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My Approach

Karen Muehl smiling

I believe therapy is a collaboration between counselor and client. I work to create an egalitarian relationship with my clients in which we work together toward the goals we set. My approach is based in Interpersonal Process approaches to counseling and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I also draw heavily on mindfulness-based coping strategies to manage anxiety and improve mood. I often utilize a values-based framework to facilitate identity development and increase feelings of self-worth and integrity.  The way I work with each client varies depending on the client’s goals, and on the individual’s identity and experiences. I strive to understand each client’s personality, individual and cultural identities, social context, and unique history as it relates to the work we do together. I celebrate and honor differences between my clients and myself. You will find me to be non-judgmental, supportive, and genuine.

Qualifications

My education is rooted in the liberal arts tradition, with a Bachelors’ degree in psychology from Boston College. I gained research experience in the field through my employment at Massachusetts General Hospital after college. I went on to graduate school at Virginia Commonwealth University where I earned an M.S. and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology. I completed my pre-doctoral internship at the Counseling Center at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. I then became a staff psychologist at UNC Charlotte’s Counseling Center where I worked for over 5 years. I am fortunate to have had wonderful opportunities and training through the early years of my career. In private practice since 2013, I have continued to build on my experience and become a more seasoned and versatile clinician. An important part of my ongoing learning is continuing education, which takes place by attending professional conferences, consulting with peers, and taking online courses.

EDUCATION

  • Boston College, B.A., 2000

  • Virginia Commonwealth University, M.S., 2006 

  • Virginia Commonwealth University, Ph.D., 2009 

LICENSURE

Experience

THERAPY

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I started providing counseling in 2004, under supervision, and since then have worked with adolescents and adults of all ages in the following settings: a community mental health clinic, correctional facilities, a hospital outpatient clinic, and university counseling centers.  I have over 5 years of full-time clinical practice experience at a university counseling center and have been in private practice since 2013.  I am comfortable working with a wide range of mental health concerns.  I have also enjoyed working extensively with clients of diverse identities.  Some of my most productive and rewarding therapy work has been with clients whose identities differ from my own with regard to gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, or culture. In particular, I have served the trans and gender diverse community for over 10 years and gained expertise in the field of gender-affirming care.

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My clients have been some of my greatest teachers. I am humbled by the deeply personal nature of the work of a psychologist and there is no other career I would want to have.

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COLLABORATIVE CARE

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Mental health care should not occur in a vacuum. I welcome the opportunity to communicate with allied providers such as primary care, psychiatrists, or other therapists. Having worked in the Charlotte area for 15 years I have lots of connections within the healthcare community and have built a strong referral network. Collaboration is especially important for clients seeking gender affirming medical care. I often help clients seek specialized care as part of their gender transitions (e.g., hormone therapy, surgery, hair removal, vocal coaching) and ensure that various helping professionals are communicating as needed and working together as a treatment team. 

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A primary way that I collaborate with other providers is through Charlotte Trans Health (CTH). As member of CTH since 2014 I have engaged in advocacy for the trans and gender diverse community, attended community events, and served in leadership roles within the organization.

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FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY

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My desire to apply my knowledge of mental health in legal matters led me to explore work in the area of forensic psychology. A small piece of my practice has included assisting in civil cases focused on personal injury (e.g., Posttraumatic Stress Disorder) or on matters where gender identity is central to the case (e.g., discrimination, family law). These services include research, document review, clinical interviews, report writing, strategic consulting, depositions, and court appearances. Please email me to inquire about forensic psychology services. ​​

Logo for Charlotte Trans Health

​910 East Blvd,, Suite 204

Charlotte, NC 28203

Hours

Mondays: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Tues. - Fri.: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Current and former clients request appointments online

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