What patients are saying
Overall rating
5.00
Average wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
5.00
About Karen Pleshe
Focus areas
Anxiety
Childhood Trauma
Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT)
Bereavement / Grief Counseling
Codependency
Life Coaching
Boundary Issues
Couples Therapy
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Couples
Seniors (65+)
Treatment approaches
Brainspotting
EMDR
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Family Systems
Compassion Focused
Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
Identity
Gender
FemaleSexuality
StraightLanguages spoken
English
Getting to know Karen Pleshe
Please note I prefer to speak with all new clients who book an appointment. I will then confirm first and future appointments.
Since 2002, Karen has utilized her skills as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker to join individuals, couples and families on their journey to self-healing and more conscious, loving relationships. She has a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Grand Valley State University, has been a member of the NASW since 1990, and is a Certified Brainspotting Therapist and Certified Imago Relationship Therapist.
Karen’s Philosophy and Purpose
Besides really caring about my clients and wanting them to receive the best treatment, I believe in a professional respectful relationship with my clients and believe we are a team working together to meet your goals. I believe a therapist is only as helpful as they are willing to grow themselves. I continue to challenge myself both personally and professionally. Because of this, I am constantly looking to keep up on the best approach that provides the opportunity for the most change and growth, that also uses the most valuable resource of all - the clients own inner wisdom and strengths. I was drawn to the field of clinical social work/psychology in the desire to help others access their own wisdom and strength to heal. Brainspotting and Imago therapy are two tools that have granted me the opportunity to help clients see their blocks, their greatest potential, as well as connection to their original wholeness. They offer the tools and processes for healing and getting the life and the loving relationship you want.
Karen’s Journey
In my personal journey I have experienced both of these methods, which has not only created tremendous empathy for people, but have humbled me, by forcing me to see my weaknesses and vulnerability. In our quest for a loving relationship we sometimes make the mistake of thinking if our partner will just change we will be happy. I have been as guilty as the next person with that belief.
What should a new client know about working with you?
I am a very direct therapist and get excited to share with you my knowledge and expertise in the areas of how earlier life experiences in relationships affect how we view and cope with the world. While I am trained in Brainspotting and Imago Relationship Therapy and use these two methods regularly, I also draw from attachment theory. Both Brainspotting and Imago Therapy draw on neuroscience and how the brain plays a role in our current issues, because of the reptilian brain which is responsible for our protection, and where fight, flight or freeze come from. The use of brainspotting and neuroscience have been game changers for me as a therapist and for my clients, who experience healing and long lasting changes.
Additionally, I utilize examples in a educational style that can help clients understand how they developed an unhealthy coping style or approach to life in any number of areas. I truly believe how well we perform in all areas of our life, whether it's as a mom, a lover, a friend, or at work is affected by what we carry inside from our earlier relationships and life experience. Gabor Mate' says " trauma isn't what happened to you , it's what happens inside of you as a result of what happened to you" Sometimes clients get defensive about talking about their earlier life experiences, because we really don't want to blame others. However, it's not about blame, its about understanding how we were affected and what we experienced in our child brain and how we coped that are still present today. Examples are: being very defensive, not trusting others , shutting down, running away from conflict, or fearing abandonment. I get very excited for clients when they connect in a session on what they have pushed down in their subconscious brain( this is normal) . This allows them a new understanding about their current struggles in life and relations. Once they connect and release this old pattern, they can live more freely and intentionally.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
Individual therapy:
Initial intake 1-2 sessions
A typical session then would be me checking with the client if there are any important updates in their life since the last time we met and what they want to accomplish today. If they have no idea or are unsure of a specific issue to deal with I will assist with suggestions based on their goals and what i have learned from their intake, or our ongoing work. I also may have the client do a few minute internal mindfulness that will teach them how to get more clear with they need most today.
The rest of the session would look like either doing brainspotting on the issue they want help with or having a talk therapy session which would include my involvement in asking ?'s to get deeper, using exercises that explore more , and education if appropriate if it's around an identified pattern.
I usually end with feedback from the client on what was most helpful to them today, or their take away, as well as encouragement to do some continued work outside of session.
Couples Sessions
Intake - 1 hour, Ongoing sessions typically are 1.5 hours.
In these sessions there is a check in, a decision on which issue the couple and therapist have decided will be best to work on using Imago Dialogue. Most of the session I will coach a couple through the issue using important pieces of the dialogue. I coach using sentence stems to help each person deepen the connection to the part of them that is triggered , or reactive, and guide them to understand if there is any relationship to patterns from their life in how they experienced parents, teachers, friends and x's. The couple is also guided to use validation and empathy. Couples learn that slowing communication down, allows for better connection and understanding.
Education on:
Reptilian brain function in hijacking a persons subconscious brain that leads to disconnection and fighting
Patterns in relational disconnection and more.
Handouts and homework often.
Karen Pleshe, LMSW, LCSW is not in-network with any insurances
It’s common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $190 for 55 minutes
Ongoing session: $175 for 55 minutes
- Sliding scale: Offers lower out-of-pocket fees on an individual basis, typically based on your ability to pay
More information on payments and coverage
Please note that I am out of network with insurances at this time
Office location
Karen Pleshe, LMSW, LCSW also offers online video visits for patients
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- Grand Valley State University, Master’s in Social Work
Professional memberships
- National Association of Social Workers
Awards and publications
- Certified Brainspotting Therapist
- Certified Imago Relationship Therapy
NPI number
1811068851
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
5.00
Wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
5.00
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
5 reviews
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How soon can I make an appointment with Karen Pleshe?
Generally, Karen Pleshe has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Karen Pleshe's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Karen Pleshe accepting new patients?
Karen Pleshe generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Karen Pleshe's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Karen Pleshe accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Karen Pleshe is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Karen Pleshe online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Karen Pleshe using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Karen Pleshe work with?
Karen Pleshe works with Pleshe Counseling.
Where is Karen Pleshe's office located?
Karen Pleshe has 3 office locations, including in Green Bay, Eland, and Millersburg, view full addresses on Karen Pleshe's profile.
What are common reasons for patients to see Karen Pleshe?
Karen Pleshe frequently sees patients for Depression, New Patient Visit, Pain Management Consultation, Psychotherapy, and Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit. You can see other visit reasons for Karen Pleshe on their profile.
What languages does Karen Pleshe speak?
Karen Pleshe speaks English.
How do patients rate Karen Pleshe in reviews?
5 patients have reviewed Karen Pleshe. The overall rating for this doctor is 5/5. They have a 5/5 rating for bedside manner and a 5/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.