- 23 years experience
- LMFT Rhode Island
- Mindfulness and IFS
About Kara
Kara Denahan is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in Rhode Island with 23 years of clinical experience. She works with individuals and brings a calm, grounded presence to sessions. Kara draws on a long personal and professional path that includes mindfulness practice and multiple therapeutic approaches.
Her background began in the arts with a Bachelor of Science in Design, specializing in photography. In her mid-thirties she returned to school and earned a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Rhode Island in 1997. After several years working for other organizations, she opened a private practice focused on individual work.
Mindfulness and meditation became central to her life after joining a meditation group influenced by the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh. That practice shapes how she helps people manage stress, anxiety, and sleep problems by teaching simple attention and acceptance skills. She also trained in Internal Family Systems and integrates parts work to help clients relate differently to difficult thoughts and feelings.
Kara follows developments in attachment and nervous system research, and she draws on these ideas when addressing relationship patterns, trauma, and compassion fatigue. Her approach tends to be collaborative and down-to-earth, favoring clear interventions and practical tools for everyday life.
People often seek her help for issues such as depression, bipolar concerns, addictions, grief, parenting strain, and intimacy-related problems. She also supports those working through attachment wounds, caregiver stress, codependency, and questions about life purpose.
Therapeutic approaches and how they translate online
Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on how early connection patterns shape current relationships. Online work can help identify these patterns, practice new ways of relating, and reduce avoidance or anxiety in close relationships.Client-Centered Therapy places the person at the center of the process. The therapist listens deeply, reflects what matters most to the client, and helps people find their own solutions to issues like stress, grief, and life transitions.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people notice and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It is practical and often includes exercises you can do between sessions to improve sleep, mood, and daily routines.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what feels most useful. That collaborative process means methods can shift as needs change rather than sticking to a single method from the start.
Confirm available session formats before booking so you know how sessions will be held. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy life, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It also lets people share worksheets, practice mindfulness between meetings, and keep momentum on therapeutic skill-building without rearranging an entire day.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
23+ years
Credentials
Rhode Island
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns can Kara help with?
She works with a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar symptoms, relationship and intimacy issues, grief, addictions, sleep and rest problems, and parenting strain.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Her style is collaborative and down-to-earth, using mindfulness, parts work, and practical techniques to help people cope and make changes.
What is her professional background?
She has 23 years of clinical experience, a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Rhode Island, and a long personal practice of meditation that informs her work.
What credentials and location should I know about?
She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in Rhode Island and holds the credential RI LMFT.
Are sessions available in other languages or internationally?
Sessions are offered in English and she is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are offered?
Please confirm current session formats before booking so you know which options are available for scheduling with her.
How does payment work and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.