weakness. It comes from seeing and living through things most people never have to.
Police, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, ER staff and veterans. And the partners who live with the job too.
A well-researched approach that helps the brain reprocess painful memories so they lose their grip on the present.
I worked as a paramedic in Los Angeles and Alameda counties before becoming a therapist, so I understand the calls, the culture and the pressure to keep it all inside. You won't have to explain the job to me.
You don't have to keep living on high alert. There is a better way, and all it takes is showing up willing to try.
Spouses and partners can learn how to support someone in a demanding job, and how to take care of themselves along the way. Individual and couples sessions are available.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) helps turn painful experiences into ones your mind can file away, so old images, beliefs and feelings stop running the show.
Together we identify a memory that still feels stuck, along with the beliefs and body sensations attached to it.
While you briefly hold the memory in mind, gentle back-and-forth stimulation (eye movements or tapping) helps your brain process it.
The memory doesn't disappear, but it becomes less vivid and less disturbing. What's left is something you've learned from, not something that controls you.
Curious whether EMDR is right for you? Let's talk it through.
Talk with Karen
My office is a casual, safe place where you can let your guard down. You're the expert on your own life. My job is to help you see what's keeping you stuck and build on the strengths you already have.
Together we look at where your beliefs and patterns come from, whether that's childhood, relationships or work. I draw on several therapeutic approaches and fit them to you, not the other way around. We set realistic goals, work as a team and find coping strategies that genuinely resonate, so you feel better now and have tools that last long after therapy ends.
Therapy asks for an open mind and a willingness to look at the parts of you that feel frozen or shut down. I'll make it a safe place to do that.
I work with law enforcement, fire and EMS agencies as a mental health and Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) consultant, and I lead critical incident debriefings for crews after hard calls.
Structured group sessions after a difficult incident, so crews can process what happened together and know what reactions to expect.
Guidance for supervisors and peer support teams on responding to critical incidents and supporting personnel over time.
Confidential individual and couples therapy, including EMDR, for personnel and their families who need more than a debriefing.
New to therapy or thinking about switching therapists? Start by getting in touch. There's no pressure either way.
Call or email. Tell me as much or as little as you like.
I'll get back to you within two business days, answer any questions and find a time that works.
At the office that suits you, we talk about what's going on and what you hope will change, and you ask me anything.
A sliding scale is available for those who qualify. If cost is a worry, bring it up when we talk and we'll find something that works.
Good Faith Estimate. Under the No Surprises Act, if you aren't using insurance you have the right to a Good Faith Estimate of what your care will cost. Ask me for one before your first session. To learn more, visit cms.gov/nosurprises.
PTSD can follow a single overwhelming event or years of repeated exposure. Common signs include trouble sleeping, nightmares or flashbacks, avoiding reminders, feeling numb or detached, losing interest in things you enjoyed, being easily startled or always on guard, strong reactions to reminders, trouble concentrating, and physical symptoms like headaches, dizziness or a racing pulse. Many people also carry heavy guilt, including survivor's guilt.
If this sounds like you or someone you love, help is out there, and it works.
Not at all. First responders and their families are a special focus, but I work with adults and seniors facing anxiety, depression, grief, relationship strain and many other life challenges.
Yes. I offer individual and couples sessions. Working together can be especially helpful when one person's job or trauma is affecting the relationship.
I don't offer counseling for children. I sometimes see older teens when a parent or close family member is already my client. If that's your family, ask me and we'll talk about whether it's a good fit.
Sessions are in person, at my Castro Valley and San Jose offices.
I see clients on weekdays during the day. When you get in touch, tell me which office and which days work best for you, and I'll find a time.
You stay awake, in control and able to stop at any time. After preparing together, you briefly bring a memory to mind while following side-to-side eye movements or tapping. You don't have to describe every detail out loud. Over sessions, the memory loses its emotional charge.
I work with Claremont EAP, ComPsych, Concern and Uprise Health. If your plan isn't listed, ask me about out-of-network options, or a sliding-scale fee. Sessions are $225 for individuals and $250 for couples. See fees.
Everyone is different, but many people notice a difference within the first few weeks. We'll set clear, realistic goals together so you can see your progress.
Choose whichever office is easier for you. Here's how to find and park at each one.
Look for the yellow Victorian house behind McDonald's, just off Castro Valley Boulevard. The driveway is on Norbridge Avenue. Pull into the driveway to park.
The building needs an access code. I'll share it when you book.
Street parking is usually available out front, and there's a large lot behind the building. Heading north on Saratoga Ave., turn into the driveway just past Wendy's.
Support and trusted information, any time you need it.
The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free, confidential and open 24/7. Veterans and service members can press 1. In an emergency, call 911.
Looking for something to read? Ask me. I tailor book suggestions to what you're working through.
One conversation is all it takes to find out whether we're a good fit.
Talk with KarenCall or email, and I'll get back to you within two business days to set up a time. Leave a message anytime.
Trouble with the form? Open it in a new tab, or call (408) 718-0205.