Karyn Smith, LPC
Therapeutic Philosophy
Karyn Smith believes that all people are capable of finding hope and balance. She sees therapy as a collaborative journey and is honored to be a companion while clients find the courage to face challenges. Karyn helps clients remove barriers that prevent them from seeing their inherent worth and capacity for a peaceful and fulfilling life. She emphasizes the importance of building trust and connection through the therapeutic relationship as the foundation for growth and healing.
Clinical Focus
Karyn works with adolescents and adults, addressing a wide range of issues with an emphasis on healing trauma. She is also a skilled couples counselor, supporting partners in improving communication, deepening connection, and strengthening relationships. Her approach encourages self-awareness, vulnerability, and connection with others as part of the therapeutic process.
Therapeutic Approach
Karyn’s counseling is integrative and client-centered. For individual therapy, she is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and incorporates modalities such as Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Motivational Interviewing (MI). For couples therapy, she is trained in the Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy (PACT) level one and two. She creates a safe and supportive space for clients to revisit adverse memories, confront negative beliefs, and change unhealthy coping patterns. Karyn encourages connection with others, fostering self-awareness and a sense of belonging within the community.
Education & Experience
Karyn received her master’s degree in Counseling in 2013 from Winona State University in Winona, Minnesota. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor with experience working with trauma, individual challenges, and couples dynamics.
Personal Life
Karyn has personally found that Bend is the perfect place to heal. When life feels overwhelming, she values the quiet, grounding power of nature, which helps her reconnect with intuition and perspective. She encourages clients to explore the outdoors and use their environment as a tool for reflection, balance, and well-being.