Karen O’Strander is a fully licensed clinical social worker. She earned a Bachelor of Social Work from Central Michigan University in 2012 and a Master of Social Work from Grand Valley State University in 2017.
Prior to joining Pine Rest, Karen has worked as a support coordinator for families of children with developmental disabilities, volunteered for over a year in Peru creating a special education program for children and adults, and then completed a clinical internship at a primary care physician’s office. She more recently worked providing case management and individual and group therapy services for adults with severe and persistent mental health concerns, and often co-occurring substance abuse needs.
Karen is passionate about supporting adults and adolescents who may be experiencing difficulties with depression, anxiety, psychosis, trauma/PTSD, self-harm, substance abuse, relationship conflict, spiritual/religious issues, and stress. She is trained in EMDR therapy for reprocessing of traumatic experiences. She is LGBTQ+ affirming. She is also able to work with individuals who speak Spanish. Karen uses a strength-based non-judgmental approach to develop therapeutic connections based on authenticity and respect.
