Karen Poyner

Karen Poynor is a highly qualified mental health professional, holding the titles of Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), and Registered Play Therapist (RPT). Her impressive journey in the field of counseling reflects a deep commitment to helping individuals and families heal and thrive.

Karen's educational foundation includes a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, which she graduated from Summa Cum Laude at Nyack College in Nyack, New York. She continued her academic pursuit by earning a Master's degree in Professional Counseling from Georgia State University in 2001.

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Throughout her career, Karen has been dedicated to working with families in crisis, often contributing vital clinical reports to assist the Department of Family and Children Services in their efforts to support high-risk children placed in foster care. In 2004, she embarked on a transformative path by delving into play therapy, initially under the supervision of a distinguished Registered Play Therapy Supervisor. Today, she proudly holds her own title as a Registered Play Therapist (RPT).

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Karen possesses a unique skill set, enabling her to work effectively with even the most challenging of children. She employs non-directive Play Therapy, a research-supported approach that allows children to lead the therapeutic session at their own pace. In this process, the therapist closely observes and analyzes the child's play, believing that children inherently know what they need to work on and that their play is the pathway to healing.

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Over the years, Karen has successfully worked with children grappling with a diverse range of diagnoses, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Adjustment Disorders, and Grief and Loss. Her commitment to supporting children's emotional well-being and facilitating their healing journey makes Karen Poynor a compassionate and invaluable asset to the field of counseling.