About Karen Chambless
My values as a counselor are to embody openness, respect, and empowerment. I seek to share what I have learned and am learning, both through research and education as well as my own experiences. I strive for cultural humility and for a decolonized, antiracist therapeutic practice. I often use metaphors, analogies, and storytelling to help clients change behaviors, thought patterns, relationships, and their whole lives. I am affirming of the value of neurodivergence (ASD, ADHD, dyslexia, C-PTSD, etc) as well as all gender/sexual/affective identities. I am also able to integrate the language of personality typologies such as the Enneagram and Myers-Briggs into therapy, when this is helpful and desired. I have been a therapy client myself for 7 years now. And I firmly believe in never taking myself too seriously!
Questioning and deconstructing beliefs associated with religion can be a painful and lonely experience, but is often a vital step in becoming who we are meant to be - wholly integrated, free individuals with humility and empathy. It is an honor to come alongside individuals who are in this process and help them find peace and wisdom.
I primarily work from a theoretical stance combining Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Trauma-Informed Stabilization Therapy, parts work, and narrative therapy; I also integrate components of attachment theory, evolutionary psychology, existential therapy, feminist therapy, and interpersonal neurobiology. I am a trauma-informed professional and seek to keep up with current research in this field.
I have a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from a CACREP-accredited university. I am a National Certified Counselor with the National Board for Certified Counselors and am a Licensed Professional Counselor with Mental Health Service Provider designation from the state of Tennessee.
Non-therapy stuff: when I’m in a new city, I always look for coffeeshops, bookstores, and buildings with cool architecture. In my free time, I enjoy sharing meals with friends, reading, listening to music or going to concerts, and lifting weights.
Ethical Codes & State Regulations
I adhere to the following ethical and state regulations in my work:
MY THERAPY OFFICE
I designed my office to feel like sitting in a wise friend’s living room - cozy, warm, and soothing.
I like having lots of art and books in my office!
This is where clients sit for sessions.
This is what you’ll see when you get off the elevator.
Karen Chambless, LPC-MHSP, NCC — Credentials
Karen Chambless is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in the state of Tennessee with Mental Health Service Provider (MHSP) designation. This means she has completed a masters degree in counseling from an accredited school, completed over 500 hours of training and clinical work while in school, passed two national examinations and a state exam, and practiced for over two years under supervision by an already licensed counselor, accruing at least 3,000 hours of experience and 150 hours of supervision. She is also a Nationally Certified Counselor from the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC). Karen has been practicing therapy for 5 years, but spent the first 25+ years of her life as a quintessential eldest daughter and the “mom friend” of her friend group, so she’s had a long time to hone her listening and supportive-question-asking skills.
Karen Chambless is an expert and clinical specialist in religious trauma. She has advanced training and experience in treating both complex trauma and religious trauma, as well as training and experience working with folks figuring out their queer/trans identity and/or neurotype (Autism, ADHD, Highly Sensitive, etc). Karen identifies as Queer & Highly Sensitive and is passionate about supporting folks with LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent identities to grow and heal and be their whole magical selves.