- Relationships
- Life purpose
- CBT and ACT
About Karen
Karen Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in South Carolina with 10 years of experience helping people navigate relationship problems, trauma and abuse, depression, addictions, grief, anger, and self-esteem struggles. She also works with people facing divorce and separation, questions about forgiveness, life purpose, and building self-love.
She describes therapy as a practical space to talk through what is happening now and figure out next steps. Sessions focus on noticing patterns, trying small changes, and choosing actions that reflect what matters most to the client. She uses a mix of cognitive behavioral ideas, narrative work, acceptance and commitment strategies, and motivational interviewing to guide the process.
In conversation she listens for how thoughts and stories keep people stuck, and then offers tools to test different ways of responding. That can mean working on clearer boundaries, shifting negative self-talk, or practicing specific behavioral steps to reduce addiction-related urges or depressive withdrawal. She emphasizes step-by-step problem solving rather than long lectures.
Clients can expect direct talk about practical options alongside space to reflect on what matters to them. She aims to be respectful and unbiased while helping to shape a personal plan. The focus is on manageable changes that fit into everyday life and on clarifying what direction feels most useful now.
Anyone thinking about life direction, coping after loss, or rebuilding after relationship change may find this approach useful. To begin, follow the site's process to complete the short questionnaire and schedule a first session.
How therapeutic approaches translate to online sessions
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and choose actions that match their values. It is useful for depression, anxiety, and decisions about life purpose. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on changing unhelpful thinking and behavior through practical exercises and homework. It is often used for depression, low self-esteem, and coping skills for urges or mood shifts.Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with the client about which methods feel most relevant and try them out together. That collaborative process helps shape a plan that fits the client's goals and the specific issues they bring, like relationship change or grief.
The practical benefits of doing sessions online include fitting therapy into a busy week and making it easier to attend from different locations. Confirm the current session options before booking so you know which formats are offered. Many people find online work allows shorter check-ins when needed, reduces travel time, and makes it simpler to continue care after a move. Licensed professionals will work with clients to pick session rhythms and homework that fit everyday life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
10+ years
Listed in
South Carolina
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she help with?
She works with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, depression, addictions, grief, anger, and related topics such as divorce, forgiveness, life purpose, and self-love.
How does she approach feeling stuck or directionless?
She uses practical, action-focused methods like cognitive behavioral techniques, acceptance and commitment ideas, narrative work, and motivational interviewing to test small changes and clarify values.
What is her background and experience?
She has 10 years of professional experience working with people on anxiety, depression, grief, relationship problems, trauma, motivation, and self-esteem.
What credential and location does she have?
She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensed in South Carolina.
Which languages are offered?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the US work with her?
She accepts international clients.
How are sessions paid for and what does cost look like?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin a first session?
Click the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and then schedule your first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.