Karina Fernandez, LCSW

Karina Fernandez is a licensed clinical social worker with 16 years of experience supporting people through stress, anxiety, trauma, grief, and life transitions. She trained at Loma Linda University and has worked in settings that address depression, PTSD, and related concerns. Karina speaks English and Spanish and practices in Tennessee.

Her work tends to be direct and practical. She uses client-centered methods to tailor sessions to each person’s needs. She also draws on cognitive behavioral techniques to shift unhelpful thoughts and dialectical behavior strategies to manage intense emotions.

Karina has experience with survivors of violent crimes and with people living through complex grief and loss. She combines trauma-focused work with skills-based approaches to help people cope day to day. EMDR is part of her toolkit for addressing trauma when appropriate.

Sessions aim to identify strengths and build on them. Conversations often include learning new coping tools, practicing mindfulness, and setting small, doable goals. The tone is collaborative and paced to each individual.

She frames therapy as a partnership where the person brings their lived experience and Karina offers structure, tools, and support. People who want clear strategies for anxiety, help navigating loss, or guidance after trauma may find her approach useful.

How these approaches translate to online work

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and shaping sessions around what matters most to each person. It helps people feel heard and guides the pace and topics of sessions based on individual needs.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) teaches practical skills to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It is useful for anxiety, depression, and stress by offering clear strategies to test and reframe thinking patterns.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) provides emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills. It can be especially helpful when emotions feel overwhelming or relationships are strained.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss goals, try strategies, and adjust methods based on what helps. This collaborative process aims to match tools to a person’s situation and preferences.

The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm available online options before booking. Many people find virtual sessions make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, allow for shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Talk with the therapist about scheduling, session length, and any practical needs so appointments can fit into everyday life.