Karla Chamberlain, LMFT (She/Her)

Meet with Karla

• In person at the North Austin office, and online appointments.
• Ages 8 and up: Children (Under 10), Preteens (10–12), Teens (13–17), Young Adults (18–25), Adults (26–64), and Older Adults (65+)
• Languages: English.
• Sees couples and partners.

Payment options: Aetna, Cigna, Private Pay / Self Pay, and Sana.

Availability and insurance coverage are confirmed before scheduling.

Request an appointment with Karla

Karla's focus

• Aging & Later-Life Adjustment
• Caregiving Stress
• Divorce / Separation
• Family Conflict
• LGBTQ+ Concerns
• Perinatal & Postpartum Concerns
• Pre-Marital Counseling
• PTSD
• Relationship Concerns
• Self-Harm
• Sexual Trauma

Professional profile

Karla is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Texas and Utah. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology and a Master’s of Art in Marriage and Family Therapy from University of Houston – Clear Lake, then earned an additional master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Purdue Global University.

Outside of work, she enjoys a wide range of activities that reflect a deep appreciation for learning, creativity, and connection. Her interests include reading, particularly historical fiction, psychological thrillers, biographies, and poetry, as well as writing, gardening, and cooking. She also values time spent outdoors through nature walks, and finds joy in caring for animals and spending meaningful time with family.

Welcome

My favorite quote is “You cannot teach that which you do not know, and you cannot convince others of that which you do not believe.” -Anonymous-

I believe in the principles that I share and use them in my own life to bring joy and rejuvenation. I have a deep commitment to mindfulness, embracing each moment with presence and gratitude. Whether I’m in nature, listening to the wind or birds, tending to my soul dog, garden or children and grandchildren, I find that these simple, natural rhythms keep my grounded and connected. I want to help you find your own place of peace and a direction that leads you to wake up each day with a sense of hope and belonging.

How I work

I practice person-centered, trauma informed, sex-positive therapy. I partner with my clients to be the strongest version of themselves. With a strong systems background I often use a system-based approach to care, understanding that each individual is interconnected within a broader family and relational framework. My ultimate goal is to support each person’s overall well-being by fostering greater stability, clarity and fulfillment in their lives.

My specialties are working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, challenges tied religion, or couples trying to navigate betrayal, communication or emotional or physical intimacy. I have a special certification to work with first responders as they have very unique and specific individual and family dynamics that I am drawn to understand and help.

What Karla helps with

• Aging & Later-Life Adjustment
• Caregiving Stress
• Divorce / Separation
• Family Conflict
• LGBTQ+ Concerns
• Perinatal & Postpartum Concerns
• Pre-Marital Counseling
• PTSD
• Relationship Concerns
• Self-Harm
• Sexual Trauma
• Alternative Lifestyle Concerns
• Alternative Spirituality
• Anger
• Anxiety
• Boundaries
• Christian Spirituality
• Codependency
• Complex Trauma
• Depression
• Grief and Loss
• Identity Exploration
• Infidelity / Betrayal
• Intergenerational Trauma
• Meaning & Purpose
• Midlife Transitions
• Mood Disorders
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
• Parenting
• People-Pleasing
• Self-Esteem
• Spiritual Growth
• Stress
• Trauma
• Life Transitions

Who Karla works with

• Caregivers
• Couples & Partners
• First Responders
• Identity-Exploring Clients
• LGBTQ+ Individuals
• Military Members & Veterans
• Parents & New Parents
• Perinatal & Postpartum Individuals
• Sex-Positive Individuals
• Spiritually Exploring Individuals
• Artists & Creatives
• BIPOC Communities
• Christians
• Chronic Pain / Chronic Illness
• College Students
• Gifted Adults
• Latino / Hispanic Communities
• Neurodivergent Individuals
• Non-Monogamous / Polyamorous
• Young Professionals

How Karla works

• Gottman Method
• Integrative Approach
• Internal Family Systems (IFS)
• Mindfulness
• Person-Centered
• Somatic Mindfulness
• Strengths-Based Approach
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Art Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
• Narrative Therapy
• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

Therapist spotlight

What made you decide to become a counselor?

Working with individuals that were struggling with addiction as a teen while family members worked with AA and Al-Anon led me to understand more about the challenges that we face as humans. I found my strengths were compassion and patience.

If you could teach the world one skill or technique to improve their lives, what would it be?

Compassion: We are all on a continuum, each learning at our own pace. Compassion allows us to set realistic expectations of ourselves and others, while offering love, kindness and understanding. When we mindfully practice compassion, we create space for peace and authentic connection.

If you could recommend one book to all your clients, what would it be?

The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. Randy, a professor, gives his last lecture after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. He reflects on the importance of being present in our daily lives, and seeing the beauty in our space.

How do you personally practice self-care?

I reset when needed, typically in nature. I walk, read, write, and practice intention and mindfulness. I work to look at the beauty in my day and in my world and express gratitude for this daily.

Have you personally been in counseling and if so, what did you learn about yourself?

Yes, as a family therapist, I believe in seeing outside support to have other perspectives of challenges.

What inspires you to help others?

Watching others' vulnerability and willingness to work hard for something or someone (including themselves) that they love, and being allowed to be a part of their internal world.

Who is your ideal client?

My ideal client is a person who is open to change and is willing to be vulnerable, even for a moment, who is authentic, even when it is embarrassing, scary, or tired. This client is a hard worker on their end, but ready to accept help and let me lift on my end.

How do you relate to Mindfulness? How do you incorporate it in your sessions?

Mindfulness is my anchor. I work on observing my own thoughts and feelings in session, and work to help others to be able to be in tune with theirs, both without judgement. I understand the need to be grounded and present, noticing breathing, and sensations, and addressing when needed. I work to help others to understand that what they are feeling and experiencing is all part of growth, healing, and evolving. We have within us what we need to be our best selves, but we have to learn how to recognize these parts of us and the peace that comes with this knowledge.

If you are hosting a dinner party, who are the 3 people you would invite and why?

My mother, father, and my father’s mother, who have all passed, so the visit would be different than most dinner parties. I would tell them things I wished I had already spoken to them, and ask them what they are experiencing and what I need to know to be with them again.