Karen Kimmons
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
About Me
Karen Kimmons, LPC-Associate
Supervised by Deena Shelton, Ph.D., LPC, ACS
My interest in becoming a clinical counselor first began when I spent months in the pediatric oncology ward with my daughter and met many hurting and grieving families needing support. In my non-profit work with refugees, I listened to many stories of trauma and saw the lack of support for this population. Living overseas for over 18 years, I have seen and experienced the need for mental health services. Life is already hard enough, and when we are living away from our natural support systems like family and friends, our mental wellbeing can really suffer.
Therapy played a vital role in my own recovery from anxiety, panic and identity development. It created a passion for helping others see that there is hope, and that change is possible. I love what I do!
I grew up in sunny southern California, and my husband and I have worked in Africa and France for nearly two decades. I am fluent in both French and English, with a very basic knowledge of Arabic. We have two young daughters. In my spare time, I love to hike tall mountains (difficult in Nantes!), watch football, and hang out with my kiddos.
Credentials & Experience
I hold a bachelor’s degree in Intercultural Studies and Linguistics from Biola University, a master’s degree in Exegesis and Linguistics from Dallas Theological Seminary, and a masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from LeTourneau University.
I interned as a marriage and family therapist (MFT) at Pacific Clinics in Santa Fe Springs, California where I had the opportunity to work with children, adults, and families with moderate to severe behavioral and mental health concerns in the outpatient program. I was able to work with clients from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds and employed cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, existential therapy, and solution-focused therapy. I collaborated with our certified addiction counselors to help in treating clients with substance use issues. I had the opportunity to co-lead recovery and support groups, as well as leading a trauma and addiction therapy group.
In 2023, I founded the private practice, Restoration Counseling in Nantes, France to provide support for expats, international students, refugees, and others in the area, as well as offering telehealth support and week-long residential intensives for other expats living in Europe and North Africa.
THERAPEUTIC APPROACH
Holistic, Evidence-Based, Solution-Focused
What does all that mean? Holistic, because I believe that mental health should not be addressed in a vacuum. Physical health, relationships, trauma history, development, and many other factors contribute to mental wellness. We will look at all of this to help find the best solution for you. Evidence-Based, because I see it as part of my ethical duty to stay up-to-date on the most recent research in psychology and mental health to provide professional care backed by scientific research. Solution-Focused, because I believe that true change is possible, and to get there, we need to have a plan. There is a place in therapy for listening and hearing your story, and a place for setting goals and writing the next chapter.
FUN FACTS ABOUT ME
01
I love to hike. The taller the mountain, the better! (Summit of Mt. Tallac, Lake Tahoe, California)
02
I love to bake. My favorite desserts are chocolate chip cookies, brownies, and mint chocolate chip ice cream.
03
I am an avid Minnesota Vikings fan (American football). I watch every game in my purple and yellow jersey.
04
Best day: Relaxing at the beach, dinner with lots of friends and family and a great movie!