About Karen M. Seif

I’m a seasoned social worker who views mental health through the lens of the whole person, and who has spent 30 years serving a wide range of populations. I bring empathy, humor, flexibility, and life experience to my work. My approach encompasses elements of relational, narrative and cognitive-behavioral therapy. I am trained in Brainspotting.

I’m a respectful listener, but also have an interactive style – providing feedback when requested, building a supportive therapeutic relationship, and developing a trusting space where conversation can lead to insights and change. I view therapy as a collaboration, and I genuinely appreciate the uniqueness and individuality of each of my clients. I will help you embrace health and wellness, develop self-knowledge, value your inherent worth, build advocacy and leadership skills, and constructively cope with life’s challenges. I offer affordable telecounseling for adults in PA, MA, and WI, with expertise in Young Adults, the LGBTQIA+ Community, Adoption, and Parenting. I’ve worked in numerous settings throughout my career, including community mental health, adoption and foster care, inpatient psychiatry, and universities. I am an adoptive parent of two multiracial sons who are now young adults, and my experience of parenting informs my approach. I am a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Parenting

Are you experiencing parenting stress? Are you caring for someone with physical, medical, developmental, behavioral, and/or mental health needs? Are you running on empty? As a caregiver, you may feel isolated, guilty, judged, helpless, or hopeless. You may feel that your identity as a parent has colonized your identity as a person. Your relationships, career, and finances may be suffering. You might wonder if you can have a fulfilling future. I can help you navigate this often painful, but ultimately rewarding journey. I can help you re-write your story with yourself at the center, while also providing specific skills and suggestions for healing and growth.

Young Adults

Are you a young adult distraught by the state of the world? Are you experiencing depression, anxiety, or panic? Are you struggling to find an identity separate from your family? As a young adult, you’re experiencing the fallout from the errors made by older generations. And while you might have ideas and energy for solutions, you may also feel disempowered—convinced that the future is a dystopian Netflix show. As the parent of two young adults and a former therapist at a college counseling center, I understand Gen Z (and beyond) intuitively. I’ve seen first-hand the many challenges you face, as well as the brilliance, energy, and creativity you bring to the world. I’ve seen the vocational, financial, and housing barriers you are facing. I’ve seen the toll that racism, discrimination, and prejudice play in your lives.I believe that you can solve many of our global problems, but that you deserve support and guidance along the way. I can provide a space for you to explore who you are and talk openly without judgment. I can also teach you skills to effectively manage anxiety and depression.

Adoption, Foster, and Kinship Care

Are you an adoptive or foster parent? A birth parent or family member? An adult adoptee? Do you love someone who was adopted? As someone connected to adoption, you’ve probably seen that adoption is simplified and misunderstood in our culture. You may be experiencing conflicting feelings of love, gratitude, betrayal, grief, and anger. You may feel unprepared to cope with unexpected challenges, and lack resources to handle these challenges. I’m an adoptive parent and have spent many years working within the adoption community. I’ve had extensive training around issues related to adoption, including parenting, trauma, grief and loss, special needs, child development, and identity, and bring a wealth of knowledge and empathy to my work. It takes a village – and I view myself as one member of your community.

LGBTQ+ Community

Do you identify as LGBTQ+ or queer? Do you have concerns related to sexual orientation and/or gender? Are you experiencing challenges in your relationships? Are you facing discrimination, prejudice, worries for your safety, or violence? Or is your sexual orientation or gender identity secondary to other challenges in your life? I’m a member of the community myself, but am careful not to assume that my experience is the same as someone else’s. My approach is always to listen first, and avoid assumptions. I understand the complexity of sexual orientation and gender identity, and will ask questions to better understand your individual experience. I have training, knowledge, and professional experience, but am always learning, and always welcome feedback.