Carolyn Knarr, MSW,
LCSWMy name is Carolyn Knarr and I began at Agape in
April, although I have been a counselor for over 20
years. My background is in child and family therapy.
I see individuals and couples as well. When I work
with children, I use a combination of play therapy
and cognitive-behavioral counseling. I help children
work through feelings and learn new coping skills
and behaviors. Parents are included in counseling at
least every few sessions.
I believe there are three essential components to
being a good therapist. The first is compassion. It
takes a great deal of trust for a new client to walk
into my office and begin to share. Some spill the
contents of their baggage all at once, relieved to
be unburdened by its weight. Others pull things out
piece by piece, hesitantly letting go. I am always
deeply moved by their stories and their willingness
to include me in this process. I take that
responsibility very seriously knowing that, through
a
compassionate relationship, healing can begin to
take root.
The second component of counseling is wisdom.
Knowledge itself will not help a client, as
knowledge
can be cold and impersonal, defining a client by
their symptoms instead of the whole person. Wisdom
is the ability to weave knowledge into relationship.
It looks at the client’s unique situation, needs,
relationships, and vulnerability. Wisdom must be
combined with compassion for healing to blossom.
Third, spiritual maturity is imperative for a
counselor. I am ultimately accountable to God, and
my
personal life should reflect my relationship with
Him. My clients who are not believers should feel
his presence in my life through Christ’s love and
understanding radiating through me. Those who are
believers should also be confident that the words I
speak are based in scriptural truth.
My work as a counselor is so much more than a
profession. It is a passion and a privilege. From
the
first time a client steps into my office, I focus on
getting to know them as a person with a unique past,
present situation, and hopes that things can be
different. I help them feel comfortable and safe in
sharing their stories with me.
If you are hesitant to take that first step toward
healing and change, call and we can talk on the
phone
to help you make a decision. I would love to hear
from you.
Click here to read my article, "Parenting
Children with Emotional-Behavioral Issues" to learn
more about my approach to common parent-child
issues.
To schedule an appointment with
Carolyn, please call
314.994.9344.
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