Karina StarkHart, MA, LMHCA, ABS
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate
Sex Therapist
Often therapy begins with an implicit question, such as, “will I be okay?” or, “can I get better?” Other clients might wonder if they will be accepted for who they are, both in and outside of therapy. I welcome you to bring your full self into our space together. I am here to meet you where you are with warmth and unconditional positive regard. Everyone needs something a little different - to move through stuck points, to gain insight, or to reconnect with oneself or others. Whatever your needs, I believe therapy should be flexible and responsive to your individual circumstances. We will co-create an approach tailored to your goals, strengths, and challenges.
More About Me
My long-standing passion for addressing sexuality concerns led me to Antioch University Seattle, where I graduated with honors from the master’s in clinical mental health counseling program and earned advanced certificates in sex therapy and sex education. My previous educational experience includes bachelor’s degrees in psychology and English/literature from The Evergreen State College, as well as years of training in a variety of wellness, sexuality, and social justice topics. In addition to my work as a therapist, I have ten years of experience working with foster and adoptive parents, supporting issues of system fatigue, parenting concerns, and emotional burnout. Like many in the PNW, I love coffee, fuzzy blankets, and rainy days. I have a couple of cats, including a very large ginger kitty named Gus. I love various types of puzzling and often enjoy combining these interests in a glorious crescendo of coziness.
I am a board certified sexologist with the American Board of Sexology (ABS), a member of The American Association for Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT), the Washington Mental Health Counselors Association (WMHCA), the American Counseling Association (ACA) and the Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities (SAIGE), an ACA division. Additionally, I am a member of the Association of Counseling Sexology and Sexual Wellness (ACSSW), a prospective ACA division.
My Approach
I use an integrated approach grounded in attachment theory that draws from a variety of other modalities, including polyvagal, existential, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and narrative therapies. Additionally, I use emotionally focused, Gottman, and the developmental couple therapy methods for relational therapy and the PLISSIT model for sex therapy.
I enjoy working primarily from an attachment lens, using compassion-focused, trauma-informed, affirming techniques to welcome, validate, and empower. My work is grounded in social justice, with a systemic foundation that considers each client’s experience within the broader context of their life. I have specialization in supporting erotically marginalized clients and working with individuals, couples, and polycules to help them connect or reconnect with their passion, desire, sexuality, or identity.
