“My mission as a therapist is to create a compassionate, safe, supportive space where you can explore who you are, gain deeper self-understanding and build the self-compassion, confidence and skills needed to move toward your goals. My approach is rooted in the belief that authentic connection and collaboration are at the heart of meaningful change.”
Karen values building a strong partnership based on trust, openness and the freedom to be real. She aims to provide a non-judgmental environment where you can be yourself—quirky moments and all— meeting you where you are to explore and collaboratively problem-solve the challenges getting in the way of building the life you want. She welcomes all individuals and is proudly LGBTQ+ affirming in her practice.
Whether you’re working through overwhelming emotions, navigating difficult relationships, or breaking free from unhelpful patterns, Karen uses a flexible, individualized approach, tailored to your needs and preferences. Her therapy style fluctuates between structured, focused goal-setting and skill acquisition, and a more open, fluid approach engaging in dialogue to increase self-insight. She will regularly seek your feedback to ensure that your work together feels most beneficial for you, and she adapts approaches as needed.
Karen specializes in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), which helps clients build skills in mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. She is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to reprocess trauma and reshape negative core beliefs about self. Additionally, she uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Supportive Psychotherapy, and Solution-Focused interventions. A central aspect of Karen’s treatment is focused on helping each client identify and build on their inherent strengths.
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 supports coordinator for families of children with developmental disabilities, volunteered in Peru creating a special education program, completed a clinical internship at a primary care physician’s office, and provided case management and individual and group therapy services for adults with severe and persistent mental health concerns. Karen has been a therapist at Pine Rest since 2020. She has been practicing EMDR since 2018, and has been a member of Pine Rest’s Comprehensive DBT Program team, treating both adolescents and adults, since 2020.
