About me

Hello & welcome!

My name is Kara Pederson; I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (which is a fancy way of saying I am licensed to do therapy) and I currently work full-time as a School Social Worker at a local public middle school. I have a lot of experience working with adolescents in various settings including: public schools, clinical psychiatric settings, residential treatment, and private practice. Before entering my current role as a school social worker, I provided therapy services to, mostly, adolescents in a private setting. I now work with teenagers, daily, assisting them in working through social, emotional, and academic challenges that arise.

Needless to say, I really enjoy working with teenagers and doing my best to guide them in their life challenges. My many experiences in working with teenagers and families has led to my better understanding and appreciation for this population. Although challenging, the adolescent years can be some of the most difficult AND rewarding times. I hope to help you (or your teen if you are a parent reading this) find some relief in better managing the emotions that can make the teenage years so difficult.

I look forward to getting to know you! Take care of yourself!

Specialties

  • Stress, Anxiety
  • Relationships
  • Self esteem, Motivation
  • Depression
  • Coping with life changes
Also experienced in:
Addictions , Trauma and abuse , Intimacy-related issues , Parenting issues , Anger management , Career difficulties , Compassion fatigue , ADHD

Clinical approaches:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy

Years of Experience: 10

Services offered


  • Messaging

  • Live Chat

  • Phone

  • Video

Licensing

MN LICSW 22072

Reviews

These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Kara Pederson. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with Teen Counseling might be different.

Written on Feb 25, 2021 after therapy with Kara for 10 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, and compassion fatigue

Kara has been a great support, as I've navigated all of life's stresses lately. I'm grateful to have her in my corner.

Written on Jan 30, 2021 after therapy with Kara for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and coping with life changes

Kara is the best counselor I have ever had and I’ve been to a bunch. She’s given me the tools to cope with my anxiety and with her I have seen so much more progress in myself in a few months than I have in my previous 10 years of counseling.

Written on Jan 11, 2021 after therapy with Kara for 6 months

My son has been working with Kara for a little over six months now. The interaction seems to be having a definite positive effect on him. Historically, he's really struggled with motivation in school, and with processing some of the bigger challenges our family has faced (alcoholism, divorce.) Kara's support really seems to have played a major role in helping him find the wherewithal to move forward through these tough situations. Would definitely recommend her for struggling teens.

Written on Jan 08, 2021 after therapy with Kara for 2 weeks

In one meet, I felt like she was in willing to get to know me

Written on Dec 03, 2020 after therapy with Kara for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd

Kara is great...very nice, understanding and helpful.

Written on Oct 27, 2020 after therapy with Kara for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, and self esteem

Incredibly personable and sensitive. Great listener with actionable recommendations. I felt more comfortable in one session with Kara that would normally take 2-3 sessions with another counselor.

Written on Oct 26, 2020 after therapy with Kara for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes

She’s wonderful

Written on Sep 22, 2020 after therapy with Kara for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, and career difficulties

Kara is very easy to talk to and considerate! I look forward to our meetings ^_^.

Written on Jul 20, 2020 after therapy with Kara for 1 month

Kara has been outstanding with my teen daughter and goes above and beyond to help guide her through some tough situations. She is very detailed with her responses as well as very timely. We have seen great improvements so far and look forward to continuing to work with her.

Written on Jul 18, 2020 after therapy with Kara for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd

Kara has been a great help! She's always been responsive and known how to ask me good questions, and has made some great observations about my thought patterns and where I might get derailed lol. She has also helped process some important feelings and, though I know my personal journey is far from over, I'm very grateful to have had her as my counselor.

Written on Jul 09, 2020 after therapy with Kara for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, parenting issues, and self esteem

She is awesome!!!

Written on Jun 22, 2020 after therapy with Kara for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and coping with life changes

My first session with Kara was very helpful. She is very friendly and personable. I have a hard time opening up and I felt very comfortable sharing with her and listening.

Written on May 04, 2020 after therapy with Kara for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, and compassion fatigue

Thanks for the help!

Work with me!