- Direct and curious
- Values-focused
- Warm and practical
About Karissa
Karissa Thomas is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) based in Michigan. She focuses on helping people who are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, trauma, grief, and issues around identity and intimacy. Karissa brings a direct, compassionate presence and aims to make clients feel heard and understood from the first session.
She approaches therapy as a practical collaboration. Sessions combine straightforward conversation with compassion, and she invites honesty and openness as part of the work. Karissa uses evidence-informed methods to help people build skills, notice unhelpful patterns, and make values-based changes in day-to-day life.
Her background includes seven years of clinical experience working with a wide range of concerns. That experience informs how she tailors tools and strategies to each person's situation rather than using a one-size-fits-all method. She often blends skill-based work with deeper attention to attachment and emotional experience.
Clients can expect a warm, curious style that balances problem-solving with empathy. Karissa is comfortable using practical techniques and also sitting with difficult feelings when they arise. She says laughter and humanity have a place in the therapeutic process.
Karissa also works with people navigating service and civilian life transitions and stressors. She encourages people to define realistic goals, practice new ways of coping, and notice progress along the way.
She approaches therapy as a practical collaboration. Sessions combine straightforward conversation with compassion, and she invites honesty and openness as part of the work. Karissa uses evidence-informed methods to help people build skills, notice unhelpful patterns, and make values-based changes in day-to-day life.
Her background includes seven years of clinical experience working with a wide range of concerns. That experience informs how she tailors tools and strategies to each person's situation rather than using a one-size-fits-all method. She often blends skill-based work with deeper attention to attachment and emotional experience.
Clients can expect a warm, curious style that balances problem-solving with empathy. Karissa is comfortable using practical techniques and also sitting with difficult feelings when they arise. She says laughter and humanity have a place in the therapeutic process.
Karissa also works with people navigating service and civilian life transitions and stressors. She encourages people to define realistic goals, practice new ways of coping, and notice progress along the way.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepressionCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHearing impairedHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaTraumatic brain injuryTrichotillomaniaVisually impairedWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Gottman MethodMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems
Experience
7+ years
Credentials
Michigan
Languages
English
Therapeutic approaches and online therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on helping people notice their thoughts and choose actions that match their values. It can help with anxiety, depression, and when life feels stuck by encouraging small, meaningful behavior changes. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early and current relationship patterns shape feelings and reactions. This work helps with trust, intimacy issues, and understanding why certain situations trigger strong emotions.Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist will work with each person to figure out which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. That collaborative process means adjusting tools and pacing as goals become clearer.
The original biography does not list specific online session formats, so confirm current options before booking. In general, online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy day, reduce travel time, and let people check in from wherever they are that day. Some formats may be better for short check-ins while others allow deeper conversation and skill practice, and the therapist can help decide what will work best for each situation.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address?
Karissa supports people with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship and intimacy issues, eating concerns, grief, stress, addictions, ADHD, bipolar mood symptoms, and related life challenges.
What is her therapeutic style?
She uses a practical, straightforward, and compassionate approach that mixes skill-building with emotional exploration. Sessions are collaborative and focused on what helps the person move forward.
How much experience does she have?
Karissa has seven years of clinical experience working with a variety of mental health and life concerns.
What are her credentials and location?
She holds an LMSW, which stands for Licensed Master Social Worker, and practices out of Michigan.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English, and she accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not specify session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How does cost and payment work?
Session cost varies with location and therapist availability and uses a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.