ABOUT KAREN
Karen Peninger graduated with a B.S in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas in 2003. In 2011, she graduated with an M. Ed in Counseling from the University of North Texas. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor with the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors. Karen is also Certified by the State of Texas as a Certified School Counselor.
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Karen's areas of special training and expertise include working with children who struggle with social skills, social thinking, and social communication. Karen works with adolescents struggling with anxiety and depression and makes it a point to keep parents involved and part of the process. She enjoys helping children build relationships with family and friends and helping her clients navigate social situations. Karen works with parents on how to approach difficult situations with their child while maintaining mutual respect. She helps parents during moments of transition and adversity. Preparing and supporting parents through loss, divorce, and other changes in the home, so that parents have the tools and language necessary to navigate these tough times.
Karen’s experience includes working at the DFW Center for Autism, In-Home ABA therapy, and 3 years as a special education teacher for young students with severe behavior challenges. During the course of treatment, Karen may use a variety of techniques and approaches. She has been trained in play, art, and sand tray therapies. Her approach to therapy is integrative, meaning that she draws on theory and interventions from a few schools of thought in order to most effectively address client’s concerns. She most commonly draws upon Adlerian Theory, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and the principles of Play Therapy. When working with parents, Karen will also utilize and share Positive Discipline theory and techniques.
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Karen is taking clients on Saturdays and can meet during the week in Telehealth sessions. Call or email for an appointment.
SERVICES
Counseling
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Counseling for children and adolescents
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Approaches include Adlerian Theory, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Play Therapy
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Parenting support to compliment child's counseling progress
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral Therapy provides a more structured approach to counseling sessions. Skill Building sessions for children with ADHD and Executive Functioning weaknesses
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Behavioral Therapy begins with a parent session to discuss concerns and to review diagnostic testing and recommendations (testing not required)
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Individualized Behavioral Therapy Plan created to address specific weaknesses the client has in the areas of ADHD and Executive Functioning
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Goals and objectives for each Skill Building session
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Client will have “challenges” (homework) to work on at home/school to practice and strengthen behaviors and strategies learned
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Parent sessions are encouraged and scheduled periodically to discuss strategies to use at home, troubleshoot challenges that come up, and talk about progress
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GETTING STARTED
To get started, simply contact Karen directly to set up an appointment. She will set up a time to visit with you over the phone to determine if she is a good fit for you and your child. At this time, Karen does not accept insurance.
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Karen Peninger, LPC
(817)725-6101
3509 Hulen St
Building II Suite 151
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
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