- Attachment-based work
- Internal Family Systems
- CBT and mindfulness
About Kara
Kara Denahan is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Rhode Island with 23 years of clinical experience. She works with individuals on stress, anxiety, relationships, self-esteem, grief, addiction, mood concerns, and family-related issues including family of origin patterns.
She began her career after earning a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Rhode Island. Earlier training and life experience in the arts shaped how she notices patterns and stories people carry forward from childhood and family life. Over two decades she has worked with adults to untangle those patterns and to address practical problems that arise in day-to-day relationships.
Kara integrates several approaches in session. Attachment-based ideas guide how she looks at relationship patterns formed early in life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is used to identify and change thought and behavior patterns that keep problems going. Mindfulness and trauma-focused practices are woven in when helpful to manage strong emotions and difficult memories.
She has also studied Internal Family Systems (IFS), which treats conflicting inner parts as a natural feature of people. IFS training influences how she helps clients notice competing impulses and soften self-criticism. Over the years she has incorporated insights from neurobiology and polyvagal theory to better understand stress and regulation.
In session she talks through what is happening now, what came before, and what practical steps feel doable. Parents and adults concerned about how their family history shapes current relationships may find this approach useful. The work aims to clarify patterns and develop manageable strategies for change.
How her approaches translate to online sessions
Attachment-based work focuses on how early relationship patterns shape current connections. In practical terms this means noticing recurring interaction styles and working to change how someone relates to others and to themselves. This approach can help with intimacy concerns, family of origin patterns, and communication problems.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people map the link between thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Sessions using CBT identify unhelpful thinking patterns and test small, doable behavior changes to reduce anxiety, improve sleep, or shift mood. Mindfulness techniques are often added to help manage strong emotions and increase present-moment awareness.
Finding the right approach is part of the work and will be decided together. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and which methods feel most useful, then adjust over time based on what is helping.
Formats for online work are not listed in the biography, so confirm the current session options before booking. Many people find remote sessions help fit therapy into busy schedules, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce commute time. Licensed professionals can use a mix of conversational work, structured CBT exercises, and mindfulness practices effectively in virtual sessions.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
23+ years
Listed in
Rhode Island
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship problems, mood issues, addictions, grief, and a range of family-related concerns including family of origin issues.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
She blends attachment-based ideas, client-centered listening, CBT, mindfulness, and trauma-informed approaches to address patterns and practical problems.
How much clinical experience does she bring?
Kara has 23 years of experience working with adults and couples in clinical settings and private practice.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) licensed in Rhode Island and practices from that state.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She is not accepting international clients at this time.
What formats are offered for sessions?
Session formats are not specified here; please confirm current session options before booking.
How do payments and starting therapy work?
Cost varies by location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To begin, select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Looking for someone else? Find them by surname.