Karlene Harrison , LMSW

Karlene Harrison is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with a Master of Social Work from Michigan State University and more than 15 years of clinical experience. She has worked across diverse settings with adults from many backgrounds, helping people manage depression, anxiety, grief, relationship conflict, communication challenges, and issues related to addiction and bipolar disorder. Her practice includes focused support for those navigating loss, life transitions, aging and geriatric concerns, and the stress that comes with caregiving for family members with dementia.

Her approach is relaxed, collaborative, and client-centered. She combines patient listening with evidence-informed techniques to help clients build insight, develop practical coping strategies, and express difficult emotions. She draws on a range of clinical methods - including client-centered work, cognitive behavioral strategies, dialectical behavior tools, mindfulness practices, and motivational interviewing - to tailor treatment to each person’s needs. Karlene emphasizes helping people reframe unhelpful thoughts, practice new skills, and process problems in healthier ways while also allowing space for clients to begin where they feel most comfortable.

Based in Michigan, she accepts new clients and offers multiple ways to connect, including video sessions, phone appointments, live chat, and text-based messaging. She aims to guide people toward manageable, positive change while honoring each person’s pace and priorities.

Approaches and Benefits of Online Therapy

Karlene Harrison integrates client-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) into her online work. Client-centered therapy focuses on building a trusting, respectful therapeutic relationship and helping clients explore their feelings and goals at their own pace. CBT helps identify and reframe unhelpful thoughts and teaches practical skills to manage symptoms like anxiety and depression.

She also uses elements of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) when helpful - DBT combines emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness skills to support people facing intense emotions, relationship struggles, or patterns of impulsive behavior. These approaches are presented in clear, practical ways so clients can apply strategies between sessions.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Karlene collaborates with each person to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and adjusts the plan over time as progress is made.

Online therapy with Karlene offers flexible access through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, reduce travel time, and maintain consistent support during life transitions and caregiving responsibilities. Licensed professionals can use these formats to deliver meaningful, goal-focused care tailored to each client.