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LMSW

Karissa Thomas, LMSW

  • Experience7 years
  • LocationMichigan
  • Focus areasLGBT, Relationship, and Trauma and abuse
  • Therapy approachesInternal Family Systems and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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About Karissa

Karissa Thomas is a licensed clinical social worker (LMSW) based in Michigan who works with clients facing a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship and intimacy issues, addiction, grief, ADHD, stress, and eating-related challenges.

Background and approach

She brings seven years of professional experience and a straightforward, compassionate demeanor that aims to help people feel heard and understood while they navigate life changes or chronic struggles. Karissa practices with curiosity and a nonjudgmental stance, emphasizing clients as the experts of their own lives.

Her style combines practical, goal-oriented support with genuine warmth and occasional humor to make the work more human and approachable. She integrates methods such as Internal Family Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Attachment-Based Therapy, client-centered techniques, and cognitive behavioral interventions to tailor treatment to each person’s needs.

Clients can expect collaborative care that values honesty and vulnerability, with an emphasis on empowerment and skill-building. Karissa accepts international clients and offers flexible session formats to accommodate different schedules and preferences.

Online approaches that meet you where you are



Internal Family Systems (IFS) explores the different parts of a person’s inner world, helping identify and relate to protective and wounded parts to reduce internal conflict and foster self-leadership. This approach can help with trauma responses, self-criticism, and relational patterns by encouraging curiosity toward one’s internal experience.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying values and developing psychological flexibility through acceptance and mindful action. It is useful for managing anxiety, depression, stress, and life transitions by helping clients pursue meaningful goals even when difficult thoughts or feelings are present.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Karissa will work collaboratively with each person to determine which methods fit their goals, needs, and preferences. She draws from multiple evidence-informed frameworks and adapts them to the individual rather than applying a single method rigidly.

Offering video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, online therapy with her provides flexibility for varied schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care while balancing work, family, or geographic constraints, and allow therapists and clients to focus on meaningful progress using the methods that suit them best.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Karissa address?
She supports people with issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship and intimacy problems, addictions, grief, ADHD, stress, eating concerns, and related life challenges.
How would you describe her therapeutic approach?
The approach blends collaborative, client-centered work with practical strategies drawn from IFS, ACT, attachment-based ideas, and cognitive behavioral techniques to address emotions, patterns, and behaviors.
What is her professional background?
Karissa is a clinical social worker with seven years of experience providing mental health support and coaching to people navigating a variety of concerns.
Where is she licensed and practicing?
She holds an LMSW and is licensed in Michigan with the credential MI LMSW 6801108127.
Can she work with nonresident or international clients?
Yes, she accepts international clients and offers services to people outside her immediate region.
What session formats are available?
Sessions are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different needs and schedules.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin work with her?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions based on the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

LGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseEating disordersCoping with life changes

Also works with

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepressionCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHearing impairedHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaTraumatic brain injuryTrichotillomaniaVisually impairedWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Gottman MethodMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

7+ years

Licensed

Michigan

Languages

English