"Whether I am working with individuals, groups or organizations, I am consistently inspired by people's willingness to risk vulnerability and speak their truth. Rather than just lingering at a superficial level, together we find the real heart of things."
Karen is a licensed clinical social worker in private practice in San Francisco, where she offers psychotherapy and spiritual direction. For over twenty years she has also provided teaching, mentoring, workshops and groups in a variety of community settings.
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
Karen has been a member of the clinical faculty at the University of California-San Francisco in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences since 1994. She recently joined the faculty at the Institute for Transpersonal Psychology, where she is teaching in the Master of Spiritual Guidance program. Karen is a Circle of Trust facilitator with the Center for Courage and Renewal.
Previously Karen served as the Bay Area Director of Jewish Mosaic, and the Interfaith Outreach Program Director at Jewish Family and Children's Services, Karen is licensed by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCS 16812) and a Continuing Education Provider (PCE 358). She has been a member of the National Association of Social Workers and the Association for Women in Psychology since 1987.
MENTORING
During times of transition and change, it can be helpful to meet with a mentor for guidance and support. Karen provides mentoring to individuals, groups and organizations; her dynamic approach addresses the particular needs and goals of each client. Karen is passionate about supporting others in their vocational exploration and development.
SUPERVISION
Karen has provided group supervision for substance abuse counselors, as well as field placement supervision and training for social work students. Karen offers supervision for spiritual directors and social work interns, as well as clinical consultation for individuals and groups. Karen is also currently supervising spiritual guidance interns at the Institute for Transpersonal Psychology in Palo Alto, CA.
"With passion, clarity and insight, Karen is a superb workshop leader, mentor and writer. She brings energy from years of engaged introspection and the wisdom of time and experience to her facilitation with groups and with individuals. She has the courage to live fully, and the presence of heart and mind."
--Valerie Brown, Mindful Solutions, LLC
WRITING
Karen has been writing for over thirty years. At age 18, her first published poem was included in an anthology of young women's writing called Holding Her Own. Since then, her writing has appeared in Tikkun, Zeek, Women and Therapy, and several anthologies. Her book reviews appear regularly in Presence: the Journal of Spiritual Directors International.
Karen's writing recently received the Association for Women in Psychology's Jewish Women's Caucus Award for Scholarship, and in 2005, her article "Cultivating Compassion" was one of the winners of the International House Vision of Hope Essay Contest, addressing prejudice and stereotyping in the wake of 9/11. Her current writing appears regularly on her blog.
graphic by Vandy Ritter Design