Karin Draper

The college years can be immensely transformative far beyond your academic and professional career. They are often a time to get to know yourself in a new way outside of the context of your family and home community. You might have a serious romantic relationship (or two or three) and learn more about what you want and don't want in a partner, as well as what is difficult for you about getting close to another person. College students often find themselves processing challenging family dynamics or childhood trauma that perhaps they did not recognize as such until they moved away. It's truly a time to learn, change, and grow in ways that are rapid, painful, dizzying, exciting, and a whole slew of other things. I truly believe that college is an ideal time to do therapy as you get to know yourself in these deeper ways and as you try to become more of who you want to be.

I love working with those who are used to being “the strong one” in their relationships, who are quick to help but slow to ask for help. It can be much more comfortable to be perceived as having it all together and to be in the role of giver. Being vulnerable and sharing raw emotions with others can be daunting; therapy is an ideal place to begin courageously doing so. I often work with those who know they want something different for their relationships than what they currently have. Maybe they are in a relationship but unhappy, wishing they were in a relationship, or fresh out of an imbalanced relationship and wanting to get healthier before reentering dating.

My clients often describe me as warm, easy to talk to, down-to-earth, and someone they can both laugh and cry with. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, which means I view each person through a systems lens and how they are impacted by their closest relationships and various communities. I strive to practice in a holistic manner that is trauma-informed and culturally-sensitive, that takes the whole person into account. I believe that we often repeat patterns in our relationships and help my clients recognize these patterns and explore how to live with authenticity and balance, both in relationship to themselves and to others. I utilize EMDR therapy for adults who have experienced trauma or who have deeply embedded negative beliefs about themselves or the world. I use Restoration Therapy with couples to help them identify their pain cycles and how to communicate vulnerably in moments of discord.