Karen Hammack PhD - Therapist in Mt. Pleasant SC - Couples Counselor Charleston

Karen Hammack, Ph.D.

Clinical Psychologist in South Carolina

she/her/hers

Locations Served:

Primary Focus:

"You know something needs to change, but you’re not quite sure what to do. I’m here to help you figure it out."

Communication break-down. Constant fights. Past patterns and traumas keep you and your partner stuck in a loop, where no matter what you talk about the result is always the same. You are not alone.

Many clients visit me because they feel stuck and want to change things for the better. Interactions have become stressful and life stressors exacerbate the problem, making it harder to be present and compassionate with each other.

By addressing these patterns in therapy, we can break out of the cycle and find healthier ways of relating and co-creating a better life. My goal is to help you understand how past experiences can shape our behaviors and interactions today, and learn practical tools for shifting the paradigm.

Collaboration is key to effective therapy.

My Beliefs & Values:

I value your commitment to bring everything to the table and take an honest look at problems and their causes. I also believe that therapy works best when you’re comfortable with vulnerability. That’s why we co-create a safe space – a space with zero judgment and plenty of empathy and compassion.

Through empathy, active listening, and conscious communication, couples discover healthier ways of relating to each other. Even as an individual in therapy, learning these skills takes your relationships to the next level.

I understand that our past experiences and emotional challenges can make relationships a real challenge. However, I also understand that even though we were hurt in relationships, we also heal in them.

If you’re looking for a therapist who understands the value of compassion and the power of communication, please reach out. I’m here to help you use your relationships as a vehicle for profound transformation.

Ready to navigate your life and relationships with confidence, presence, and authenticity?

WHAT I Help With

  • Anxiety
  • Chronic or Terminal Illnesses
  • Communication Issues
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Depression
  • Divorce Recovery
  • Feeling Stuck
  • Infidelity
  • Trauma
  • Relational Trauma
  • Recovery
  • Saving a Marriage or Relationship

HOW I Help

  • Couples Counseling
  • CBT
  • Individual Therapy
  • Marriage Counseling
  • Mindfulness
  • Online Therapy
  • Premarital Counseling
  • Sex Therapy

WHO I Help

  • Blended Families
  • College Students
  • Committed/Married
  • Couples
  • Families
  • Geriatric Couples
  • Individuals
  • LGBTQIA+
  • Newer Couples
  • Parents
  • Veterans
  • Young Adults

Why I Became A Therapist

I knew I wanted to help people from an early age. 

Growing up in a family with a fair amount of dysfunction and frequent arguments, it was clear to me the pain my parents’ fights were causing in each other and in me. I was sensitive and curious, so I found myself affected by, but keen to understand, the dynamics around me.

As I got older it became even more clear to me that psychology was the vocation for me. I wanted to commit my life to helping others navigate similar challenges.

My understanding of relational pain has provided invaluable insight that has guided my therapeutic work.

In my personal life outside of work, I’m a parent to a wonderful child. I keep two dogs and a turtle, and I travel. All of these experiences are deeply enriching and feed my perspective on the world. I grew up witnessing a type of pain that informed my approach to therapy, but I also draw from the joyful, positive things in life, making my approach as inclusive and well-rounded as possible.

What to Expect in Therapy

First, we’ll establish a safe space for you to be open and comfortable.

It’s important that your unique experiences, challenges, and goals are validated and understood. Next, we’ll discuss your history, your relationship dynamics, and your motivation for seeking therapy.

Next, we’ll:

  1. Establish clear, achievable goals
  2. Identify and understand the patterns of behavior and interaction that contribute to your current challenges
  3. Learn and practice new skills, such as effective communication, emotional regulation, and problem-solving techniques

For couples, we’ll explore and work on improving negative interaction patterns. For individuals, we’ll address common causes of relationship dysfunction such as anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Regardless of the area of the focus, my goal is to help you learn more about yourself and your patterns and replace them with more effective ways to relate and communicate.

I don’t give you homework, but I encourage you to reflect on and practice the insights and skills learned during sessions in your daily life. This practical application is key to achieving lasting change.

Expertise

Education:

  • Ph.D, Clinical Psychology, University of Mississippi
  • M.A., Applied Psychology, Teacher’s College, Columbia University
  • B.A., Psychology, French Minor, Vanderbilt University

Certifications:

  • Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT)
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
  • Prolonged Exposure (PE)

Licenses:

  • Clinical Psychologist, State of Georgia, License #: 003311
  • Clinical Psychologist, State of South Carolina, License # 1804
  • PSYPACT License: APIT # 17621

If you’re looking for a therapist who understands the value of compassion and the power of communication, please reach out.

I’m here to help you use your relationships as a vehicle for profound transformation.

Meet our team of therapists and counselors in Mt. Pleasant, Charleston, and across South Carolina.

Book a Free Consult

Please note, we do not accept insurance and our rates start at $195/session.