Karen is a psychotherapist with more than 30 years of experience specializing in grief and loss arising from death, divorce, and life’s many transitions. She works with individuals, families, and organizations, drawing upon family systems theory, positive psychology, mindfulness, and Buddhist teachings in her private practice.

Karen has been a featured guest on several podcasts, including Kelly Corrigan Wonders, Cracking Open with Molly Carroll, and The WoMed. She began her career as an employee assistance counselor at the investment bank Merrill Lynch, supporting employees through major national traumas such as the Oklahoma City bombing, the Columbine High School shootings, and the events of 9/11.

Karen served on the board of directors at Peter’s Place: Center for Grieving Children and Families for 14 years. She is also the cofounder and facilitator of Safe Space for Girls, a weekly therapy group for adolescent girls.

She holds a Master of Social Work from the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis and a Bachelor of Science in Individual and Family Studies from Pennsylvania State University. 

Debra has been a therapist for more than 35 years as an individual and group psychotherapist, educator, trainer, career counselor, and group facilitator. She has worked in a variety of settings including higher education institutions, community mental health centers, emergency medical services, corporate settings, and public health organizations. 

Debra has extensive training in Gestalt therapy and other humanistic approaches, as well as positive psychology, Buddhist psychology, mindfulness practices, and group dynamics. In her private practice, she helps clients look at patterns that are no longer serving them and behaviors that stop them from getting what they want in life, with the goal of living with more authenticity and joy. She has had a long-term interest in examining our fast-paced way of life and helping others explore ways to slow down and live more intentionally. This interest has led her to record a podcast, It’s About Time, create a website challenging the “more is better” approach to our lives, as well as having served on the Board of Directors of Take Back Your Time. 

Debra has a master’s degree both in counseling from the University of Arizona as well as one in public health from the University of Massachusetts. Her passion is working with groups and using their collective energy, wisdom, compassion, and sense of community to bring about insight and change to its members.