- Guilt and shame work
- First responder experience
- CBT and ACT methods
About Karen
Karen Kelly is an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) practicing in Alaska with 13 years of clinical experience. She works with adults facing depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and related concerns such as relationship strain and coping with life changes. Karen also addresses guilt and shame as part of her clinical focus and communicates in English and French.
Her style is direct and person-centered. Sessions usually involve clear, practical steps alongside space to talk about painful memories and feelings. She draws on methods that help people notice thoughts, try different behaviors, and develop steady coping skills.
Karen has experience supporting people who have served in the military and first responders, and she understands workplace stress and social isolation. That background informs how she approaches trauma, post-traumatic stress, and compassion fatigue. She also works with substance use and the emotional consequences that follow.
In session she blends several evidence-based approaches to suit the issue at hand. Expect straightforward skills practice from cognitive behavioral methods, present-moment focus from acceptance work, and targeted trauma processing when appropriate. The aim is to help people reduce interference from painful emotions and improve everyday functioning.
Practical matters are part of her work. She uses a subscription model for sessions that can be canceled at any time. To begin, people complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session using the See online therapy options button.
Many people reach out about guilt or shame tied to relationships, past mistakes, or roles like caregiver or responder. She helps them name those feelings, understand how they show up, and try different ways of responding so daily life feels more manageable.
Therapeutic approaches used during online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on noticing thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, then taking committed action toward personal values. It can help when guilt or shame gets in the way of living the life someone wants.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) examines thought patterns and offers practical exercises to shift unhelpful beliefs and behaviors. It is useful for anxiety, mood issues, and problems that respond to skills practice.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a trauma-processing approach that targets distressing memories and the ways they continue to cause emotional pain. It is used when traumatic events or strong memories are a central concern.
Finding the right approach is part of the work and is done together. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and how symptoms show up, then recommend one or a blend of methods. Clients have a say in how treatment proceeds and in trying different strategies if something does not fit.
If you plan to meet online, confirm the specific session formats available before booking because the biography does not list formats. Online work can make scheduling easier, allow shorter check-ins, and reduce travel time so therapy fits into busy days. It also lets people keep continuity of care when life or work requires flexibility.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
13+ years
Listed in
Alaska
Languages
English, French
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she help with?
She works with depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and related concerns including grief, anger, and self-esteem.
How does she approach guilt and shame?
She helps people name those feelings, notice how they affect behavior, and try new responses using cognitive and acceptance-based skills.
What is her clinical background?
She has 13 years of experience and background supporting people with post-traumatic stress, substance use, and workplace stress.
What credential does she hold and where does she practice?
She is an LCSW licensed in Alaska and practices with clients in that state.
Does she work in other languages or with international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and French. International clients are not accepted.
What session formats are available?
Please confirm current session options before booking, as formats are not specified in the biography.
How does pricing work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start working with her?
Click the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.