Karen Dorner

Karen Dorner

My name is Karen Dorner and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with a Masters in Mental Health Community Counseling from the University of Louisville.  I have been working as a counselor for over 11 years and I am so lucky to continue to love what I do all these years.  My core passion is helping others improve the quality of their lives by overcoming and working through their pain, anxieties, and traumas and by navigating life’s challenges.  I am blessed that my clients trust me to walk with them on their respective journeys towards finding balance, peace and connectedness as individuals and also within their families.

How I can help

I believe the process of therapy requires working collaboratively with clients and I am fully engaged in this process towards growth and change.  I offer a safe and supportive environment built on trust and mutual respect between me and my clients, and as we work through issues I help them find a voice for their emotions.

Change and growth comes from awareness of thoughts and feelings and being able to adjust these in order to manage symptoms, overcome emotional and psychological pain, and by finding healthier ways to have our needs met.  I use a variety of theoretical approaches to help clients learn to alleviate and manage symptoms, to improve functioning, communication and understanding, and in general to feel better.  Below are some of the theoretical approaches I use in my practice:

  • Cognitive Behavior Therapy
  • EMDR
  • Mindfulness (guided imagery)
  • Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy
  • Coping Skills

My work is centered in individual (adults, adolescents and children) and family therapy.  I also work with “first responders”, such as police officers and firefighters, to help them navigate the daily stressors they face both on and off the job.  While I treat a variety of mental health concerns and life struggles, my specialties include:

  • Anxiety/Panic
  • Trauma /Grief and loss
  • Depression/mood issues
  • Adjustment disorders (things just are not going right)
  • Behavior issues

My story

Whether it was volunteering at the church or working with the counselors at my high school, growing up I always had an interest in helping others work through life’s challenges.  However, my passion for helping people work through pain, anxieties, and trauma came during my graduate school days, when I was deeply impacted by the events of 9-11.  Among other events that day, I recall the traumatic interviews and stories of people at “ground zero” including police officers, firefighters, and medical professionals, as well as the countless news stories of how this tragic event impacted people all over the country.  Shortly thereafter I completed my master’s degree and received my LCPC, and have continued to receive specialized training in dealing with trauma to better help clients.

In my personal life, I enjoy spending time with my two amazing kids and my husband.

Email: karen@lifeworkcounseling.net