Karen Santos, PACFA
Experienced psychotherapist for trauma and life changes
- Trauma-informed care
- Works with all ages
- Speaks English and Tagalog
About Karen Santos
Karen Santos is a credentialed Psychotherapist and Social Worker practicing in Australia who brings a compassionate, evidence-informed approach to supporting adults, adolescents, and children through difficult periods.
With a background in both trauma-informed counselling and community mental health case management, she combines practical experience with specialist training to help people navigate stress, anxiety, depression, grief, parenting challenges, and major life changes. Her work also addresses trauma and abuse, self-esteem concerns, and a wide range of related difficulties such as abandonment, attachment issues, caregiving stress, chronic illness, and eating-related problems.
Karen holds PACFA and has undertaken focused trainings in the neurobiology of developmental trauma, Synergetic Play Therapy (SPT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT). She is also strengthening competence in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and draws on approaches including Client-Centered Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, and Internal Family Systems to tailor support to each person or dyad, such as parent and child.
Her practice emphasizes collaboration and curiosity, aiming to understand what matters most to each individual and to work alongside them to identify meaningful steps forward. Karen offers therapy in English and Tagalog and brings 12 years of experience to her clinical work.
With a background in both trauma-informed counselling and community mental health case management, she combines practical experience with specialist training to help people navigate stress, anxiety, depression, grief, parenting challenges, and major life changes. Her work also addresses trauma and abuse, self-esteem concerns, and a wide range of related difficulties such as abandonment, attachment issues, caregiving stress, chronic illness, and eating-related problems.
Karen holds PACFA and has undertaken focused trainings in the neurobiology of developmental trauma, Synergetic Play Therapy (SPT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT). She is also strengthening competence in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and draws on approaches including Client-Centered Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, and Internal Family Systems to tailor support to each person or dyad, such as parent and child.
Her practice emphasizes collaboration and curiosity, aiming to understand what matters most to each individual and to work alongside them to identify meaningful steps forward. Karen offers therapy in English and Tagalog and brings 12 years of experience to her clinical work.
Areas of Expertise
Also Specializes In
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDissociationDomestic violenceEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFertility issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseWomen's issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Narrative Therapy Somatic Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy Internal Family Systems
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Karen Santos have?
Karen Santos has 12 years of experience.
Is Karen Santos a licensed therapist?
Yes. She is credentialed in Australia as a Psychotherapist and Social Worker and holds PACFA.
In which languages does Karen Santos provide therapy?
Karen provides therapy in English and Tagalog.
Where is Karen Santos located?
Karen is located in Australia.
How can I work with Karen Santos as my therapist?
You can work with Karen Santos through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Karen Santos work with international clients?
Karen Santos does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Karen Santos cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Could Virtual Therapy Be a Good Fit for You?
Many people wonder whether meeting with a therapist online can make a meaningful difference. For a range of common concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and navigating life transitions, online therapy has been shown to be comparable in effectiveness to traditional in-person sessions for many individuals.
One major benefit is flexibility. People can choose the connection method that feels most comfortable - video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or in-app messaging - which makes it easier to incorporate therapy into a busy life or to continue care when circumstances change.
Licensed professionals and therapists deliver care through these remote formats, and if a different therapeutic fit is desired, it is typically possible to switch to another provider. Online therapy offers a practical way to access professional support while maintaining options that suit personal preferences and schedules.