Karen Loethen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who enjoys working with adults and adolescents through individual, couples, family, and group therapy. Karen earned her master’s degree in Social Work from St. Louis University’s School of Social Work in 1994. She has worked in the addiction field, in community mental health, inpatient and outpatient, in a full Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) milieu, dual diagnosis, case management, and renal social work.
Karen works at our St. Louis — Clayton office, you can read her full bio here!
To make an appointment with Karen, please contact our intake department.
See below for more information about Karen!
What self-care techniques or activities do you do?
I have incredibly fun and close relationships with my husband and my kids; all of the time I spend with them is wonderful for me! I also read and write quite a bit, both of which are so centering and great for my mental health. And I use mindfulness anytime and anywhere. With a practice, most of us can find the benefits of mindfulness. It takes some practice and I’ve gotten good at it!
Sometimes people say “OH, you’re like this because you’re a therapist.” I have to reply, NO, I’m a therapist because I’m like this! I’m a naturally empathic, authentic and intuitive person, I always have been. I also love to learn and research. These traits combined made becoming a therapist a no-brainer! To me, being a therapist is being my true self.
What are your specialties?
CBT, DBT, self-actualization and anxiety, to name a few.
Why do you believe that counseling can help?
I’ve seen human beings heal from past hurts, abuse, neglect, pain, and trauma to be able to live their best lives. I sincerely believe that humans who strive to become their best selves, learn how to manage distress, love and accept the person that they are, interact with others more effectively, and move authentically in their lives will become happier and more peaceful people. And isn’t that what it’s all about? Hope. Healing. Wellness.
Did you have a career before becoming a therapist?
I’ve done it all! I was a bartender, a child care worker, retail worker, waitress, photographer, assistant in a eye doctor’s office, and receptionist. I have also worked in many fields of social work including mental illness (inpatient and outpatient), substance use, crisis work, and residential treatment. For the past 18 years I’ve engaged in my greatest career, being a stay-at-home, homeschooling mother. Now that has been a challenging profession!
Why is it important to seek counseling?
I sincerely believe in one’s ability to learn healthier coping skills, develop positive self talk, and work towards becoming a better YOU. That’s what I think we’re all looking for: A life worth living.