I’m Karley, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), lover of all things floral, and now blogger. Brain Flower is a blog about counseling related topics purposed for combating the stigma associated with mental health and seeking counseling services, as well as, sharing helpful information to promote growth and well-being.
Q & A
What’s with the name “Brain Flower”?
Brain Flower to me is a nod to the phrase “brain power.” I believe there is great power in blooming and growing into more of who we were designed to be.
What is the best part of being a counselor?
For me, the best part about counseling is making connections and building relationships that have a greater depth than what is common in our day to day culture. I feel very blessed to be present in another’s story for a season. Being a witness to hope, healing, and victory over adversity is a wonderful experience. I am learning more and more how truly strong people are and how joy can be found in the most unlikely places.
What is your counseling style?
I personalize my counseling approach to serve each client according to their specific needs. However, I do have some core modalities I utilize. I am a S.A.F.E. (somatic and attachment focused) EMDR trained clinician. EMDR is a therapy originally established to treat trauma, but today can be used to treat a wide variety of presenting issues. Even if I am not doing EMDR with a client, I still may utilize EMDR emotional regulation resources. Another modality I utilize is Attachment Theory, which considers how early attachment styles are replicated in adult relationships. I work through a Family Systems lens which focuses on family of origin dynamics and multigenerational patterns. Lastly, I really enjoy incorporating artistic expression when it is a good fit for clients.
How long does counseling take to be effective/ begin noticing results?
Another way to ask this question is “How long does it take for change to take place?” and the answer is…you guessed it…it depends. Some factors that influence this include: type of presenting issue, level of investment, timing of intervention, intensity/quantity of traumatic experiences, and more. As a general rule of thumb, I would say it takes about 4-6 sessions to see change developing.
What counseling related topics will be included in this blog?
I have a special interest in serving clients who have experienced trauma, so a number of entries will include issues surrounding trauma. I appreciate seeing client’s presenting issues through a Family Systems lens, so this perspective will likely color a number of my posts. In addition, I would like to write about a variety of issues and topics such as anxiety, self-esteem, couples-related issues, stress, co-dependency, vulnerability, and more.
What encouragement would you give to someone who is considering starting the counseling process?
In the words of Albus Dumbledore, “Numbing the pain for a while will make it worse when you finally feel it.” I cannot deny that counseling is a challenging process, but the victory on the other side is so worth it! Letting the fear of trying something new (like counseling) influence your decision makes fear the leader of your life. Fear does not deserve that level of power. Be brave! You can do it! (you’ll be glad you did).
About The Writer:
Here are some photos that represent me and what I love:
- I am a dog mom of a Great Pyrenees rescue pooch. Her name is Hera and she is a ball of pure love and fluff!
- I enjoy baking and cooking (mostly baking because I have a sweet tooth). Pictured is a trifle I made for Thanksgiving as a nod to the TV show Friends- this one does not have beef in it ha!
- In my Masters program one of my interview questions was, “How do you celebrate in one word?” My answer: VACATION
- I love to craft. One hobby of mine is to collect brooches. Pictured above is my wedding bouquet made entirely out of brooches (and a styrofoam ball with loads of hot glue) I had been collecting since I was probably 14. I still collect them for future projects.
- I treasure opportunities for travel. Some of my favorite places I’ve been include: Hawaii, Mexico, France, Germany, England, Greece, and St. Lucia.
Brain Flower 