ABOUT ME
Pronouns: she/her/they
©2021 by Kara Gibbs, LCSW
Hi, I’m Kara Gibbs, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Nashville. I am a rare native Nashvillian. I have been in practice as a therapist since graduating in 2009 with a Master's of Science in Social Work from the University of Tennessee, though my journey with working in the mental health field began when I was 22 working at a residential substance use treatment facility. Or likely even earlier when I was a college student struggling with purpose, meaning and direction for my life.
I consider myself a person centered therapist which to me means that I fully believe that my client is the expert on their own experience and greatest resource for healing. I take a holistic approach in my work with clients, addressing and affirming the whole person, not just the initial problem that brought them into therapy. I recognize that though a specific problem may bring someone into therapy, typically "the problem" is actually a complicated web of interwoven layers and concerns that are explored and dismantled during the process of therapy. In a therapy setting, I believe that the relationship between therapist and client is the foundation for healing. That being said, I take pride in cultivating meaningful relationships with my clients built on mutual respect and shared vision for their road to change. It is important to me that I never ask clients to do something I would be unwilling to do myself.
I love working with adolescents, young adults, and adults who are in periods of transition or adjustment. This could mean school, college, job, life, identity, or value adjustments. I enjoy working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, life experiences and perspectives. I strive to be inclusive, supportive, affirming, and curious about ideas, beliefs, and values.
I have a passion for working with individuals who identify as a part of the queer community, those who have experienced religious abuse, and anyone who has felt like an outsider or like they are "different." I am a sex and kink positive therapist. I am a staunch advocate for queer and trans rights, social justice, and reproductive rights.

Quick Facts
Fave Book:
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
Enneagram:
Type 5: The Investigator
Fave Movie:
Atonement
Fave Video Game:
Zelda Breath of the Wild
Fave Band:
Lord Huron
Spirit Animal:
Lynx
Fave TV Show:
Friends

Hobbies:
Travel, Escape Rooms, Arts and Crafts, Yoga, Cycling, Video Games
SPECIALIZATIONS
INTERVENTIONS
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Adolescents and adults ages 16-35
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Life transitions and adjustment issues
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LGBTQ+ issues
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Trauma, PTSD, and stressor-related disorders
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Client-Centered Therapy
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Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
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Psychodrama
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Motivational Interviewing
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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
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Mindfulness
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Sandtray therapy
OTHER PRESENTING ISSUES
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Depression
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Anxiety disorders
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Gender dysphoria
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Grief and loss
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Family of origin issues
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School issues and academic stress
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Body image issues
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Relationship issues
MODALITIES
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Individual Therapy
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Family Consultation
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Assessment
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Clinical Supervision