Karen Jurls , LICSW

Karen Jurls is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) practicing in Alabama who brings deep experience in both mental health and public health settings. Over the course of her career she has worked closely with adoptive families and their children, supporting people through grief, relationship and family transitions, trauma, depression, stress, and challenges with self-confidence and coping skills.

Her clinical work emphasizes respect and thoughtful collaboration. She helps individuals identify goals, explore patterns in feelings and behavior, and develop practical strategies to manage daily life more effectively. Karen combines a compassionate, client-centered stance with evidence-informed techniques to support growth and lasting change.

Clients seeking relief from loss, poor coping, or the impacts of trauma will find an approach oriented toward understanding unique histories and building new perspectives. As an LICSW - a credential that denotes a licensed clinician trained in clinical social work - she integrates that training with years of experience to guide people toward more manageable, fulfilling living.

Throughout her practice Karen prioritizes respectful treatment and clear goals, aiming to help people feel better and move forward with renewed outlook and practical skills.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Karen Jurls draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting overwhelmed by them, then commit to actions that align with their values - an approach that can help with anxiety, depression, and life transitions.

She also integrates Attachment-Based Therapy to explore how early relationships influence current patterns, which can be useful for addressing relationship struggles, parenting concerns, and issues tied to adoption and foster care.

Additionally, Karen uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify unhelpful thought patterns and to develop practical skills for managing mood, stress, and daily functioning. These approaches are presented in accessible, practical ways tailored to each person’s needs.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Karen will work with the client to assess needs, preferences, and goals, and then adapt methods to find the best fit. Licensed professionals often blend techniques to match what works best for the individual.

Online therapy options - including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging - offer flexibility for scheduling and make it easier to keep continuity of care. These modalities allow therapists and clients to work together consistently while fitting therapy into busy lives.