Jennifer Karr

I’m a licensed counselor in Texas and Florida with more than 19 years of mental health experience, including nearly two decades working in county jails. I have a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. My career has included crisis intervention, suicide prevention, working with individuals involved in the legal system, and being the sole mental health provider in several county jails. In other words, I’ve spent a lot of time in environments where things can go from “pretty normal” to “well, this escalated quickly” in about 30 seconds. My specialty is working with people connected to the justice system, including incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals and their families, as well as law enforcement, correctional officers, first responders, attorneys, and other professionals working in high stress environments. I understand the unique stress that comes with environments where people are expected to stay composed while dealing with things most people never have to think about. But my practice isn’t limited to the justice system. I work with adults dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, life transitions, work stress, and the many creative ways life manages to derail our plans. My approach is straightforward, practical, and individualized. I use evidence based approaches while keeping therapy conversational and human. I’m not going to tell you to “just stop overthinking” or hand you a scented candle and call it a coping skill. We’ll figure out what is actually contributing to the problem, what you can control, and what strategies make sense for your life. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you come to therapy. You just need to be willing to start somewhere.

My approach to therapy is straightforward, conversational, and individualized. I don’t believe you should have to learn a whole new language just to understand what is happening in your own life, so I skip the unnecessary “psychobabble” and talk to you like a person. I tailor therapy to your goals, personality, and what you actually need from session rather than forcing you into a rigid, one size fits all structure. I also believe therapy can be serious without having to be serious all the time. Humor and laughter have a place in the therapy room, and I am not easily offended. You can be honest, frustrated, sarcastic, overwhelmed, or completely unsure of what you need, and we can start there. My goal is for you to leave sessions feeling like we actually accomplished something, not like you just spent 50 minutes answering questions from a stranger with a clipboard. Therapy should be a place where you can be yourself, be heard without judgment, and work on real problems with someone who is willing to meet you where you are.

Starting therapy can feel awkward, uncomfortable, or even a little intimidating, and that is completely normal. You do not have to show up with a perfectly organized explanation of what is wrong or have everything figured out before we meet. During our first session, I’ll ask questions about what brought you to therapy, what you are currently dealing with, your goals, and some relevant background information so I can better understand the bigger picture. You will also have plenty of opportunity to ask questions and get a feel for whether I am the right therapist for you. I will never expect you to share something you are not ready to discuss, and we can move at a pace that makes sense for you. My goal is for the first session to feel like an actual conversation. We will figure out where to start, what you need, and whether we are a good fit. If you have been thinking about starting therapy, you do not have to wait until things get worse or until you have everything figured out. Reaching out is often the hardest part, so let’s make it simple. Contact me to schedule a free 15 minute consultation or book your first appointment. You can call or text 469-644-1258 or email [email protected]. I’d be happy to answer your questions, talk through what you are looking for, and help you decide if working together feels like the right fit.