Kara Denahan, LMFT

Kara Denahan is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in Rhode Island with 23 years of clinical experience working with individuals and couples. She holds a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Rhode Island, earned in 1997, and began her professional journey after completing that graduate training. Earlier, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Design with a specialty in Photography, a background that helped shape her observational and creative approach to therapy.

Kara later opened a private practice following several years of clinical work, and over time she deepened her therapeutic toolkit through ongoing study and training. In 1999 she joined a meditation group centered on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, where practices of mindfulness, acceptance, and interbeing expanded her capacity for presence and connection in sessions. That work influenced how she blends contemplative practices with clinical care.

In 2009 Kara pursued training in Internal Family Systems, a parts-based model developed by Richard Schwartz, Ph.D. She completed Level I in 2010 and Level II in 2012, integrating IFS concepts that encourage self-led compassion and the acceptance of inner parts. Her learning has also been informed by contemporary thinkers and approaches such as Polyvagal Theory, interpersonal neurobiology, and evidence-informed strategies that bridge neuroscience and contemplative practices.

Her practice is informed by multiple approaches, and she draws on those methods to tailor therapy to each person rather than following a one-size-fits-all formula. Kara aims to help people discover their strengths, increase self-acceptance, and find practical pathways forward, offering years of clinical experience alongside training in mindfulness and systems-oriented therapies.