MENTAL HEALTH THERAPIST, LCPC, NCC

Karina is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Maryland, as well as a National Certified Counselor (NCC). Karina completed her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor degree in Social Work before obtaining her Master’s degree in Counseling/Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Professional Counseling at Seton Hall University. Karina has experience working with clients in outpatient mental health setting. She has worked with a diverse client population, including children and adults, providing individual and family therapy. 

Karina has experience providing care to individuals experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as individuals managing symptoms related to mood disorders and difficulties related to substance abuse. Karina utilizes an integrative, person-centered, holistic approach in working with clients. She believes each individual is unique and will tailor the therapeutic process based on the needs of each individual. Furthermore, Karina uses different therapeutic orientations and various therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Family Therapy, Expressive and Creative Therapies, and Psychoanalysis. Karina has experience using a family systems approach, as well as a collaborative approach to best evaluate the client’s needs. She believes in the importance of guiding clients to build the skills they need to truly manage and cope with life’s stressors. Karina feels the relationship between the client and the therapist is the most important part of the therapy process. Karina focuses on building rapport within the therapeutic relationship to provide clients with a safe and comfortable therapeutic space to process, discuss, or explore their personal life experiences. 

During undergraduate studies, Karina chose to study abroad for a semester at the Universidad de Buenos Aires in Buenos Aires, Argentina to expand her cultural competency skills, while providing services to people with other cultural experiences. Karina has assisted in the administration of research focused on cognitive functioning and presented research for mental health professionals about the ethical dilemmas surrounding social media use. While achieving her Master’s degree, Karina completed her counseling internship at a day program for adults with neurodevelopmental disorders, including learning disabilities, cognitive limitations, and developmental disabilities. Karina was responsible for implementing and leading daily life skills groups, cognitive skills-based groups, psychoeducational groups, social skills groups, and self-esteem groups to support individual participants to develop skills needed to achieve additional personal independence within their daily lives. During the internship, Karina learned to design creative methods, implement behavioral interventions and constructive techniques to meet the needs of clients, while allowing her to acquire extensive experience and obtain advanced knowledge in providing care to clients diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder(s).