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, Sana, and Blue Cross Blue Shield.

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

One of my favorite quotes was spoken by Caroline Myss. She said "The soul always knows what to do to heal itself; the challenge is to quiet the mind."

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. I know that being in quiet spaces reconnects us with our inner self. 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 therapy. I partner with my clients to be the strongest version of themselves. My ultimate goal is to support each person’s overall well-being by fostering greater stability, clarity and fulfillment in their lives. I will meet you where you are.

My specialties are working with individuals or families experiencing anxiety, acute stress/chronic stress, trauma or intimacy issues.

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
• ADHD
• Alternative Lifestyle Concerns
• Alternative Spirituality
• Anger
• Anxiety
• Boundaries
• Christian Spirituality
• Codependency
• Complex Trauma
• Depression
• Giftedness
• Grief and Loss
• Identity Exploration
• Infidelity / Betrayal
• Intergenerational Trauma
• Meaning & Purpose
• Midlife Transitions
• Mood Disorders
• Neurodivergence
• 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
• 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
• Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT)

Therapist spotlight

What made you decide to become a counselor?

I am a natural nurturer and teacher and deeply inspired by psychology and the insights of neuroscience. I believe in their power to guide us toward self - awareness, growth and lasting change.

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.

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

I have sought outside help when I wanted clarity from a person I trusted. I learned how to balance mercy, kindness, support and enabling - to know the difference between each concept.

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 exhausting.

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. I would ask a lot of questions and express a lot of love.