Meet The Owner

Kara Kazemba, LCSW

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Life In Oregon

Although I am a Washington native, I have lived in Oregon since 2012. I call the Hillsboro, OR community home, where I live with my partner and three kiddos, a rambunctious border collie, and an undetermined number of chickens. 

When I’m not with clients, I fill my cup with music, cooking for others, being outdoors, and spending time with animals.

My passion for mental health and systemic wellness has informed each step of my professional journey.  

I started my career focusing on early childhood trauma and attachment after graduating from California State University, Sacramento, with a Master’s degree in Social Work. 

After working in Child Protective Services, I entered community mental health with an appreciation for how early life experiences and relationships can lead to challenges in adulthood. I also saw how systemic supports, or the lack thereof, could impact individuals well past childhood.

Diving in deeper

For several years I worked as a service coordinator for individuals with severe mental illness, gaining experience in a variety of modalities. This work allowed me to develop deep empathy for individuals living in “extreme states.” 

During this time, I obtained my license to practice clinical social work (LCSW). After moving into management in 2014, I worked heavily on accessing grants for programs related to housing and homelessness. Today, I sit on the Washington County Homeless Plan Advisory Committee and am a passionate advocate of fundamental human rights and equality.

Eclectic Approach to Counseling

As a therapist, I pull from a variety of approaches. My work with clients may include:

  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
  • DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy)
  • CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
  • Attachment Theory 
  • Somatic Experiencing

My therapeutic style includes humor, bluntness when appropriate, and a healthy level of swearing. The greatest joy in my practice is the moment when a client remembers, regains, or finds their power and sense of self. I count it an honor and a privilege to play a part in this journey.

I also offer license supervision to Oregon CSWAs with a heavy focus on exploring areas of counter-transference and developing each clinician’s therapeutic lens.

Contact Us.

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