Couples therapists in Tampa, FL

Hello, I'm Dr. Karen Shatz, I am committed to guiding individuals through the intricate interplay of societal influences on personal narratives. With expertise in identity exploration, relationship dynamics, and self-empowerment, my approach aims to provide a warm, collaborative space for you to challenge and reshape limiting beliefs. I'm here to empower you to navigate life's complexities authentically. Ready to embark on a transformative journey? Contact me for support in deconstructing societal influences and shaping your unique narrative.

I work primarily with children ages 3–17, offering individual therapy while strongly encouraging family involvement to support lasting change.

I got my start working in a residential setting, supporting people through serious mental health challenges, trauma, and addiction. That experience shaped how I see therapy, it’s not just clinical, it’s about feeling understood and not alone in what you’re going through. I now work with people dealing with things like trauma, emotional ups and downs, and substance use, and I’m trained in EMDR. While I have experience with more intense situations, I also work with people who feel stuck, reactive, or disconnected and want to understand why.

Generous, Dependable, Supportive, Kindhearted, Insightful, assertive, courageous, bold, compassionate

I am Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Lifespan Development and a minor in Child and Family Development from Georgia Southern University, and went on to complete my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of North Florida.

My background includes working with children, teens, and families in both educational and therapeutic settings, as well as most recently supporting individuals and groups in addiction and recovery programs. I am certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) through Florida Atlantic University and integrate evidence-based approaches including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness practices, and strengths-based strategies. My clinical interests include supporting clients through persistent depression and anxiety, grief and loss, life transitions, and identity exploration. I also welcome partners and families into therapy, believing that healing and growth often take shape within our most important relationships.

I try to keep therapy real, practical, and focused on what actually helps. You don’t need to show up with the perfect words or a clear explanation of what’s going on—that’s something we’ll figure out together.

I’m someone who listens carefully but also isn’t afraid to be direct when it’s helpful. My goal is to create a space where you can be honest, think things through, and leave sessions with a little more clarity than you came in with.

Most of all, I believe therapy works best when it feels like a genuine conversation. My role is to help you make sense of things and support you as you move toward the changes you want in your life.