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Hello! My name is Karen Ward. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas with over 14 years of experience working as a counselor and a hypnotherapist. I have worked with individuals, couples, and families with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, past hurts, and OCD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. In addition, I have much life experience that gives me compassion and a deeper understanding of what it may be like standing in your shoes. Congratulations on taking this first step in improving your life. Many people believe that seeking help from a therapist is a sign of weakness. But the contrary is true. It is a sign of great strength and wisdom. I will be glad to discuss this further with you if you would like.
I strongly believe you should feel comfortable with the therapist you choose, and hopeful about the therapy. When you feel this way, therapy is more likely to be extremely helpful to you. I like to think of my role as a passenger on your boat of life, helping you navigate through the rapids or the storms of your life. I will not steer your boat for you or tell you how to drive it. But I will teach you better skills and help you let go of your past failures or anchors that are weighing you down so that when the next rapids or storm hits, you are better prepared to navigate through the troubled waters to calmer seas.
My theoretical approach is based on the family system. Each of us has a family. This could be the family that raised us (parents, grandparents, foster parents, adopted parents, aunts and uncles, or other friends or extended family) or it could be people we respect and give us assistance and guidance when needed most. Any or all these people have contributed to our experiences, good or bad in life, and how we react to people or situations today. It is these family memories and experiences along with your personality and temperament that have brought you to the place you are in life today.
The most central ideas in my work are:
1. People are unique and deserve to be treated equally and with respect.
2. Families and society tend to judge people's worth and force them into conformity which may lead to anxiety, loss of self-esteem, depression, anger, rebellion, and other dysfunctional behaviors and psychological disorders.
3. Every person needs their own space and a purpose in life to have a sense of worth, hope, acceptance, empowerment, and the ability to make good choices and be responsible.
4. Therapy can help people change in a positive way so that they can live to their full potential.
5. Parents do the best they know how, and often repeat the dysfunctional patterns of their families.
6. Change can be difficult and may create stress in the family system and in the client. This can lead to the client reverting to the familiar way of coping with the stress and the stopping of all progress.
7. As the client's self-worth and outlook on life improves, change will occur and is permanent.
The goals of my treatment are tailored to the individual's uniqueness, willingness to change, and their personal issues. My hope is that everyone will discover their full potential and develop the healthy coping skills necessary to function in their family system and in society.
I look forward to helping you find peace and happiness in your life.
Additional areas of focus:Addictions, LGBT, Family conflicts, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Abandonment, Aging and Geriatric Issues, Antisocial Personality, Attachment issues, Avoidant Personality, Blended Family Issues, Body image, Cancer, Caregiver issues and stress, Chronic pain illness and disability, Co-morbidity, Codependency, Commitment Issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Coping with Natural or Human-Caused Disaster, Dependent Personality, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), Dissociation, Divorce and separation, Domestic Violence, Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Eating and Food-Related Issues, Emptiness, Family of Origin Issues, Family Problems, Fatherhood Issues, First Responder Issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Hoarding, Hospice and End of Life Counseling, Impulsivity, Infidelity, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Men's issues, Midlife crisis, Military and Veterans Issues, Money and financial issues, Mood disorders , Multicultural Concerns, Narcissism, Obsessions, Compulsions, and OCD, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Paranoia, Personality Disorders, Phobias, Polyamory / Nonmonogamous Relationships, Postpartum Depression, Post-traumatic stress, Pregnancy and childbirth, Prejudice and Discrimination, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-Harm, Self-love, Sex Addiction, Sexual Assault and Abuse, Sexual Dysfunction, Sexuality, Smoking/Vaping Cessation, Social anxiety and phobia, Somatization, Traumatic Brain Injury, Trichotillomania, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young Adult Issues
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Karen Ward. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Karen is so patient and kind. She’s everything I was looking for in a therapist! She listens and asks questions in a way that makes me feel safe and validated.
Written on Apr 18, 2024 after therapy with Karen for 1 year and 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, and bipolar disorder
She is a great listener.
Written on Feb 10, 2024 after therapy with Karen for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and anger management
Karen has been so kind, compassionate, and helpful as I have sought self improvement. She actively listens to me, validates me, and gives me feedback. I would recommend Karen to anyone ❤️
Written on Jan 31, 2024 after therapy with Karen for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, and parenting issues
Karen has been extremely helpful and supportive during one of the roughest periods of my life. She’s not only responsive when you send a question or concern, she takes the time to answer with a valuable response. She gives guidance whenever you need it and will keep you on your path. So glad I’ve found her!
Written on Jan 29, 2024 after therapy with Karen for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
I think Ms Karen has a lot of knowledge, she is slow to talk and quick to listen-or is it the other way around?
Written on Nov 01, 2023 after therapy with Karen for 1 month
Karen is amazing! I feel a safe place with her because help me solve some my problems. She’s very supportive, listens with her undivided attention, & she doesn’t judge me.
Written on Oct 03, 2023 after therapy with Karen for 7 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety
Karen has done a fantastic job of creating a comfortable space and keeping track of everything we've discussed. We've definitely jumped into the deep end but I feel comfortable and enjoy how quickly the sessions have felt really meaningful.
Written on Sep 23, 2023 after therapy with Karen for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and coping with life changes
Karen is very calm and supportive. I feel like I have a friend I can talk to.
Written on Aug 14, 2023 after therapy with Karen for 1 year and 5 months on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, coping with life changes, coaching, and compassion fatigue
Karen was attentive to everything that I brought up and helped me make sense of very complex disorders and emotions. Strongly recommend!!
Written on Jan 16, 2023 after therapy with Karen for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Karen has provided a safe place for me to talk about what bothers me. She is helping me learn new ways to think about things and how I can respond positively.
Written on Nov 24, 2022 after therapy with Karen for 3 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, and parenting issues
She is great!
Written on Nov 18, 2022 after therapy with Karen for 11 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, self esteem, and anger management
Karen has been a huge help to me on my journey to healing. She has given me the space to speak freely and is a good listener. Several things I wanted to work on she had a lot of knowledge about and was able to help me understand and see a clear path rather then muddy mire I have been waking in. I have gained hope, knowledge, direction and I also see a light at the end of my tunnel while counsling with her. I highly recommend Karen for her great ability to listen and understand what one is going through and also provide you a way to move past it while supporting you and encouraging you through it.
Written on Oct 30, 2022 after therapy with Karen for 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd
Absolutely some of the best care I’ve ever received. 3 sessions in and I found myself feeling incredibly comfortable, confident, open to her guidance. I look forward each week to our sessions together.
Written on Oct 14, 2022 after therapy with Karen for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
Karen listens and asks thoughtful questions during sessions. She is calm and joyful.
Written on Jun 19, 2022 after therapy with Karen for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and parenting issues
Karen has been helped me understand things better, have more compassion for myself, and suggests ways to better handle situations. I appreciate her guidance, advice and lending an ear.
Written on May 13, 2022 after therapy with Karen for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, and parenting issues
Karen is a professional caring and compassionate hypnotherapist that has been a delight to work with. I look forward each week to the creative process she has to offer. I would highly recommend her.
Written on Jan 28, 2022 after therapy with Karen for 7 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and trauma and abuse
Very easy to talk to and really helps me look within myself
Written on Jan 21, 2022 after therapy with Karen for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, and intimacy-related issues
I love Karen's style. She's patient, understanding and kind and I feel very comfortable with her. She's so knowledgeable and has taught me a lot.
Written on Dec 13, 2021 after therapy with Karen for 3 months on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and coping with life changes
Karen understands this type of abuse!
Written on Nov 17, 2021 after therapy with Karen for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and trauma and abuse
I am extremely grateful for Karen showing up at the perfect time in my life. Now that i am ready to peel and heal the deepest parts of myself (even parts of me that i have forgotten), i found her. She is a great listener and a wise counselor. I have learned a lot from her and she is one of a kind. I am continually healing myself for years with different teachers/therapists but with her, she knew exactly what the issue is and pinpoints directly on the things i need to work on. I love her. Thank you so much, Karen! You are wonderful~
Written on Oct 30, 2021 after therapy with Karen for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, and trauma and abuse
My first session with Karen was very helpful. Karen, thank you so much for listening to me.
Written on Oct 28, 2021 after therapy with Karen for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and coping with life changes
Karen is kind hearted and individualize each Session just for me. She creates a Relaxing Environment.
Written on Sep 05, 2021 after therapy with Karen for 6 months on issues concerning coaching
Karen ward has changed my life. I don’t think that there’s must else needed to be said other than that.
Written on Aug 16, 2021 after therapy with Karen for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety
Karen has been wonderful. She understands what is troubling me and what I need to work on. She provides exercises and ways for me to move forward and progress for the better. It's been great!
Written on Aug 05, 2021 after therapy with Karen for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and coping with life changes
When my psychiatrist recommended counseling I wasn't sure what I'd talk about or who I'd feel comfortable with and benefit from and I put it off. Finally I Was matched with Karen and she made me feel comfortable right away. I look forward to every session and feel that my needs and goals for therapy have become much more clear.
Written on Jul 08, 2021 after therapy with Karen for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
She's really down to earth and trustworthy more than I've had with prior counselors. I love her techniques especially which the hypnotherapy which I'm doing everyday now. She's incredible and I highly recommend. She makes me feel like I have a good friend to talk to.
Written on Jul 02, 2021 after therapy with Karen for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, and bipolar disorder
Karen is so wonderful! She has taught me so much in how to handle my anxiety, nightmares, and racing thoughts. I have full confidence in her and her ability's. She makes me feel very calm when talking to her. I highly recommend her!
Written on Jul 01, 2021 after therapy with Karen for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, and adhd
We have had 2 sessions thus far and I feel karen will be able to help me through everything. She has helped me to think about a lot so far and things are going very well. She's very understanding and very nice. Highly recommend for an understanding and helpful counselor. She shows you how things are very well.
Written on May 18, 2021 after therapy with Karen for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
I’ve never been comfortable with the idea of therapy itself or even opening up to someone that is a complete stranger at first, but Karen has definitely been a diamond in the rough. She is very kind and intuitive, and a great listener who will give you straight up, honest advice and will do her best to help you. Highly recommend.
Written on May 14, 2021 after therapy with Karen for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and relationship issues
Karen is great and has helped me a great deal so far
Written on May 04, 2021 after therapy with Karen for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
Karen listens to everything I tell her and gives me guidance on what I am doing right and where I need to make changes.
Written on May 03, 2021 after therapy with Karen for 3 weeks
Karen has been great! She validates my feelings and offers good advise that helps me see things in a positive way. I enjoy our sessions and already feel better.
Written on May 01, 2021 after therapy with Karen for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Very patient and good listener
Written on May 01, 2021 after therapy with Karen for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and coaching
Karen has been such a great council when processing through the stressors in my life. She is attentive, caring, gentle, resourceful, and provides helpful tools, tips, and encouragement. I always look forward to seeing her!
Written on Apr 26, 2021 after therapy with Karen for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, eating disorders, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Karen has been an amazing therapist to work with. Often times it is hard to find the "right fit" in finding the therapist I can connect with so I am grateful for this app and how it connected me to her. She has been an amazing resource and someone who is helping me through my journey. I am very pleased and happy with her.
Written on Mar 30, 2021 after therapy with Karen for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, compassion fatigue, and adhd
She seems to be a good listener. I like that. Some times you just need someone to hear you
Written on Mar 14, 2021 after therapy with Karen for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, and self esteem
I’ve only had one session with Karen, but I like her gentle caring nature. In her response to my original message I could tell she understood my concerns.
Written on Mar 06, 2021 after therapy with Karen for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, and self esteem
The first time I spoke with Karen I could tell she was experienced and knew what she was talking about. I've tried a few therapist and councilors over the years that seemed to by focused on one topic and I never really felt they understood what I was trying not get out, I never felt that they really understood how my brain works of the way I try to express things. With Karen I felt instant validation, I felt heard clearly for the first time, I felt she understood what I was really trying to say. She was able to see under the surface almost instantly. I'm naturally very guarded and for the first time in a long time I felt I could be myself and speak my truth with out judgement or having to justify or dumb anything down. Thank you Karen Ward!
Written on Feb 20, 2021 after therapy with Karen for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
Karen is the best. I feel I'm making great progress.
Written on Jan 13, 2021 after therapy with Karen for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, and coping with life changes
I am only starting with this process, so I don't have any long term information offer. What I have so far is completely positive. Since my health plan has no provision for this kind of service, I consider Betterhelp's availability a really excellent thing, and I like the idea that I can message in the app, rather than have to do all communications during our meeting. So, as I said before I'm just getting started, but I would recommend anyone try out this venue yeah they have some things that they need to really optimize in their life and they think some counseling might help.
The thing that really surprised me about this process was that if I am just journaling to myself I don't really look at the issues and the amount of detail that I would have to look at them if I was explaining them to someone else such as a counselor. This has led me to examine the things that I am trying to improve not only in more detail but in more relevant detail. This counselling process has added an entire dimension to my love level of thought. The first example is when I moved from merely documenting what I was thinking and feeling as I would have in my Journal to actually formulating what a good version of the troubled area would look like in order that I could explain what I wanted to my counselor. Having to do this last little part of analysis and thought is really starting to make a little difference and my approach to this end to some other things that are not at risk.
Written on Jan 12, 2021 after therapy with Karen for 2 weeks
Karen is incredible. She has helped me work through so many things during such a difficult time in my life. Her guidance and support have helped me progress and sort through so many things and heal in so many ways. I love working with her.
Written on Dec 05, 2020 after therapy with Karen for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, anger management, and coping with life changes
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