- Trauma-informed care
- Thoughts and habits
- Parenting support
About Karen
Karen Santos is a PACFA psychotherapist and social worker practising in Australia. She has 12 years' experience helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression, grief and parenting challenges. Karen works with adults, adolescents and children and speaks English and Tagalog.
Karen draws on long experience in trauma and community mental health. She uses practical talking and reflective work to help people understand what keeps them stuck. Sessions often focus on real-life steps you can try between meetings rather than only talking about feelings.
Her approach blends cognitive behavioural ideas with emotionally focused and narrative ways of working. Karen also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy methods as part of her toolkit. These methods are used to address problems such as low self-esteem, attachment concerns and navigating major life changes.
She has training in neurobiology of trauma and developmental trauma, and experience with play-based methods when working with children. That background can be useful when trauma, dissociation or family separation are part of the picture.
Karen aims to work collaboratively and keep sessions straightforward and goal-focused. She encourages curiosity about patterns of thinking and everyday habits that shape mood and behaviour. If you want clear steps and a supportive listener, Karen offers a practical and compassionate way forward.
Karen draws on long experience in trauma and community mental health. She uses practical talking and reflective work to help people understand what keeps them stuck. Sessions often focus on real-life steps you can try between meetings rather than only talking about feelings.
Her approach blends cognitive behavioural ideas with emotionally focused and narrative ways of working. Karen also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy methods as part of her toolkit. These methods are used to address problems such as low self-esteem, attachment concerns and navigating major life changes.
She has training in neurobiology of trauma and developmental trauma, and experience with play-based methods when working with children. That background can be useful when trauma, dissociation or family separation are part of the picture.
Karen aims to work collaboratively and keep sessions straightforward and goal-focused. She encourages curiosity about patterns of thinking and everyday habits that shape mood and behaviour. If you want clear steps and a supportive listener, Karen offers a practical and compassionate way forward.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Parenting issuesCoping with life changes
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDissociationDomestic violenceEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFertility issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseWomen's issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Narrative TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems
Experience
12+ years
Credentials
PACFA · Australia
Languages
English, Tagalog
Therapeutic approaches and how they work online
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT helps you notice unhelpful thoughts and choose actions that match your values. It can be useful for anxiety, stress and life transitions where taking small steps matters. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT focuses on the links between thoughts, feelings and actions and teaches practical techniques to change unhelpful patterns. It is often helpful for anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. Client-Centred Therapy puts the person's experience at the heart of sessions, with the therapist listening and reflecting to help you clarify what matters and build confidence.Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with you about your goals and preferences and together decide which methods to try. That collaborative process means techniques can be adjusted as needs change.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week, reduce travel time and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. They can also suit people who prefer not to be on camera or who need lower bandwidth options. Discuss practical arrangements with the therapist when you book so sessions fit your routine and goals.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Karen commonly help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, parenting struggles and coping with life changes, plus related concerns such as abandonment, attachment issues and body image.
What style of therapy can I expect?
Sessions are conversational and practical, focusing on thoughts and everyday habits. Strategies may include cognitive work, emotion-focused conversations and narrative approaches to make sense of experience.
How much clinical experience does she have?
Karen has 12 years of professional experience working in trauma and community mental health settings.
What credential does Karen hold and where is she based?
She is PACFA credentialed and practices in Australia.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and Tagalog.
Can people outside Australia use her services?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are fees and payments handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist arrangements; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with Karen?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist's availability.