Karey Swartwout 

Psychotherapist | MA, LPC Associate

Karey holds a BA in Communications from Texas State University and MA in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. Karey understands the importance of a thoughtful, individualized approach to mental health. She has worked with clients who often juggle professional and personal demands, helping them cultivate resilience, clarity, and balance. Drawing on extensive experience, she offers personalized support for individuals, couples, and families navigating sensitive matters. Her approach honors your unique circumstances—ensuring that you receive attentive, discreet care in every session. Karey also has a background in business and leadership, providing specialized coaching and consulting services separately through her company Mesquite Insight (mesquiteinsight.com). She is a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), the Texas Psychological Association (TPA), and the Texas Counseling Association (TCA). Additionally, Karey partners with non-profit organizations to provide consultation services on entrepreneurship, education and youth outreach strategy. Karey (LPCA #97662 TX) is Supervised by Patty Kenjura LPC-S TXLIC #74371.

Karey partners with you to create a therapeutic experience that respects your goals and preferences. Drawing on cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness-based, and humanistic strategies, Karey tailors each session to address your unique challenges using evidence-informed methods. Expect warmth, understanding, and actionable insights that can help you transform day-to-day stress into manageable tasks and personal growth. In her free time, Karey enjoys pursuits that nurture creativity and well-being, believing that a balanced lifestyle benefits both practitioner and client.

FAQs

How do I know if therapy or coaching is right for me?

Determining whether therapy or coaching is appropriate depends on your specific needs and circumstances:

- Therapy (Texas Residents Only): Best suited for individuals dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, or relationship issues. Therapy provides a structured, evidence-based environment for profound emotional work.

- Coaching (Available Globally): Ideal for parents, college students, entrepreneurs, and professionals seeking clarity, personal growth, work-life balance, or leadership development. Coaching is proactive, focusing on practical strategies for immediate application.

What can I expect in a session with Karey?

Sessions, whether therapy or coaching, are interactive and customized:

- Therapy Sessions delve into emotional patterns, coping mechanisms, and healing, utilizing methods like CBT, psychodynamic therapy, and mindfulness.

- Coaching Sessions focus on setting clear goals, overcoming obstacles, and building a more definitive and confident life. We'll tackle decision-making, mindset shifts, and strategic action plans.

How long does it take to start seeing results?

Improvements can be noticed almost immediately, though the timeline varies based on your objectives. Therapy can be short-term, ranging from 6-12 sessions for specific goals, or extended for deeper emotional healing. Coaching generally yields quicker, action-oriented results. Many find new insights and enhanced clarity within just a few sessions, with ongoing coaching available for sustained support.

Can I work with Karey if I don’t live in Texas?
Yes, if you're outside Texas, you can engage in coaching for personal growth, mindset enhancement, burnout prevention, work-life balance, and leadership development. Therapy, however, is restricted to Texas residents due to licensing limitations. If you're uncertain which service fits best, we can evaluate your needs together.

What differentiates Karey's approach?

Regardless of whether you choose therapy (Texas only) or coaching (available globally), my approach is:

- Insight-Driven: We focus on uncovering and understanding patterns that contribute to feeling stuck.

- Action-Focused: Each session equips you with actionable strategies.

- Tailored to Individual Needs: Solutions are specifically designed to address your unique challenges and goals.

I specialize in assisting busy professionals, parents, and individuals during significant life transitions to process emotions, break from old habits, and advance toward a life marked by clarity, confidence, and resilience.