History

Karen Sprinkel Ancelet has been practicing psychotherapy for 30 years. She is licensed to practice therapy in California, Oregon, Washington State and Michigan. She has a very diverse background of experience that helps her relate to all areas of life her clients bring to her. She has great competencies, qualifications and certifications, and her speciality is a combined trauma modality-including certification in EMDR, Brainspotting and Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems (IFS-Level 2) and HeartMath. She is also trained in many other techniques and theories, including but not limited to: Flash Technique, Havening, EFT, ACT, Somatic Narrative and Resiliency, Ego-State, AEDP (Accelerated Experiential-Dynamic Psychotherapy), Polyvagal Theory, Holotropic Breathwork, Vagas Toning and, Psychedelic trainings through MAPS, Fluence and Three Cups Advanced Psychedelic Training, and as a KAP (Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy) provider. She is a consultant, teacher, a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and Continuing Education provider. 

Karen has worked as a clinician with private clients for over 28 years, while also working in mental health management in a variety of settings, including as Director of Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement at East Bay Agency for Children, Manager of Clinical Administration at United Behavioral Health, and Director of Guidance and Counseling at Dulwich International College, Phuket, Thailand. Other direct clinical positions have included as a therapist at Clearwater Clinic and Assessment Services in Oakland, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and Director of Victim Services at Families and Friends of Violent Crime Victims in Washington State. 

A significant part of Karen's life was her time living in Asia. She finished her masters degree researching the impact of trauma, and the different approaches to heal the trauma resulting from violent crimes in Tibet, SE Asia and the US. Karen was so impacted by her research abroad that she returned to Asia for many years.  

Karen spent one year in Nepal, India and Tibet, and then lived in Thailand for 7 years. Karen's time in Asia formed a critical part of who she is and how she views the world and healing today. Karen still returns to Thailand to offer therapy appointments a couple times a year. This deeply integrated perspective has helped her work with individuals here in the States, as well as Thailand. 

Karen integrates the ancient wisdom of meditation and mindfulness into her clinical practice, as well as EMDR, Brainspotting, Flash, EFT, IFS and SE to facilitate the healing process of her clients. 

Karen has an adorable cocker spaniel, Jai Nim (Nimmy), who is sometimes in the therapy session. Her dog often has a grounding influence on clients. Therapy sessions can be arranged without the dog's presence as well.