Who Am I?
Introduction to counseling
Finding a counselor is not an easy task...you are opening your life and problems up to another person and trusting that person to help you navigate your way through the storm. I am here to help you, in a trusting and safe environment, to rediscover yourself, connect with others, and get on with your life. I want to help you become the best version of YOU. Sometimes it may feel that you are alone. Life is about learning and sometimes you will be faced with puzzles that aren't easily solved. But, you don't have to do this alone. We will walk together!
My Background
Hi! I am Karen R. Vinklarek-Gresham. I am originally from Angleton, Texas, and lived in the Angleton/Lake Jackson area for most of my life. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Speech/Organizational Communication from The University of Texas at Austin, my Texas Teacher’s Certificate from The University of St. Thomas in Houston, and my Master of Science degree in Counseling from The University of Houston at Clear Lake. I have had a diverse journey and my skills built throughout my lifespan, aid in me helping to connect and see a more holistic and global framework.
I started out in radio...selling ads, writing copy, and doing voice-overs. From there, I followed in my father’s footsteps, working in tort law and claims. In my late ’20s, I went back to school to become a teacher and, at the same time, I helped launch a regional rock band, which I was the lead singer of for 14 years. I had an interesting combination of playing professional music on the weekends and teaching by day. I taught for 13 years: Pre-K, Elementary Music, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th, and 8th grades. It was while teaching 8th grade, where I finally found my place in this world. I realized that my favorite part of teaching was building positive relationships with others. I loved sharing my life and using my experiences to inspire others to become the best that they could be. Fellow teachers saw my passion for helping others; therefore, I was recommended by my fellow colleagues to go back to school to become a counselor. So, at the ripe old age of 40, I went back to grad school. While in grad school, I acquired enough hours to become a school counselor, while still studying to become a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have served as a school counselor and/or lead counselor for 13 years at the elementary and middle school levels. I was proactively involved in crisis situations and was on the drug and alcohol intervention team. I have also served as a Clinical Therapist in private practice for several different organizations. These experiences led to my ultimate dream of opening up a private practice of my own to help transform lives.
I am warm, fun, love to laugh, joyful, empathetic, thought-provoking, a great listener, and keenly insightful. I connect easily with others and believe that everyone has value and worth!
Who do I treat?
Currently, I see adults and children ages 7-99.
Therapy and Treatment
Depression & Anxiety
Depression & Anxiety
Depression & Anxiety
Depression, grief, fear, or anxiety are some of the most common and uncomfortable emotions that we can experience at some point in our lives. Through counseling and treatment, we are able to help you find the motivation, perspective, and joy that you once had in your life. I like to use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help you learn strategies that help you cope and manage some of those more difficult emotions and times.
Trauma & PTSD
Depression & Anxiety
Depression & Anxiety
Many individuals can experience symptoms associated with painful and traumatic circumstances. Anxiety, fear, and hopelessness are a few emotions that can linger post traumatic events. I use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy to help you be able to move from the trauma towards a brighter future.
Relationships
Children/Teens
Children/Teens
Relationship counseling can be beneficial to couples who are looking to strengthen their emotional connection, in all stages of their relationship. I use The Gottman Method to help you and your partner learn equitable problem solving and conflict management that works. Life is not easy and through good assessment and comparison, couples can find the strengths in their relationship to move forward.
Children/Teens
Children/Teens
Children/Teens
I have a heart for kids, being a former teacher and school counselor. I use art, crafts, games, experiments, and snacks to help build a relationship first. Once a solid foundation is laid, I use workbooks, bibliotherapy, play therapy, and social skills to help children and teens learn new skills and make some positive changes. An outside person really helps assist parents. Children/teens often need a neutral party to listen and advocate for them.
Contact Me
I'm here for you! Free phone consultation.
979-235-0447
Montgomery County Counseling Works, PLLC
Hours
Open today | 08:00 a.m. – 05:00 p.m. |
If you need late appointments or virtual therapy, please let me know. I will try to work with your schedule.
Testimonials
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