floral pattern on cream color background
star pattern on red background

HEALING FROM
the ordinary

spinning circle that reads "bespoke therapy"
female therapist sitting on couch with books in her lap

YOUR LIFE FEELS LIKE A TANGLED NECKLACE.

graphic of scribbled lines
graphic of scribbled lines

It's a whirl of snarled issues - each problem seems so distinct and solvable, yet the more you pick at it, the more you discover knots you didn't even know existed, like tiny surprises wrapped in frustration.

And you know how these things are supposed to work – you have to gently tease out one section at a time. Tug a little here, create a little space there – over and over until the gaps become bigger, and eventually, the pattern becomes clear.  

You’ve coached your daughter how to do this too – explaining how you can’t just yank hard once and expect the whole thing to come undone – that just makes the tangle tighter.

But when it comes to your life – that's all you seem to be able to do.

Mentally tugging and emotionally pulling at each problem, you sometimes gain a little slack, but it’s never enough to really break things free once and for all. Instead of becoming easier to enjoy, your perfect-on-paper life feels harder and more complex the more you work on it. 

You’re stressed, overwhelmed, and irritable – and that’s not how you used to be. 

It's your first therapy appointment with me, and you've mentally got one foot out the door, wondering if I’m judging you for making this appointment. You’ve never felt like your Knotted Necklace Problems are “bad enough” for therapy and you’re sure there’s some kind of Minimum Threshold of Dysfunction for seeking help.

“Everything sucks, but nothing is wrong – do I even belong in your office?” you say.

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I KNOW YOUR

DIRTY LITTLE SECRET

…and it’s why you absolutely belong in my office.

Heyo - I’m Karissa.

female therapist smiling

I talk fast, swear a moderate amount, and believe popcorn is acceptable for dinner. I have a husband, fur babies, real babies, and 47 house plants that I mostly remember to water.

(Oh, and I’m a master at untangling necklaces)

I’m also a therapist who is low-key obsessed about working with ironically unhappy and compulsively introspective women in their 30’s and 40’s. Why? Because I get it and I won't therapist bullshit you. 

graphic of imperfect shapes

What I will do is hold compassion and curiosity towards the parts of yourself that you're most frustrated by.

Those parts usually begin to relax around me once they realize that I'm listening to understand and not looking to control them or impose my own agenda on you. 

Curious how?

IMAGINE:

therapy, tailored just for you.

Just like a pair of custom jeans fit perfectly because they're made just for you, bespoke therapy is tailor-made to fit the contours of your life, your challenges, and your aspirations. It's therapy that gets you.

Ready to slip into your perfect therapy fit?
Here's what you can anticipate: 

Curiosity

I listen to understand, not to fix. This is the first step to creating emotional safety and internal cooperation and paves the way for the relief you’re seeking.

Clarity

I listen with intention so I can reflect back to you the emotions and significance of your experiences with such accuracy it can be overwhelming – but in a way that leaves you feeling deeply understood.

Compassion

Curiosity and clarity naturally unfold and express themselves in compassion as I assume a positive and protective intent behind all your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. 

Courage & Calmness

The depths of your vulnerability look like monsters under the bed to you. I’m the adult who isn’t afraid of the dark and will show you there’s nothing to be feared. 

Confidence

I am your personal hope merchant.
I know the relief you are seeking is possible– and I know the way towards it.  

Connectedness & Creativity

I’m not just a smile and nod robot in a cardigan – and this is what will feel different about me than the other seven therapists you could go to. I use a lot of humor and weird, spontaneously occurring analogies and metaphors to get us not just on the same page, but the same word – nay, the same punctuation mark. 

ON THE BLOG

palm plant next to a table with books

YOUR LIFE DOESN’T HAVE TO BE A DUMPSTER-FIRE-SHITSTORM
TO QUALIFY FOR THERAPY –

but you already know that, because you're here.
You just need a little permission and a tinsy nudge to follow through.

This is your permission. This is your nudge.