Karen Santos , PACFA

Karen Santos is credentialed in Australia as a psychotherapist and social worker and holds PACFA, a recognised Australian counselling credential. She supports adults, adolescents, and children through difficult life moments, offering care for trauma, stress, depression, anxiety, parenting challenges, life transitions, and grief and loss.

Her practice draws on ongoing experience in evidence-based trauma and mental health counselling alongside community mental health case management. This background has deepened her ability to listen, empower, and collaborate with people to strengthen wellbeing in ways that matter to them.

Karen has completed specialised training in the neurobiology of trauma and developmental trauma, Synergetic Play Therapy (SPT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), and she is currently strengthening her skills in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). That range of training enables her to work effectively with individuals and dyads, including parent-child pairings.

She approaches each person with curiosity and respect, aiming to help them reconnect with their strengths and uncover practical paths forward. Her focus is on creating a supportive therapeutic partnership that prioritises the client’s needs and goals.

Combining evidence-based approaches for effective online care

Karen integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) into her practice. ACT helps people clarify personal values and build psychological flexibility so they can move toward a meaningful life even when difficult thoughts and feelings are present. CBT focuses on identifying and reshaping unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve everyday functioning. EFT concentrates on emotional awareness and connection, often used to heal attachment wounds and improve relationship dynamics.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic journey, and Karen works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. She remains flexible in adapting techniques and will discuss options so clients feel involved in their care plan.

Online therapy with Karen is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing practical flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to fit therapy into daily life, maintain continuity of care, and access support from licensed professionals and therapists without the need for travel.