Karen Kimmons

My interest in becoming a clinical counselor first began when I spent months in the pediatric oncology ward with my daughter and met many hurting and grieving families needing support. In my non-profit work with refugees, I listened to many stories of trauma and saw the lack of support for this population. Living overseas for over 18 years, I have seen and experienced the need for mental health services. Life is already hard enough, and when we are living away from our natural support systems like family and friends, our mental wellbeing can really suffer.

Therapy played a vital role in my own recovery from anxiety, panic and identity development. It created a passion for helping others see that there is hope, and that change is possible.

I grew up in sunny southern California, and my husband and I have worked in Africa and France for nearly two decades. I am fluent in both French and English. In my spare time, I love to hike tall mountains, watch football, and hang out with my kiddos.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in Intercultural Studies and Linguistics, a master’s degree in Exegesis and Linguistics, and a masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

I interned as a marriage and family therapist (MFT) at Pacific Clinics in Santa Fe Springs, California where I had the opportunity to work with children, adults, and families with moderate to severe behavioral and mental health concerns in the outpatient program. I was able to work with clients from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds and employed cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, existential therapy, and solution-focused therapy. I collaborated with our certified addiction counselors to help in treating clients with substance use issues. I had the opportunity to co-lead recovery and support groups, as well as leading a trauma and addiction therapy group.

In 2023, I founded the private practice, Restoration Counseling in Nantes, France to provide support for expats, international students, refugees, and others in the area, as well as offering telehealth support.