Profile / United States
Karen Sumpter, LMSW
Michigan
LMSW - Anxiety and depression focus
See online therapy options- CBT and ACT methods
- Mindfulness practice
- Problem solving
About Karen
Karen Sumpter is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with 30 years of clinical experience in Michigan. She focuses on stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, self-esteem, and depression. Karen draws on her lived experience as a cancer survivor and long clinical practice to inform her work with adults and older adults.
She begins by reviewing basic procedures and answering questions about therapy. Karen conducts a thorough assessment in the first session and develops a straightforward treatment plan with goals and steps. Sessions emphasize practical skills and clear next steps rather than abstract theory.
Her approach blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), client-centered work, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing. In practice this means noticing unhelpful thoughts and habits, trying new responses, and practicing small behavioral changes between sessions. Psychoeducation and problem-solving are used to help people manage mood and pain symptoms.
Karen has long experience supporting older adults and people coping with chronic illness, cancer, and aging-related concerns. She helps individuals who need support with grief, trauma recovery, or managing persistent symptoms that affect daily life. Sessions often include practical strategies for coping and planning.
People who prefer clear structure, concrete tools, and collaborative planning tend to fit well with her style. To start, users follow the site steps to complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session.
Using structured approaches in online sessions
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them and to take actions that match personal values. It is often used for anxiety, depression, and coping with chronic health issues.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and habits and testing new ways of thinking and behaving. It is commonly used for anxiety, mood concerns, and managing stress.
Client-Centered Therapy centers on the person's perspective and priorities. The therapist listens and supports the client's own problem-solving and decision-making.
Choosing which approach to use is part of the work. Karen will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and preferences. That may mean combining techniques across CBT, ACT, and client-centered work and adjusting as progress is made.
The original biography does not specify which online session types are offered. Confirm the current session options before booking so you know whether sessions are by video, phone, or another format. Online sessions can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when helpful, and reduce travel time while still using structured exercises and homework between meetings.
Areas of expertise
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
30+ years
Listed in
Michigan
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she work with most often?
She focuses on stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, self-esteem, and depression. There is also additional focus on aging, cancer, chronic illness and mood disorders.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is practical and structured with clear goals and steps. Sessions emphasize noticing thoughts and behaviors and trying different responses between meetings.
What is her clinical background?
She has 30 years of clinical experience and brings personal experience as a cancer survivor alongside her practice. That background informs her work with adults and older adults.
What credentials and location are on record?
She holds the LMSW credential and practices in Michigan.
In which language are sessions held?
Sessions are offered in English only. International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are offered?
The original biography does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking.
How are fees and billing handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin the matching and booking process?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule a first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe, use the crisis numbers.