PuttingFamilyFirst

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KE Portrait of Karen Ellis
Online therapist

Karen Ellis

Therapist focused on practical support

Book with Karen
Credentials
LCSW
Experience
14 years
Licensed in
Oregon
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Karen

Karen Ellis is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 14 years of experience. She uses straightforward, practical methods to help people manage stress and anxiety. Her style is open and nonjudgmental, so clients can talk about difficult feelings without worry.

She focuses on issues often connected to relationships and life changes, including grief, parenting, intimacy-related concerns, and family problems. Karen also addresses mood conditions such as depression and bipolar disorder, and works with people navigating trauma, anger, self-esteem, and identity questions including LGBT topics.

Background and approach

In sessions she listens first, then helps clients try tools that fit their life. That might include changing unhelpful thinking patterns, focusing on values, or setting small behavioral goals. Karen aims for clear, doable steps rather than long lists of theory.

Her background includes both short-term and longer-term work across varied concerns. She draws on approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Client-Centered Therapy to match what a person needs in the moment. Karen practices in Oregon and conducts sessions in English.

Starting therapy can feel hard. Karen offers practical guidance and steady support to help people move through changes, cope with stress, and rebuild relationships. She encourages parents and individuals to begin with one small step toward getting help.

Therapeutic approaches for online support

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and choose actions that match their values. It supports coping with anxiety, stress, and life transitions by focusing on what matters most rather than fighting discomfort.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) involves identifying patterns of thinking that make problems worse and testing new behaviors to change outcomes. It is helpful for anxiety, depression, and many day-to-day difficulties where practical skills make a difference.

Karen treats finding the right approach as a team effort. She listens to what is most important to the client and tries strategies together to see what fits. Adjustments are common so the plan stays relevant to changing goals and circumstances.

Online work is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to increase flexibility. These options let people fit therapy into busy schedules, check in between sessions, and choose a format that feels comfortable. For many, remote sessions make it easier to keep momentum while working toward clearer communication, reduced stress, and better day-to-day coping.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Less about arguing with difficult thoughts, more about loosening their grip and acting on what matters to you anyway. Values and committed action carry the work, which suits conversation at a distance.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Karen address?
She works with stress and anxiety, depression and bipolar mood issues, grief, trauma and abuse, and intimacy-related concerns. Additional focuses include parenting, communication problems, family issues, and process or sex addictions.
What therapy style can I expect in sessions?
Sessions are conversational and practical. She combines acceptance-based work, cognitive techniques, and client-centered listening to help people try real-life changes.
How long has she practiced?
Karen has 14 years of professional experience as a licensed clinical social worker.
Where is Karen licensed and located?
She holds an Oregon license listed as OR LCSW L15066 and practices in Oregon.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with Karen?
International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
She meets via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different schedules and needs.
How do I begin working with her?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience
14 years
Licensed
Oregon
Languages
English

Next step

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