Karen Finley Breeding, LPC-S

THERAPY WITH KAREN

I believe we all have an inner awareness of our truth, but difficult experiences that most of us have at one time or another, can make that truth difficult to access. Questioning who we are, why we're having intense feelings, or why we're caught up in an unhealthy pattern can be very scary, but it's also an opportunity for growth. Given a supportive environment, most people can access a deep awareness of self, and begin to create a level of  being that allows for profound change or meaning. You CAN feel better. This is where therapy comes in. 

I help people heal from

• Grief and loss

• Relationship issues

• Addiction

• Trauma

• Anxiety and panic

• Chronic dieting and disordered eating

Much of my work focuses first on fostering a relationship with the client that facilitates an awareness of what work needs to be done, both on and below the surface. What's bringing you into therapy? Are you grieving the loss of a loved one? Are you wanting to work on your relationship, or realizing that your relationship is over? Are you finding that you're caught up in an addiction? Do you want to work towards reducing symptoms brought on by past trauma? Have you been experiencing panic attacks, and you’re seeking help to reduce the frequency and intensity of anxiety? Are you sick of obsessing about your body and your diet, and would like to finally make peace with food and your body? Maybe you just want to do some self exploration.  I can help. My approach is holistic, integrating and explores the experience of both mind and body.

Although trained in the traditional model of counseling, I continue to be inspired to explore non-traditional modes of psychological growth and well being. Over the years, I’ve realized the importance of working somatically with clients. Something as simple as asking a client to notice what’s going on in their body as they speak can create a richer experience and offer a new and different way of seeing something. I have completed the advanced level training in Somatic Experiencing, and received my Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) certificate. Somatic Experiencing is a body oriented approach to the healing of trauma and other stress disorders, developed by Dr. Peter Levine.

I am a certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, and practice from a (HAES) Health at Every Size perspective. This is a body and weight inclusive model that takes the focus off of weight and body size, and helps you begin to trust your own body’s cues rather than the latest fad diet or “clean eating” expert. Intuitive Eating is a program designed to help people make peace with food, let go of chronic dieting, and move towards body acceptance.

I have certification and extensive experience facilitating Integrative Breathwork workshops throughout the U.S. and at addiction treatment centers. I received breathwork training with author, and founder of Integrative Breathwork, Jacquelyn Small. I was on senior staff with Jacquelyn for many years, assisting her in breathwork workshops throughout the U.S. 

I opened my private practice in Austin in 2000. I specialize in individual and couples counseling, and am most experienced working with trauma, addiction, disordered eating, relationship issues, anxiety, and personal growth. In addition, I have over 20 years experience working with the HIV community and facilitated the longest running HIV support group in Austin.

I am proud to be a SIMS provider, offering counseling to Austin musicians. I offer 50 minute, 1 1/2 hour and 2 hour therapy sessions for $175, $260, and $350 per session, respectively. I accept payment via cash, check, venmo, HSA and all major credit cards. I accept Aetna insurance, and am considered “out of network” for all other insurances. I am happy to provide a superbill to out of network clients who want to submit for reimbursement to their insurance. I do not offer sliding scale, but have supervisees who work under my supervision, and offer a more affordable rate. No shows, and appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice will result in a $90 cancellation fee.

 I am a board approved supervisor for LPC associates. Read more about my supervisees, or schedule an appointment with them.