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Meet The Owner

Meet The Owner

Kara Kazemba, LCSW

My passion for mental health and systemic wellness has informed each step of my professional journey.  

I started my career focusing on early childhood trauma and attachment after graduating from California State University, Sacramento, with a Master’s degree in Social Work. 

After working in Child Protective Services, I entered community mental health with an appreciation for how early life experiences and relationships can lead to challenges in adulthood. I also saw how systemic supports, or the lack thereof, could impact individuals well past childhood.

Diving in deeper

For several years I worked as a service coordinator for individuals with severe mental illness, gaining experience in a variety of modalities. This work allowed me to develop deep empathy for individuals living in “extreme states.” 

During this time, I obtained my license to practice clinical social work (LCSW). After moving into management in 2014, I worked heavily on accessing grants for programs related to housing and homelessness. Today, I sit on the Washington County Homeless Plan Advisory Committee and am a passionate advocate of fundamental human rights and equality.

Eclectic Approach to Counseling

As a therapist, I pull from a variety of approaches. My work with clients may include:

  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
  • DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy)
  • CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
  • Attachment Theory 
  • Somatic Experiencing

My therapeutic style includes humor, bluntness when appropriate, and a healthy level of swearing. The greatest joy in my practice is the moment when a client remembers, regains, or finds their power and sense of self. I count it an honor and a privilege to play a part in this journey.

I also offer license supervision to Oregon CSWAs with a heavy focus on exploring areas of counter-transference and developing each clinician’s therapeutic lens.

Life In Oregon

Although I am a Washington native, I have lived in Oregon since 2012. I call the Hillsboro, OR community home, where I live with my partner and five kiddos, a rambunctious border collie, and an undetermined number of chickens. 

When I’m not with clients, I fill my cup with music, cooking for others, being outdoors, and spending time with animals.