Always Doing, Never Enough.
Therapy for adults who give so much and try so hard, yet still feel like something is Missing — For those who want to finally rest and feel at peace in their own life.
In Columbus, Ohio and throughout Ohio & Michigan (virtually)
You’ve tried hard to figure it out.
Hoping that if you just do more, you’ll finally feel okay.
But the feeling never lasts for long.
And lately, you’ve started to wonder:
Is life really meant to be this way — all doing, no living?
What if the way forward isn’t about pushing harder...
but about finally giving yourself permission to exhale —
and learning to trust that just being is enough.
Helping kind, capable women finally feel secure, grounded, and calm from the inside out — not just when everything’s done or perfect — but even in the quiet moments in between.
Hand up if any of this resonates…
You’ve Been Carrying So Much.
You’re warm, highly driven, always thinking one step ahead.
You smile. You show up. You check all the boxes.
You’re deeply kind — a giver, a loyal friend, a good listener.
You rarely ask for anything in return — and when you do, it feels uncomfortable, like a burden.
Or, “I’d rather do it on my own.”
You appear to have it all together. You’re on top of things.
But…
Behind the Scenes, You’re Working Overtime —
Constantly scanning for improvements or reassurance.
You’re mind is loud —
Full of self-doubt, comparison, and endless to-dos.
It Sounds like:
Does anyone really see me? Value me? Or even like me? I am not funny enough. I am not thin enough. I am not interesting enough. I am not successful enough. Am I a good enough (daughter, wife, mom, friend)?
Does anyone really see me? Value me? Or even like me? I am not funny enough. I am not thin enough. I am not interesting enough. I am not successful enough. Am I a good enough (daughter, wife, mom, friend)?
It’s Exhausting,
Even in moments that should feel calm — your brain won’t stop checking.
It takes real effort to quiet the noise enough to be comfortably present and composed.
Like at work meetings, or when making awkward small talk at birthday parties.
No matter how much you accomplish, it never feels like you’ve arrived.
You feel overwhelmed.
Stretched thin.
And you’re quietly thinking: “Something’s missing. I’m not sure what exactly, but I know this isn’t it.”
You May Not Have Always Called It “Not Good Enough.”
You just knew that following the rules, being the best, being kind, staying mistake — that always felt safest.
And sometimes… it earned approval.
Or at least, it helped you avoid the sting of disappointment or criticism.
What You’ve Learned:
That inner voice? It’s very familiar.
It echoes messages of growing up with high expectations.
Or cold silences, snarky remarks, or only being noticed if you excelled.
Good wasn’t enough—you had to be exceptional to be seen.
And if you messed up? It felt like death.
The Role You Played:
You were the good one. The easy one.
It was unspoken—but you got the message.
Be helpful.
Be quiet.
Be impressive, but not needy.
You followed the rules. You stayed out of the way.
You understood the assignment.
But now..that role feels different.
It no longer feels like strength.
It feels like survival.
Like holding your breath.
And underneath it all, heavy and quiet,
the loneliness—so familiar—still waits.
You’ve Tried Everything To Feel Calm:
Self-help books.
Yoga.
Deep breathing.
Running.
Organized spreadsheet.
Color-coded planners.
They help — for a moment.
But they don’t heal.
It’s Not About Doing More.
It’s About Learning How To BE.
Without guilt.
Without pressure.
Without needing to earn your place.
To take up space — without apologizing.
To speak freely — with calm in your body.
To feel like yourself — without wondering if you’re too much or not enough.
To say “I need a break” — and actually take one.
To cancel a plan — without a five-paragraph explanation.
To feel proud of yourself — without needing anyone else to say so.
To live like you belong — because you already do.
How Therapy Can Help
Therapy can help you shift from constantly managing everything around you —
to start showing up for yourself.
It’s a shift from controlling your world — to finally caring for your inner one.
Imagine a future where you feel confident and calm — from the inside out — as you move through life on your own terms…
How You’ll Transform:
You’ll begin noticing what triggers the inner critic. And learn to respond with compassion instead of urgency.
You’ll unpack the old messages you inherited about worth, success, and being “the good one” — and decide which ones you want to keep.
You’ll begin practicing how to be okay after a mistake — not defined by it.
You’ll stop measuring your value by what you produce.
Instead of over-functioning, you’ll pause.
Instead of pushing through, you’ll listen inward.
You’ll start to hear your own voice — more clearly.
You’ll make choices that reflect your values — not just others’ expectations.
Say no — without guilt.
Speak up — without rehearsing every word.
And take care of yourself — not just everyone else.
You’ll feel more relaxed in your body.
More rooted in your life.
More safe… even in stillness.
Lasting change takes time and courage.
It takes a willingness to stay with the process — even when it’s hard.
But with each step forward, you’ll realize…
It’s not about doing life perfectly.
It is about finally being present — accepting yourself as you are — and leading your own life.
It’s about becoming the author of your own story.
Let’s Get Started Already!
You don’t have to come to therapy prepared—or even know where to begin.
You can show up overwhelmed, uncertain, or messy.
I’ll meet you right there.
For once, you don’t have to do it all by yourself.
Hesitant to try therapy again?
If you’ve been in therapy before and it hasn’t worked, you might feel discouraged and hesitant to try again. That’s completely understandable. It is risky to trust that someone else will really get you, or that it will be worth it in the end.
I have worked with many clients who have found lasting change after seeing many therapists before me. And, I am not the best fit for everyone, so it is important to trust your gut!
How This Will Be Different Than The Other Therapies You’ve Tried:
I use powerful trauma-informed approaches including EMDR and NARM — for deep, lasting change.
They go beyond surface-level “tools”, catharsis, or quick fixes.
They help you gently explore the beliefs and patterns that formed early in childhood and still shape you today.
With EMDR:
We process stuck memories and beliefs at the root — like “I’m not good enough” or “I have to keep accomplishing to stay connected.”
This work supports change at a nervous system level. So those beliefs start to loosen their grip and no longer dictate your sense of worth or safety.
With NARM
We explore how strategies like perfectionism, shaming, or the habit of staying small were adaptive ways you learned to survive in childhood. This is less about reliving the past — and more about noticing how those patterns still show up now, even in real time. Then, we gently making space for a new way of being so that you can live more authentically in your adult life.
What sessions look like:
We will look at what you are most wanting for yourself — and what is getting in the way of obtaining that.
Some days, we may explore memories that still shape how you move through the world.
Other times, we’ll focus on present relationships, boundaries, or the inner critic that won’t let up.
I’ll listen closely—not just to your words, but to what’s underneath them.
I might pause us, rewind, slow things down, or gently ask: “What are you noticing as you say that?”
We won’t just talk about your patterns and obstacles.
We’ll notice them as they unfold, in real time, and what’s there when they are not.
(SPOILER: It is usually what you are most wanting!)
What You Might Experience:
Some sessions are going to feel heavy - you’ll want to log off and immediately take a nap with your dog, or binge watch your favorite show.
Other days, something clicks — things begin to make more sense, leaving you energized.
Some bring clarity and relief.
And others will leave you feeling lighter, with more peace - reminding you that you wished you started years ago.
What Clients Often Say After Our Work Together
Though I can’t solicit client reviews or share direct client testimonials (confidentiality), I can tell you what people may say through this work:
🫧 “I feel so much more at ease. I’m not as overwhelmed. The pressure I used to put on myself—it’s just not there like it used to be.”
🫧 “I feel like I’ve accepted all of me. It feels good to stop fighting who I am and just be me.”
🫧 “I feel like I belong more—in life, in relationships. I think it’s because I’m finally okay with being myself.”
🫧 “I don’t feel like I’m constantly trying to prove myself anymore. Why was I putting in all that effort? I’d rather use my energy on other things.”
🫧 “I feel more in control of my emotions. I used to fear feeling anything too big—like I’d be stuck there forever. I don’t feel that way anymore.”
🫧 “I used to hate being alone or resting without multitasking. Now it’s actually comfortable.”
🫧 “I wish I would have started this kind of therapy sooner. Thank you.”
🫧 “I don’t have as big of a reaction to her (parent) anymore. I can see us as separate people and move on with my day. I used to freeze just seeing her name on my phone.”
🫧 “I’m more than good enough.”
What others Say
Here are a few thoughtful words from colleagues who have observed my work over the years:
🫧 “…Karen is truly an exception. Incredible interpersonal skills… highly skilled in clinical social work. Many employees (therapy clients) contacted me directly to share their high satisfaction...” — D.V. (Business CEO)
🫧 “Her understanding of trauma and the impact on the brain, nervous system, and psyche, as well as her warm and relational demeanor, has resulted in much success with clients.” — A.S. (Mental Health Therapist)
See What Other Fellow Professionals Have Said:
If you’ve been surviving like this for years, therapy might feel like a chore…
Like just another thing to check off the list, another thing to make better.
But…
Therapy with me isn’t about fixing you,
because you’re not broken.
It’s about reconnecting to the self that’s been buried under all the pressure.
Together, we’ll gently explore what has been fueling the pressure, shame, and self-doubt.
And begin getting to know the version of you that has always been there. The one who is already strong, worthy and whole.
It’s about coming home to yourself.
You might be wondering…
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That’s a fair question. Therapy only works when it fits. My approach is collaborative, flexible to your needs and preferences, and respectfully direct at times. Do you think that works with your personality?
Also, if you’ve been stuck in the same patterns for years, it’s easy to doubt whether anything can really shift. You’ve tried to fix it yourself—books, podcasts, maybe even therapy in the past—but it didn’t go deep enough.
It makes sense to be skeptical. But therapy isn’t about pushing harder. It’s about trying something different. This work is often about retraining yourself to do less instead of more, internally, while still excelling in the ways you value. Are you willing to try that?
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Yes. In fact, many clients find it more effective, or find that outcomes are just as powerful as in-person sessions.
You’re in a space where you feel safe. There’s no commute, no rushing through traffic, and no sitting in a waiting room. You can join from your office, your couch, or even your parked car on your lunch break.
Virtual therapy also gives you more control. You can log off anytime, set the tone for the space, and choose the environment that feels right for you.
Some people do have a preference for in-person therapy, so it's worth considering how important that is to you, as I only offer online sessions over Zoom.
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That’s a signal that something needs support.
You’re busy, I get it. Making time for therapy can feel impossible at first, especially when you're already stretched thin. But weekly sessions provide the consistency needed to see true, lasting progress.
The truth is, making space now means less burnout later. And once this deeper work is done, it’s done. You won’t be stuck in the same negative ruminations or time-draining patterns over and over again.
In fact, this work can give you back more time and mental space in the long run.
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That’s a real question, and a personal one. What I can tell you is that this is an investment in your emotional freedom.
What I can offer is depth, decades of experience, and care that’s been refined over years of working with people like you.
The return on this work is huge. When your mind is less cluttered, your body feels calm, and your heart feels lighter, everything gets easier: your work, your relationships, and how you feel moving through the world.
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Choosing not to use insurance gives us more freedom. There are fewer limits and no paperwork dictating how deep we go or how often we meet. Just a process that meets you where you are and gives you room to grow.
Insurance companies often underpay or never pay at all. I would rather spend my time supporting clients than chasing reimbursement. That’s one of several reasons I’ve chosen to be an Out of Network (OON) Provider.
I can provide “superbills” if you’d like to explore whether your insurance plan reimburses for OON benefits, though I wouldn’t count on it. It’s best to plan on paying the full fee consistently, and if any reimbursement comes through, it’s a bonus.
Is this Therapy for me?
This is for you if...
🌟 You want to move beyond just “getting by” and into something more grounded and alive.
🌟 You want a therapist who brings warmth, lightheartedness, and skilled challenge.
🌟 You understand that real change takes time, effort, and depth.
🌟 You’re open to slowing down and looking inward, even when it’s hard.
🌟 You welcome feedback as an opportunity to grow.
🌟 You can commit to showing up consistently and openly.
🌟 You’re wanting to see what is behind all the striving, and are open to it leading not just to relief, but to more freedom, clarity, and joy.
🌟 Deep down, you sense it will all be worth the work in the end.
This is NOT for you if...
❌ You’re looking for advice or someone to tell you what to do. This work is about learning to trust your own inner voice for guidance.
❌ You’re not quite ready to explore your past experiences or emotions that may be influencing your present.
❌ You are facing active safety concerns, substance abuse, or clinical needs that require more focused care before starting this work.
❌ You find yourself reacting with strong emotion or defensiveness, without realizing how it affects others. This work requires you to pause, self-reflect, and stay curious about your emotional experience, patterns, and their impact on relationships.
❌ You struggle to attend sessions regularly. This kind of work needs consistency to be effective (weekly is recommended to start).
❌ Weekly therapy would strain your finances. It’s important to find care that feels sustainable and steady from the start.
Therapy is a powerful space, but mostly when you're ready to show up fully and with an open mind.
If this feels like a good match, let’s talk.”
This Might Be the Turning Point
By reading this, you might already feel a flicker of hope. A sense that this could be a step toward something more peaceful.
That quiet nudge? It’s easy to miss, especially when life keeps moving and other demands rush in.
It’s tempting to wait. To trust that future-you will remember this page before the next crisis hits. But let’s be real: when life is full, “later” rarely comes.
So pause, just for a moment, and ask:
Six months from now, will that version of you feel grateful you took action today, or still be in the same place, wishing you had?
The truth is, the sooner you begin, the sooner you’ll start feeling relief.
Imagine finally feeling like you’re enough…
…Without doing more or needing to prove anything.
Where your worth isn’t up for debate, because you know it’s undeniable.
You wake up grounded. You speak without rehearsing. You rest without guilt.
You trust your instincts, honor your needs, and move through life with a quiet confidence — feeling whole.