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Karen Walant(She/Her/Hers)

(She/Her/Hers)
American Board of Examiners in Clinical Social Work, ABECSW
Massachusetts
Anxiety -Codependency- Relationship issues-Aging related concerns- Work stress- Depression-
AboutSpecialtiesLocationsInsurance & Fees

Professional statement

Dr. Karen Walant is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker located in Phillipston, MA. Dr. Walant supports clients who feel anxious or depressed, as well as those who struggle in relationships, especially when they have codependent characteristics. Her clients often feel overwhelmed by the thoughts inside their minds, or discomfort in their bodies, and while they might achieve great success in some domains, they find themselves feeling unfulfilled. Often, these heightened emotions and destructive thoughts infect/affect clients’ relationships and impact their daily lives.

Dr. Walant specializes in mindfulness meditation as a way to cultivate skills that can reduce emotional suffering, build self-resilience, and cultivate a sense of friendliness towards the self. Slowing down a client’s thoughts and teaching ways to PAUSE so as to develop a more intimate awareness of what’s going on internally and externally empowers people to feel more steady in their hearts and minds. In sessions, Dr. Walant may ask about early relationships and impacting events to guide clients towards insights about their development. She draws attention to harmful thought patterns and offers healthier alternatives, including fresh perspectives.

Dr. Walant earned her PhD in Clinical Social Work from New York University. She authored a book titled Creating Capacity for Attachment that encourages both therapists and clients to create a trusting relationship to best support the process of internal change. She has supported clients and couples for over 25 years. By focusing on the positives and the strengths of each client, Dr. Walant encourages individuals and couples to grow their inner wisdom so that they can become their own best selves. She firmly believes in the power of psychotherapy, meditation, and mindfulness strategies. She has been inspired by her clients, who have bravely embarked on a journey of introspection and skill-building in order to become their Best Selves.


Message to clients

Welcome to beginning your journey into greater awareness and deepened resilience! At times, as we travel through life's winding pathways, we all find ourselves stuck in fear or self-doubt. We might rush forward so as to avoid whatever is uncomfortable in the present moment, or hang back due to fear about what the future might hold.

Please know, you are not alone. Our emotions might overtake us, spinning us into the depth of psychic pain -- depression, anxiety, anger, self-hatred -- or we might pull out of relationships or jobs before we've had the chance to gain enough perspective to make a choice that is truly best for us.

Psychotherapy provides a safe haven, a refuge from which you can gain perspective and new skills. Together, we will unpack the thoughts and behaviors that are impacting your relationship with yourself and with others. We will look at the multiplicity of variables that have affected who you have become and what your life choices have led you to. I will offer you new skills that, once you use, will become yours forever!! Skills like mindful pausing; the "so be it" of acceptance; and ways to soften the tension in your body.

A traveler myself, I will encourage you to discover what works for you, so that the process is individually tailored to who you are. Together, we will widen and deepen your Inner Wisdom so that you are better able to navigate however life unfolds.


Work and Education

Years of Experience: 31 years

Private Practice, Psychotherapist
Four Winds Hospital , Psychotherapist

Institute for Psychotherapy and Meditation, Certificate, 2022
Mindfulness Meditation Mentor Training , Certificate, 2022
Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training Certification Program , Certificate, 2021
Parenting Program by Bonnie Harris, Certificate, 2008
New York University School of Social Work, Ph.D., 1993
New York University School of Social Work , M.S.W., 1988

Licensure

Connecticut: 002545 - New York: R-035536-1 - Massachusetts: 126233 - Virginia: 0904014978

Languages

English

Specialties

Anxiety - Coping with excessive worry, nervousness, or stress; intense discomfort in social settings (social anxiety); sudden and intense feelings of panic (panic disorder)

Codependency - Development of healthy boundaries in relationships; strategies for increasing individual self-esteem and autonomy; coping mechanisms for separation and individuation.

Relationship issues - Understanding one’s wants and needs in relationships; exploring patterns of interaction, addressing concerns, and strengthening satisfaction in relationships and dating

Aging related concerns - Coping with memory loss, loss of independence, and other physical and/or mental impacts of aging. May include support for family or caregivers and resource planning for changes in living situation.

Work stress - Managing overwhelming stress and expectations; increasing effective ways of restoring and maintaining emotional stability and health; addressing challenging relationships with coworkers and bosses

Depression - Providing support and promoting healing of hopelessness, low motivation and energy, sadness, irritability, sleep disturbance, and loss of interest and pleasure in life




Clientele

  • Adults (24+)
  • Couples
  • Parents
  • Seniors (65+)
  • Young adults (18-24)

Locations & Hours

I offer hybrid a Mindfulness Meditation Practice Group and 1-1 meditation instruction. I am a certified MBCT instructor and teach Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression & Anxiety.


Insurance

Karen Walant is not in-network with any insurances.

Read about the benefits of seeing an out-of-network provider here.


Out-of-pocket fees

  • Individual sessions:$250 (55min)
  • Initial session:$250 (55min)
  • Couples sessions:$250 (55min)

Additional session information

Out-of-network billing options

This provider can support you in getting reimbursement from your insurance company if you are seeking out-of-network reimbursement. Here are the out-of-network billing options they provide:

  • Super billing
Payment options
  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card
  • Debit Card
  • Zelle
Session frequency

Frequency of sessions this provider offers to see clients once you are an established client.

  • As needed
Therapist's note

The Meditation Practice Group is freely offered. In the Buddhist tradition, the approach taken for fees is through donation, or dana. You are invited to give what you are able to, and that includes your time, your practicing, your participation, and the monetary amount you choose.


Therapy Groups

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Mindfulness Meditation Practice

Practicing meditation in a group provides an added element for increased commitment and shared learnings. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or you want to begin a practice, this group can help you deepen in self-knowledge and compassion.