Community Highlights: Meet Karina Sandoval of Therapy By Karina

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karina Sandoval.

Karina, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in California, the child of immigrant parents from Mexico. In our home, emotions were not acknowledged or discussed. This wasn’t because my parents didn’t love me—they were simply never taught to recognize or express their feelings. Like many immigrant families, survival came first, and emotional well-being often took a backseat to the demands of day-to-day life. As a result, I learned to suppress my emotions and carry on, not understanding the deep impact this would have on my mental health.

As I entered adulthood, I began to experience my own emotional struggles and relationship issues. I realized that I was carrying patterns of disconnection from my own feelings, and I yearned for something different. I wanted to break the cycle and do things in a way that was healthier, more authentic. Yet, at the time, I had no idea how to begin that process. I knew something needed to change, but I couldn’t quite pinpoint what it was or where to start.

One day, I hosted a women’s bible study at my home, searching for answers to heal what I was feeling. It was during that gathering that I had an epiphany: I needed to go back to school and pursue a deeper understanding of mental health and emotional healing. I decided to get my Master’s in Professional Counseling. This decision marked the beginning of my transformative journey with my faith, personally and professionally. I haven’t looked back since.

Through my own healing process, I’ve had the privilege of helping others on their journeys. I understand what it’s like to feel lost or disconnected from oneself. This deep empathy has shaped the way I practice as a trauma informed psychotherapist today. My approach is rooted in a trauma-informed framework, where I prioritize understanding the whole person—their history, their struggles, and the impact of past trauma on their current experiences.

I am endlessly grateful for the opportunity to do this work. Every day, I am humbled by the resilience of those I work with, and it reminds me of why I began this journey in the first place. My life’s path has brought me to a place where I can use my own experiences, combined with my professional training, to help others heal. Becoming a trauma-informed psychotherapist has not only been my personal journey of growth, but also a way to offer healing to those who need it most.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Both personally and professionally as a trauma-informed psychotherapist, has been filled with profound challenges. Balancing personal healing with the ongoing development of your professional identity—especially when those two paths sometimes differ from your family’s expectations—it can feel incredibly isolating. The struggle of being seen as “different” or judge is tough, especially when it comes from those closest to you.

The emotional and time investments required in healing and in learning to support others through their own traumas are immense. It takes a lot to continue walking this path, even when it’s met with resistance or misunderstanding from others. Ive learn some people gravitate to me and other avoid me because I am a representation of the need to change. In addition to the ongoing development of my work as a therapist, which is always evolving. Staying up to date is something I find vital to my profession and practice.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Therapy by Karina is an affiliate of Christian Counseling Services

I offer Trauma Informed and faith-centered support with an open heart to clients of all beliefs. My goal is to empower individuals to walk fully in their life-given purpose, experience freedom and peace, and embrace life’s challenges with resilience and inner strength. I am bilingual and can offer services in Spanish as well.
I strive that my guidance reminds individuals that setbacks are setups for growth, and by walking in their true purpose, The yoke will be light, and your path filled with peace no matter what lies ahead.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Being under the umbrella of Christian Counseling Service has significantly contributed to the growth of my practice, particularly by enhancing my confidence as a counselor. The support of other like-minded, trauma-informed professionals has been invaluable in fostering a collaborative environment where I can continuously learn and refine my skills. The shared commitment to integrating faith-based principles with trauma-informed care has provided a strong foundation for me to approach my clients with compassion, empathy, and an understanding of the deep, healing potential that both faith and therapy can offer. This community has not only helped me feel more supported in navigating the challenges of counseling but has also empowered me to grow as a professional, allowing me to confidently approach even the most complex cases with shared knowledge.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://therapybykarina.com
• Instagram: karinaemdrtherapy