About Karen Chambless

Karen Chambless, a white woman wearing a pink shirt, smiles at the camera

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.

The logo for the Tennessee Counseling Association

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.

The common area of Society of Work, a coworking space in Chattanooga Tennessee, on the 2nd floor
The couch in Karen's therapy office, with lamps on either side, curtains behind the couch, and a coffee table with tissues and a variety of fidget toys.
An image of Karen's therapy office with stacks of books as well as a sign that says "You're good, you're safe, you're doing great"

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.

Therapy isn’t the answer for everyone or a magic solution.

But it could be exactly what you need for this season.

Schedule a free consultation