- Anxiety and depression
- Relationship work
- Values focused action
About Karissa
Karissa Thomas is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) practicing in Michigan with seven years of experience. She works with young adults and others on issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, grief, trauma, and identity concerns. Karissa presents as practical and direct while keeping a nonjudgmental stance in conversation.
She begins by listening and asking clear questions to understand what matters most to the client. Sessions are conversational and grounded in real-life steps rather than only theory. Karissa values honesty and openness and encourages clients to bring what is happening now into the session so it can be worked with concretely.
Her approach mixes several evidence-informed methods. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to identify unhelpful thinking and try out different behavior patterns. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps clarify values and small actions that align with them. Attachment-based ideas are brought in to look at how past relationships shape current patterns.
Karissa also integrates strategies from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and client-centered work to focus on emotion regulation and clear communication. She is straightforward about skills practice and often assigns simple exercises to try between sessions. This makes therapy feel like an active process with practical takeaways.
People who choose her often want a direct therapist who will listen and then offer concrete tools. She works with concerns common in early adulthood - leaving home, starting careers, relationship shifts, and identity questions - and helps clients sort priorities and next steps.
How her approaches translate to online sessions
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on identifying personal values and taking small, meaningful steps toward them. Online ACT work often includes short practical exercises and value-mapping tasks that you can try between sessions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and tests different ways of responding. In remote sessions CBT can involve worksheets, behavior experiments, and planning concrete changes to daily routines.Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Karissa will collaborate with the client to pick which methods fit current needs and goals, and she will adjust techniques if something isn’t working. The process is shared - she listens, suggests a plan, and checks in on how it’s going so changes can be made.
The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm available online options before booking. Many people find remote sessions helpful because they fit into busy schedules, make it easier to keep a regular rhythm, or let them join from different locations. Other practical benefits include shorter check-ins when time is tight and doing some skill practice without needing to travel. Discuss format preferences when you schedule to match sessions to everyday life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
7+ years
Listed in
Michigan
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she help with?
She works with issues like anxiety, depression, relationship problems, trauma, eating concerns, grief, and identity questions including LGBT matters.
How would you describe her therapy style?
She is practical and straightforward, listens first, and then suggests concrete skills and exercises to try between sessions.
How much experience does she have?
She has seven years of experience as a clinical social worker in Michigan.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is an LMSW - Licensed Master Social Worker - practicing in Michigan.
Does she support people who live outside the US?
Sessions are offered to international clients as well as those in Michigan; sessions are conducted in English.
What session formats are available?
Please confirm current session options before booking, as formats are not specified in the biography.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location and services; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session.
Online talk therapy through BetterHelp is for adults aged 18 and over and is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.