Karen Kimmons
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
About Me
Karen Kimmons, LPC-Associate
Supervised by Deena Shelton, Ph.D., LPC, ACS
My interest in becoming a clinical counselor first began when I spent months in the pediatric oncology ward with my daughter and met many hurting and grieving families needing support. In my non-profit work with refugees, I listened to many stories of trauma and saw the lack of support for this population. Living overseas for over 18 years, I have seen and experienced the need for mental health services, especially telehealth services when mental health care is not easily available.
Therapy played a vital role in my own recovery from anxiety, panic and identity development. It created a passion for helping others see that there is hope, and that change is possible. I love what I do!
I grew up in sunny southern California, and my husband and I have worked in Africa and France for nearly two decades. I am fluent in both French and English. We have two young daughters. In my spare time, I love to hike tall mountains, watch football, and hang out with my kiddos.
Credentials & Experience
I hold a bachelor’s degree in Intercultural Studies and Linguistics from Biola University, a master’s degree in Exegesis and Linguistics from Dallas Theological Seminary, and a masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from LeTourneau University.
I interned as a marriage and family therapist (MFT) at Pacific Clinics in Santa Fe Springs, California where I had the opportunity to work with children, adults, and families with moderate to severe behavioral and mental health concerns in the outpatient program. I was able to work with clients from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds and employed cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, existential therapy, and solution-focused therapy. I collaborated with our certified addiction counselors to help in treating clients with substance use issues. I had the opportunity to co-lead recovery and support groups, as well as leading a trauma and addiction therapy group.
In 2023, I founded the private practice, Restoration Counseling to provide in-person support for expats, international students, and refugees in where I reside in France and telehealth support to those residing in Texas, where I have my U.S. license.
THERAPEUTIC APPROACH
Holistic, Evidence-Based, Solution-Focused
What does all that mean? Holistic, because I believe that mental health should not be addressed in a vacuum. Physical health, relationships, trauma history, development, and many other factors contribute to mental wellness. We will look at all of this to help find the best solution for you. Evidence-Based, because I see it as part of my ethical duty to stay up-to-date on the most recent research in psychology and mental health to provide professional care backed by scientific research. Solution-Focused, because I believe that true change is possible, and to get there, we need to have a plan. There is a place in therapy for listening and hearing your story, and a place for setting goals and writing the next chapter.
FUN FACTS ABOUT ME
01
I love to hike. The taller the mountain, the better! (Summit of Mt. Tallac, Lake Tahoe, California)
02
I love to bake. My favorite desserts are chocolate chip cookies, brownies, and mint chocolate chip ice cream.
03
I am an avid Minnesota Vikings fan (American football). I watch every game in my purple and yellow jersey.
04
Best day: Relaxing at the beach, dinner with lots of friends and family and a great movie!