Kara VanHimbergen, MA, LMHC-A

Education

School:

Valparaiso University

Degree:

Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
Master of Arts, Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Kara VanHimbergen (they/them) is an Associate Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC-A). Kara received both their Master of Arts degree in Counseling and Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Valparaiso University.

During internship placements, Kara discovered that their upbeat attitude and affinity for humor lend themselves well to working with preteens and adolescents, though they are also open to counseling adults. Kara has additional clinical interests in neurodivergent, LGBTQ+/Sexual, Affectional, and Gender Expansive populations, as well as those experiencing chronic pain and chronic illness.

Kara gravitates toward Person-Centered and Strengths-Based modalities and often incorporates concepts from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). These approaches work in conjunction to ground the client in humanity rather than pathology, while providing a solid therapeutic foundation from which to work. However, therapy is a collaborative process where human connection takes precedence over counseling theory. Kara is dedicated to tailoring evidence-based practices and interventions to meet the needs of each individual client. They would describe their general therapeutic presence as affable, humorous, and direct.

Outside of counseling, Kara’s other loves include cats, This American Life (podcast), rock climbing, rock/alternative music, and writing.

Issues Treated

Age Specialties

Preteens/Tweens (11 to 13)
Teenagers (14 to 19)
Emerging Adults (18-25)
Adults

Types of Therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Eclectic/Integrated Therapy
Humanistic Therapy
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Narrative Therapy
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)