Karen Shernit MA, LPC, NCC, EMDR

I decided to become a mental health provider because of my innate inclination towards listening, understanding, and respecting the intimate sharing of others, which dates back to childhood. Despite this natural inclination, I initially hesitated to pursue a career in counseling due to fears of inadequacy and making mistakes.

However, the persistent encouragement from friends, acquaintances, and confidants convinced me to take a leap of faith and pursue this path. Since then, I've never looked back. I find it an incredible honor and privilege to listen to clients, make them feel seen and heard, and hold hope for them during their most challenging moments.

Ultimately, the support and affirmation from those around me, coupled with my desire to make a positive impact in people's lives, led me to a career in mental health counseling. It has fulfilled me personally, and allowed me to bear witness to the resilience and growth of others as they navigate their own paths to healing.

What I love about therapy and mental health care is the opportunity to hear and honor everyone's unique stories. From our individual biographies to the intricacies of intergenerational history, culture, and the complexity of relationships, each narrative is rich with fascination. I'm continuously intrigued by the "through lines" that connect us all—biological families, chosen families, and the myriad of influences that shape who we are.

Exploring these narratives provides profound insight into the past, present, and future. It's incredible to witness a client make connections between their emotions, memories, physical sensations, and intuitions, leading to a deeper understanding and acceptance of oneself.

Through these narratives, we not only celebrate our differences but also uncover the universal aspects of our humanity. This experience is an unparalleled privilege that continually reaffirms the beauty and complexity of the human experience.

Sessions with me typically feel like a safe and supportive space where clients are heard, understood, and empowered. I blend psycho-education with a fascination for neuroscience, particularly focusing on topics like memory, trauma responses, and the autonomic nervous system. By understanding the "why" behind emotional dysregulation and pain, clients gain valuable insights into their experiences.

I provide specific coping skills tailored to real-world situations, aiming to empower clients and help them recognize their own strength and resilience. Laughter and good humor are constants in our sessions. I get very excited to share a range of resources such as articles, books, and podcasts to further enrich our discussions and encourage ongoing engagement outside of therapy. Overall, clients can expect an experience where they feel safe to explore and grow.

Life centers around the belief that stepping outside of our comfort zones and embracing curiosity is essential for growth and fulfillment. While it's natural to seek comfort and familiarity, I believe that true change, excitement, and personal development occur when we venture beyond what is familiar. Curiosity, for me, serves as a powerful antidote to depression and anxiety, offering moments of surprise, joy, and accomplishment.

The experience of being completely engrossed in something new and the exhilarating "aha" moments that come with it makes me feel alive. Equally important is the joy of sharing these discoveries with others who share our excitement. Each person in our lives brings something unique, and by embracing and sharing our passions, we enrich both our own lives and the lives of those around us.

My philosophy emphasizes the importance of continuous growth, exploration, and connection. One's most fulfilling experiences often lie just beyond the boundaries of our comfort zones, waiting to be discovered through curiosity and shared with others.

I'm deeply passionate about social inequality and its impact on our country. It troubles me to see the growing divide between the rich and poor, with a shrinking middle class. Very disturbing to me is that the wealthiest individuals can increase their wealth exponentially while paying minimal taxes. This results in the equally troubling lack of access to healthcare, especially mental health support (often for those most in need). I firmly believe in taking care of each other and providing a societal safety net. No one should feel desperate and alone in their struggles. My passion lies in advocating for a more equitable society where everyone has access to the support and resources we are all entitled to.

• (artist/singer/songwriter/musician) Aimee Mann

• (journalist, author, technology and culture insider, podcaster) Kara Swisher

• (Pioneer psychologists/clinicians/researchers, MD's, with specializations in trauma): Dr. Viktor Frankl, Dr. Gabor Mate', Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, Dr. Judith Herman, Dr. Steven Porges, Dr. Deb Dana, Dr Jennifer Sweeton

• (Member of Congress, humanitarian) Jamie Raskin

• (Activist, author, host, animal rescuer, advocate for veterans and first responders on 9/11, humorist) Jon Stewart

Forces beyond your control can take away everything you possess except one thing, your freedom to choose how you will respond to the situation. - Viktor Frankl

It is well known that humor, more than anything else in the human make-up, can afford an aloofness and an ability to rise above any situation, even if only for a few seconds. - Viktor Frankl

Jane Goodall: https://youtu.be/vJIIzkTgruM?si=A_CNxTdxWTaua4oG

I am a big proponent of Polyval Theory!