Registered Social worker

Karen Hutchinson [she/her] MSW RSW

Karen believes that all emotions are beautiful and valid, which is evidenced by how much she loves talking about feelings! A self-identified empath and super-feeler, Karen uses a warm and authentic approach, and values creating a comfortable space that fosters safety and connection. Karen has extensive experience working with individuals who are living with depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidality. She specializes in working with other sensitive folks who also feel things deeply and experience their emotions in a big way. Karen believes that sensitivity is a super power, and loves helping folks embrace this part of themselves.

Karen has worked at the Child and Youth Mental Health Inpatient Unit at McMaster Children’s Hospital for over 8 years. She has training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). She received her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from the University of Waterloo in 2006, and graduated from the Masters of Social Work (MSW) program through the University of Calgary in 2007. She is a registered social worker and psychotherapist.

Karen loves animals, hiking, nature, travelling, and trying new foods. She is an avid reader and loves to talk books and hear about what people are reading! Karen lives in Hamilton with her partner Ainsley, their two fur babies Eddie and Goose, and a revolving door of foster dogs.

Karen offers individual sessions - $150/session

Check out more information about Karen below!

Karen Hutchinson [she/her] MSW, RSW

More about Karen

❤️ Her work & Her Fees

Karen specializes in working with Adults, children, teens and families.

Karen offers individual sessions - $150/session

Karen is a queer identified woman, who is passionate about working with other LGBTQ+ folks. Karen has many years of experience working in and advocating for mental health. Karen enjoys connecting with people of all ages! She has a passion for animals (especially her dogs and cats) and for being in nature.

💗 Karen’s Vibes

❤️ Her work & Her Fees

Warm, knowledgeable, responsive, empathetic, curious, supportive, dedicated, open, solution-focused, experienced, reliable, calm.

💛 Karen’s approach and Modalities used

💚 Karen is a great fit for you if you resonate with any of the following:

Cognitive Behavioural (CBT)
Compassion Focused
Culturally Sensitive
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Eclectic
Emotionally Focused
Family / Marital
Family Systems
Feminist
Integrative
Interpersonal
Motivational Interviewing
Multicultural
Parent-Child Interaction (PCIT)
Person-Centered
Relational
Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
Strength-Based
Structural Family Therapy
Trauma Focused

💚 Karen is a great fit for you if you resonate with any of the following:

You are looking for a kind, down to earth therapist who has lived queer experience.
You are feeling overwhelmed by navigating the mental health system and are looking for someone to support you who has knowledge of the system. (Bonus: the Hamilton system if this applies to you)
You have a child who is experiencing mental health difficulties and are looking for support as a parent.
You are feeling stuck with your mood and want a safe space to work on finding your zest for life again.
You are wanting to discuss your queer identity with someone who “gets it” and can support you in connecting with and embracing your authentic self.
You (or your child) are exploring gender and/or sexual orientation and could use a safe space with an informed therapist.
A member of your family has come out and the family needs a safe and affirming space to process and heal together.
You are struggling with frequent thoughts of suicide or self harm.
Your child is experiencing bullying or other issues at school and you and your child are looking for strategies to both cope and advocate for change.
You (or your child) have ADHD or ASD and could use support around executive functioning, emotional regulation and self-esteem.