Life can be chaotic. It is difficult to show up for ourselves and in our relationships sometimes. There is a lot of noise in the world telling us how to be in our bodies, our relationships, and our sex lives. Once we learn to turn down the volume on outside expectations, it is easier for us to explore who we are and how we want to connect with one another. Guess what? You get to decide whatever works best for you and your partner(s).
As a therapist, I practice from Experiential and Socio-Emotional Relationship Therapy perspectives. In short, I believe in creating new experiences to foster growth while affirming BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, kink/BDSM, and other marginalized identities. I believe therapy is a collaborative process. I am here to foster a space of nonjudgement and acceptance. I want to be your greatest advocate while you discover and fall in love with yourself.
My training has centered around social justice and an understanding that existing cultural power structures impact our mental and sexual health. I believe it is important to address our relationship with these structures as much as our relationships with ourselves and one another. On a larger level, I am working towards dismantling the stigma surrounding sex in our culture. I believe through honest dialogue and a deeper understanding of ourselves, we can achieve a greater sense of empowerment. Clear communication is one of the most intimate acts between partners.
Kari specializes in…
- Licensure
- Marriage and Family Resident Therapist
- Clinical Supervisor: Alissa Goddard, MA, LMFT, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist
- Degrees
- Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture – University of Wisconsin
- Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy with a specialization in Sex Therapy – Lewis and Clark College
My Journey
I have taken a slightly unusual path to get here, but I would not change a thing, because here I am. The topic of sex has always been at the forefront of my life. I remember feeling comfortable talking about sex from a very young age. Still, when it came to my own sexual awakening, the religious and cultural norms of my small Midwest town did not provide a place for me to explore my sexuality. For many years, I felt the need to suppress my creative spirit and curiosities surrounding sex. I have been involved in a variety of relationships throughout my life. In a few, I felt the love and safety needed to show up as my authentic self. In others, I unwittingly performed the role that was expected of me.
Through my own therapy and personal exploration, I have not only come to unabashedly love who I am, I have learned how to be more intimate and vulnerable in all of my relationships, forever changing how I show up in the world. I recognize that I am in a state of constant change. I am open to new experiences and the teachings of others. Sex can mean many different things to many different people. In my life now, I view sex as an opportunity for self-love, deep connection – and a chance for playful fun.
In my free time, I go on adventures with my kids. I am a fan of horror films, preferably A24 or Blumhouse. In the summer months, you can find me camping, hiking, digging in the dirt, or in a body of water. I love discovering new artists, music, and books. Play is an essential part of my life.
