Dr. Karen Yanez, Psy.D., Post Doctoral Fellow

Dr. Karen Yanez, Psy.D., Post Doctoral Fellow, Licensed Professional Counselor

Supervised by Dr. Amanda Sharp, Licensed Psychologist

Dr. Yanez earned her master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Texas at El Paso and her doctorate degree in Psychology from California Southern University. She is a Latinx Licensed Professional Counselor and Post-Doctoral Fellow fluent in Spanish and English. Karen’s experience derives from her extensive work with teens, including oversight and development of a counseling teen department at a clinic in Washington state.  

Dr. Yanez is a dedicated and compassionate counselor who specializes in working with teens and young adults, focusing on the unique challenges that emerge during these pivotal stages of life. She provides a nonjudgmental, safe space and supports her clients while they acquire coping skills to more effectively manage their emotions and develop a more profound understanding of their past experiences. She is highly motivated to support her clients while they work towards healing and becoming the person they strive to be. Her style is collaborative, strength-based, and personalized.

Dr. Yanez enjoys working with clients who are motivated to apply techniques outside of their sessions, are high achieving, and strive to reach their therapeutic goals. A key aspect of her work is helping teens and young adults explore and develop their identities. This process often involves addressing questions such as, “Who am I?” and “How do I fit into the world around me?” She works with clients to navigate the complexities of identity, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, family roles, and personal values. For many, this work also includes unpacking societal pressures, cultural expectations, and intergenerational trauma. Dr. Yanez recognizes the profound impact of identity on mental health and relationships and works to help clients explore, understand, and embrace all aspects of themselves.

Dr. Yanez’s philosophy is that every individual is doing the best that they can with the resources available to them and offers a safe, affirming space for clients to explore their values, reconcile internal conflicts, and redefine their personal narratives. Dr. Yanez is particularly skilled at guiding clients through the process of aligning their internal world with their authentic self, fostering greater self-awareness and personal growth.

In her personal life, Dr. Yanez actively nurtures the mind-body connection by spending time in nature, taking mindful walks with her dog, exploring new places and cultures through travel, and engaging in physical activities like cycling and hiking. She also enjoys watching movies, reading books, and exploring her creative side through crafting, which allows her to unwind and stay inspired in her work.

Age range: 13 to 29, individuals
Therapeutic Approach: Person-Centered Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Solution-Focused Therapy
Specialties: teen therapy, perfectionism, identity exploration, familial relationship issues, relationship exploration, trauma healing, depression treatment, anxiety treatment, parent training