Kari Barnes, LPC-MHSP, is a Licensed Professional Counselor who received her master’s degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI in 2001. She has been a Licensed Professional Counselor since 2005 and is licensed in Wisconsin and Tennessee. Kari is currently working toward her doctorate degree in Counseling Psychology with a focus in the area of working with military service members. She is also working toward her Certified Mental Performance Coach certification in order to better serve athletes, military members, and those who are looking to specifically improve their performance in a specific area.
Kari has worked in a wide variety of treatment settings including private practice, outpatient mental health clinics, school, universities, and in-home. In these settings, she has been fortunate to work with clients of diverse backgrounds and widely varying needs. Her work has included working with children, adolescents, adults, and couples. She has done a significant amount of work with autistic individuals and believes strongly in the importance of neurodiversity affirming practices. She has worked on interdisciplinary teams and served as a consultant for clients struggling with school issues or other challenges.
Her areas of interest include trauma, attachment, children and families, school based-issues, ADHD, neurodiversity, sport and performance psychology, and challenges faced by military families.
Kari believes in meeting clients where they are and walking through their journey with them. She is passionate about her work and sees it as an honor to be let into the most personal challenges being faced by clients. She works to help clients gain insight and become empowered to make positive changes in their life. Kari believes people are doing the best they can with where they are and sometimes need a little help getting unstuck or out of a rut. Her treatment often utilizes strength based, solution focused techniques to help clients make the changes they desire with the most efficient use of time. Kari believes that the clients are the true experts on themselves and works to help them see their strengths and successes and all that they bring to the table while working through challenges.
Kari enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, being outside, and traveling.