Karen Gravel, LMHC

Karen Gravel is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) who helps people find practical relief from stress, anxiety, addiction, and mood struggles. She writes short-term goals with each person and focuses on what will help in daily life. Karen keeps language simple and makes room for what matters to the individual. She often works by identifying automatic thoughts and behavior patterns that get in the way. Then she helps people try new responses and small experiments to test different ways of coping. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a common tool she uses to break down problems into manageable steps. Karen draws on several approaches to fit each person’s needs, including solution-focused techniques and narrative work that helps people reframe their story. She also uses motivational interviewing strategies to support change during difficult transitions. Sessions feel collaborative, with practical exercises and homework when that helps. Her background includes community mental health, crisis settings, and experience in international and military contexts. Over eight years she has supported people managing depression, relationship strain, grief, trauma, parenting stress, career crossroads, and other life changes. Therapy is guided by each person’s values and pace. Karen aims to build skills that carry into everyday life so people can handle setbacks and pursue goals. She offers sessions in English and works with clients in Massachusetts as well as international clients by online formats.

How these approaches translate to online therapy

Karen commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people identify unhelpful thoughts and test new behaviors. CBT breaks problems into small, workable steps and is useful for anxiety, depression, stress, and mood concerns.

She also uses the Gottman Method for relationship work, focusing on communication patterns, problem-solving skills, and rebuilding trust between partners. This approach emphasizes concrete skills people can practice between sessions.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk through goals, preferences, and what has helped before, then suggest methods to try. That choice is collaborative and can shift as needs change.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility. Video calls are good for longer, face-to-face conversations and skills practice. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or a quick check-in is needed. Live chat and text messaging work well for brief updates, journaling prompts, or ongoing support between appointments.