Karen Santos, PACFA
Karen Santos - Psychotherapist for trauma and life changes
- Trauma informed care
- Works with families
- Speaks Tagalog and English
About Karen Santos
Karen Santos is credentialed in Australia as a Psychotherapist and Social Worker and holds PACFA credentials, indicating affiliation with a professional federation for psychotherapists and counsellors in Australia. She supports adults, adolescents and children through challenging life moments, offering practical and compassionate care for issues such as trauma, stress, depression, anxiety, parenting difficulties, life adjustments, and grief and loss.
Her practice draws on ongoing experience delivering evidence-based trauma and mental health counselling alongside recent community mental health case management. This background enhances her capacity to listen, empower and collaborate with people as they work toward better mental health in ways that matter most to them.
Karen has undertaken specialized trainings in the neurobiology of trauma and developmental trauma, Synergetic Play Therapy (SPT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT). She is also strengthening her competencies in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). This varied skill set enables her to work effectively with individuals and with dyads, such as parent and child, tailoring interventions to developmental needs and relational dynamics.
Karen approaches each person with curiosity and respect, working alongside them to identify specific needs and goals. Her focus is on fostering reconnection and supporting meaningful change through practical strategies and relational support.
Her practice draws on ongoing experience delivering evidence-based trauma and mental health counselling alongside recent community mental health case management. This background enhances her capacity to listen, empower and collaborate with people as they work toward better mental health in ways that matter most to them.
Karen has undertaken specialized trainings in the neurobiology of trauma and developmental trauma, Synergetic Play Therapy (SPT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT). She is also strengthening her competencies in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). This varied skill set enables her to work effectively with individuals and with dyads, such as parent and child, tailoring interventions to developmental needs and relational dynamics.
Karen approaches each person with curiosity and respect, working alongside them to identify specific needs and goals. Her focus is on fostering reconnection and supporting meaningful change through practical strategies and relational support.
Areas of Expertise
Also Specializes In
Parenting issuesCoping with life changes
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDissociationDomestic violenceEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFertility issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseWomen's issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Narrative Therapy Somatic Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy Internal Family Systems
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Karen Santos have?
Karen Santos has 12 years of experience.
Is Karen Santos a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds PACFA credentials.
In which languages does Karen Santos provide therapy?
Karen provides therapy in English and Tagalog.
Where is Karen Santos located?
She is located in Australia.
How can I work with Karen Santos as my therapist?
You can work with Karen Santos through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Karen Santos work with international clients?
Karen Santos does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Karen Santos cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify their values and take actionable steps toward a meaningful life even when difficult thoughts and feelings are present. It is often used for anxiety, depression, stress and life transitions by encouraging acceptance and committed action.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors. It provides practical skills for managing symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress and is commonly used to build coping strategies for everyday challenges.
Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) centers on understanding and reshaping emotional responses within relationships, which can help with attachment issues, grief and interpersonal difficulties. It supports people and couples to deepen emotional awareness and improve communication.
Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Karen works collaboratively with clients to explore which methods fit their needs, goals and preferences, adjusting interventions as the work unfolds so therapy remains relevant and effective.
Online therapy offers flexible access to licensed professionals through video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to schedule sessions around work, family and other commitments, and to continue therapeutic work from different locations while maintaining continuity of care.