Karen Caswell

Since I was quite young I have been interested in feelings, relationships, and psychology. Before I entered middle school I learned about heartache, powerlessness, and irresolvable human suffering. In the 7th grade, I began seeing a school counselor and from that point on I knew I wanted to be a therapist.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work in 2004, I moved from the south to Boulder, Colorado to continue to apply for graduate school. In 2009, I received a Master of Arts in Contemplative Psychotherapy from Naropa University. In 2011, I began working full-time at Mental Health Partners. My fondness for people experiencing deep suffering grew as I spent my days with adults who were well acquainted with inequity, existential despair, and mental torment perpetuated by trauma.

In 2016, I began working as an outpatient therapist at Community Reach Center. Over the next four years, I facilitated groups for interpersonal trauma, PTSD, and intimate partner violence. Additionally, I have experience with people who have left extreme religious groups and are navigating the complexities of narcissistic abuse.

My approach to therapy is primarily humanistic, interpersonal, strengths-based, and trauma-informed. My perspective on therapy is that it's a personal journey, and you (the client) are in charge of your own destination. As your therapist I will help you discover where you want to explore. I will work collaboratively with you, yet primarily I will follow your lead. My task is to hold space, gently challenge and encourage you while you navigate life's difficulties.

I understand that with most growth comes pain. This is not easy, yet I can help you find more kindness and less judgment for your own experiences. I will gently remind you to befriend yourself, even if you are highly self-critical and doubt your worth. It may be hard to imagine truly accepting yourself, and yet this is possible with practice. Life can be more fulfilling and rich when you practice cultivating openness, curiosity, and kindness toward your own experiences. I aim to provide support to help you access clarity, strength, and self-efficacy.