Hi, I'm Karen Carroll,

Your Therapist and Guide Through Pregnancy, Birth, and Motherhood

I know what it feels like to carry fear and worry through pregnancy or motherhood while everyone around you expects you to just be happy and grateful. I also know what it's like to witness women's strength in the midst of trauma, loss, and uncertainty, because I started as a nurse in the NICU and spent years as a labor & delivery nurse and certified nurse-midwife before becoming a counselor.

Smiling therapist with colorful tattoos seated on a patterned chair against floral wallpaper.

Hi, I'm Karen Carroll,

Your Therapist and Guide Through Pregnancy, Birth, and Motherhood

Smiling therapist with colorful tattoos seated on a patterned chair against floral wallpaper.

I know what it feels like to carry fear and worry through pregnancy or motherhood while everyone around you expects you to just be happy and grateful. I also know what it's like to witness women's strength in the midst of trauma, loss, and uncertainty, because I started as a nurse in the NICU and spent years as a labor & delivery nurse and certified nurse-midwife before becoming a counselor.

I use trauma-informed, strengths-based, and faith-honoring counseling that supports the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. That means we address what's happening in your nervous system, not just your thoughts. I use a combination of EMDR (when clinically appropriate), somatic therapy, mindfulness, and evidence-based approaches like CBT and ACT to help you process trauma, calm anxiety, and feel more grounded in your body. If your faith matters to you, we can integrate that in a way that feels honest and supportive, without pressure or shame.

The Way We'll Work Together

This Work Is Personal

Two cupped hands, one above and one below, in black and white on a dark background

I've spent my career caring for women and babies, first as a labor & delivery nurse and certified nurse-midwife, then as a counselor.


I've witnessed how past trauma, difficult births, and overwhelming anxiety can shape the way women experience pregnancy and motherhood.


I've also seen how powerful it is when women get the support they need to process what they've been through, calm their nervous system, and feel steady again.


This work isn't just about symptom relief. It's about helping you feel more present, connected, and confident as a mother, and creating a calmer, more secure emotional foundation for your child.


That's the legacy work that keeps me deeply committed.

Midwife in a blue medical gown smiling at a new mother while holding a baby right after birth

Depth of Experience

Care from a therapist who has worked in labor, delivery, and postpartum.

Whole-Person Care

Support for women whose fear and anxiety live in their whole nervous system.

LPC in Virginia

I provide telehealth counseling throughout Virginia for adult women at all reproductive stages. 

Former Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) with years of experience in labor & delivery and NICU care.

Depth of Experience

Trained in EMDR, trauma-informed care, somatic therapy, and perinatal mental health with Christian counseling option.

Whole-Person Care

I provide telehealth counseling throughout Virginia for adult women at all reproductive stages.

LPC in Virginia

Licensed Professional Counselor with Midwifery Experience

Let's Get Started. Reach Out Today.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What kind of therapist are you and what is your approach?

    I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a background as a NICU nurse, labor & delivery nurse, and Certified Nurse-Midwife. My approach is trauma-informed, strengths-based, and grounded in both clinical training and real-world birth experience. I integrate EMDR (when appropriate), somatic therapy, mindfulness, and evidence-based approaches like CBT and ACT to help you process what you’ve been through and feel more steady in your body. Our goal is not just to “manage” or avoid symptoms.

  • Do you include faith or Christian counseling in your work?

    Yes, if that’s important to you. I offer faith-honoring counseling that can gently integrate your beliefs into the work in a way that feels authentic and supportive. There is no pressure to approach therapy this way. I understand that this can be another area of wounding for many. Christian counseling integration is always guided by your preferences and comfort.

  • How is your background as a nurse and midwife different from a typical therapist?

    Most therapists understand mental health. (I mean, that's our job, right?) I also understand the medical, physical, and emotional realities of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum from the inside. I’ve been in delivery rooms, NICUs, and alongside women in vulnerable moments. That means you don’t have to explain the basics or feel misunderstood. We can go deeper, faster, into the parts that are actually affecting you.

  • I’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t help. How is this different?

    If therapy felt surface-level or overly focused on thinking patterns, you’re not alone. Many women I work with felt stuck in that kind of approach. Here, we also work with your nervous system because fear, trauma, and anxiety around pregnancy and motherhood don’t just live in your thoughts. This allows for deeper processing so you can actually feel calmer, more present, and less like your body is constantly bracing.

  • Do you offer virtual therapy sessions in Virginia?

    Yes! I provide secure telehealth sessions for women across Virginia. This makes it easier to access consistent support without having to travel, especially during pregnancy, postpartum recovery, or while caring for a baby. Lounge pants, anyone?

  • Do you take insurance or is this private pay therapy?

    I am a private pay therapist and do not bill insurance directly. This allows for more personalized care without restrictions from insurance companies. You can use your HSA or FSA and I can provide a superbill if you’d like to pursue out-of-network reimbursement, depending on your plan.

  • What are your therapy fees?

    The intake session is $200, and ongoing 50-minute sessions are $160. I believe in being transparent so you know exactly what to expect. I also offer a Birth Worker Support Program for those in helping roles who are carrying the weight of supporting others through pregnancy and birth.

  • How do I know if you’re the right therapist for me?

    If you want a therapist who understands both the clinical and lived realities of pregnancy and birth and who can help you feel safer and more grounded in your body, this may be a strong fit. The best next step is a free 15-minute consultation where we can talk through what you’re looking for and get a feel for the fit.