Healing Through Safety and Connection

Her clinical approach integrates various tools and techniques drawn from trauma-informed interventions that include somatic therapies. She also incorporates evidence-based nervous system regulation strategies informed by neurobiology research that help individuals restore a sense of safety and connection within their bodies. Karina is certified in the Safe and Sound Protocol®, an evidence-based listening therapy informed by the Polyvagal Theory. She also holds a certification as an Equine-Assisted Therapy practitioner, allowing her to incorporate innovative and research-supported approaches that support nervous system regulation, trauma recovery, and overall wellbeing.
 

A central focus of her work is the relational impact of trauma. Recognizing that traumatic experiences often disrupt an individual’s sense of safety in relationships and in the world, Karina provides relationally attuned, trauma-informed care that supports clients in building trust, safety with self and others, self-awareness, strengthening interpersonal connections, and developing healthier patterns of engagement with others. By addressing both the neurobiological and relational effects of trauma, her work helps individuals move toward greater emotion regulation, improved relationships, and a stronger sense of self.
 

Karina also brings a multicultural perspective to her work. Having grown up in France, next to Geneva, Switzerland, she was immersed in an international and multicultural environment with early exposure to refugee and asylum-seeking populations. Fluent in French, she brings cultural sensitivity and a deep respect for diverse lived experiences to her therapeutic practice.

Prior to entering the clinical field, Karina spent 11 years as a District Manager, where she developed strong leadership, organizational, and team development skills. This experience informs her collaborative and systems-oriented perspective when working with individuals, organizations, and community partners.
 

Having personally experienced disability, Karina understands the profound connection between meaningful work, personal dignity, and overall wellbeing. This lived perspective deepens her compassionate, authentic, client-centered approach, and strengthens her commitment to supporting individuals in all walks of life, including veterans, individuals with disabilities, and other underserved populations in building stability, resilience, and more fulfilling lives.

Education:
Master of Social Work (MSW) — Walden University | 2017
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology — American Military University | 2014

 

North Park University, Chicago, IL
B.S. General Studies in Counseling Psychology, May 2014

 

Augusta Warrior Project — Augusta, Georgia | MSW Clinical Intern & Volunteer | 2015–2017

Department of Veterans Affairs — El Paso, Texas | Primary Care Clinic Support | Jun 2012 – May 2014

Licenses and Certifications:

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) — Arizona | Active
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) — Georgia | Previously Licensed

Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) Provider — Certified
Holistic Equine Therapy Provider — Certified
 

Top Specialties
 

• Somatic Trauma Care

• Attachment & Relationships

• Experiential Therapies
   

Expertise
 

• ADHD

• Anger Management

• Anxiety

• Chronic Illness

• Depression

• Developmental Disorders

• Divorce

• Domestic Violence

• Dual Diagnosis

• First Responders

• Geriatric and Seniors

• Grief

• LGBTQ+

• Life Transitions

• Relationship Issues

• Self Esteem

• Stress

• Substance Use

• Suicidal Ideation

• Trauma and PTSD

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

• Veterans

• Women's Issues
   

Treament Approach
 

• Attachment-based

• Cognitive Processing (CPT)

• Culturally Sensitive

• Experiential Therapy

• Humanistic

• Multicultural

• Music Therapy

• Person-Centered

• Prolonged Exposure Therapy

• Relational

• Safe and Sound Protocol

• Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)

• Somatic

• Strength-Based

• Trauma Focused