Karen Chadwick,
LMFT, LMHC
Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor, Consultant, Author
Healing is Possible, Even After Trauma
About Me
I’m a psychotherapist specializing in “parts” work with adult survivors of childhood trauma. My path to this work is deeply personal. I grew up with a mother who, after decades of struggle, was diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) in her 50s. That diagnosis helped make sense of the chaos we both lived through—and profoundly shaped my understanding of trauma, survival, and healing.
Did growing up with a mother with DID lead me to become a psychotherapist specializing in “parts” work with adult survivors of childhood trauma? Probably.
While my childhood was often painful and challenging, it also shaped me. It gave me a deep, lived understanding of the human heart’s complexity—and of the survival strategies we develop in response to trauma. My own survival parts have kept me safe for decades, but they can also be difficult to live with—especially when they’re fighting each other, or me, for control.
Before becoming a therapist, I spent years as a writer for a San Francisco-based recovery program. Eventually, I felt called to do more than write about healing – I wanted to be a part of it. I began training as a psychotherapist in my 40s, which landed me in the roles of therapist and clinical director.
I learned so much there while developing trauma-informed programming with my team of brilliant clinicians. At last, I had a different frame for what I experienced in childhood; I had deep conviction that what I had lived through could be of service to others.
My approach to therapy, clinical supervision and consultation is grounded in compassion and curiosity, with a sprinkling of gentle humor. It is also informed by years of Insight Buddhist meditation practice. While I don’t teach meditation formally, its influence may well sneak into my work.
I believe healing is possible, even after profound trauma. And, every part of us – even the parts that cause us all kinds of trouble and heartache – deserve our deep respect and care.
