Karen Villanueva

My approach is integrative and client-centered. I draw from EFT, ACT, IFS, and CBT, but I don't believe in forcing someone into a particular model. I want to understand what a person or relationship needs and use the approach that best supports them. I tailor the work to the client while bringing my own strengths, perspective, and curiosity into the room.

Together, we’ll slow things down, make sense of what you’re experiencing, and explore new ways of relating to yourself and others. We’ll also look at what's happening, identify what might be getting in the way, come up with possible solutions, and try things out. If something doesn’t work, we’ll learn from it together and try something different.

Therapy with me is warm, curious, collaborative, and compassionate. I place a lot of emphasis on building trust because I want clients to feel comfortable being honest with me. As that relationship develops, I'm more willing to challenge them and be direct when I think it could be helpful—but I want that challenge to come from a place of care and respect.

I work with preteens, emerging adults, and adults who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected—whether that's from themselves, their relationships, or a sense of direction in their lives. I’m also passionate about working with BIPOC and Spanish-speaking clients, and I'm mindful of how culture, identity, family expectations, and larger systems shape therapy.