Karina Pickard

I care deeply about helping you understand yourself in a way that actually feels meaningful, not just surface-level insight. I have experience in both private practice and university settings, and I love working with individuals 14+ navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, athletics, and high achievement/burnout.

As a former Division I athlete, I understand the pressure to perform, achieve, and “hold it all together”- while internally feeling something very different. If you’re the one always pushing hard, carrying more, or trying to get everything just right- let’s connect.

My approach is person-centered, meaning I prioritize building a strong, genuine therapeutic relationship where you feel safe, seen, and supported. Research shows that the quality of the therapist-client relationship is one of the strongest predictors of success, and I deeply value that foundation. I may integrate EMDR along with other evidence-based approaches to tailor treatment to your unique needs rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. I am especially passionate about helping clients build self-compassion, not just for the version of themselves that performs or achieves, but for their full, authentic self. Together, we will explore your experiences, identify patterns, and develop tools that support meaningful and lasting change.

In our first session, you can expect a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where you don’t have to have everything figured out. We’ll get to know each other, talk through what’s bringing you in, and explore what you’re hoping for. Whether you feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to make sense of your emotions, we’ll start putting language to your experience and identifying where to focus. I’ll ask thoughtful questions, but there’s no pressure to share. My goal is that you leave feeling heard, supported, and with a clearer sense of direction.