Kara Denahan, LMFT

Kara Denahan is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in Rhode Island. She has worked in the field for 23 years and currently provides therapy to individuals. Kara began her professional path in the arts and later returned to school to complete a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Rhode Island in 1997.

Her background includes long-term study of mindfulness and meditation inspired by the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh. That practice became a steady influence on how she listens and guides people through stress, anxiety, grief, and life changes. She also completed Internal Family Systems trainings in 2010 and 2012 and incorporates parts work into clinical conversations.

Kara blends attachment-based ideas, client-centered listening, cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness, and trauma-focused perspectives. She draws on ideas from Polyvagal Theory and interpersonal neurobiology to help people understand nervous system responses and relationship patterns. The goal is practical change - easing symptoms, improving communication, and helping people reconnect with their values.

Sessions are conversational and paced to each person. Expect to talk about patterns that repeat in relationships, sources of shame or guilt, and practical skills for coping with stress, sleep problems, or substance concerns. Kara also addresses issues such as parenting strain, caregiver stress, blended family dynamics, and questions about life purpose.

She aims to help people find clearer choices and more satisfying directions in midlife and beyond. The work emphasizes self-acceptance, clearer communication, and small daily practices that support lasting change.

How therapeutic approaches guide online work

Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on how early and current relationships shape expectations and reactions. It helps people notice patterns in close relationships and practice new ways of connecting that feel safer and more satisfying.

Client-Centered Therapy centers on listening and acceptance. The therapist follows a person’s lead, reflects what they are feeling, and helps them find their own answers rather than imposing solutions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions. It offers concrete strategies to change unhelpful thinking and to build new habits that reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and lift mood.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the person about their goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t worked before. Together they adjust tools and practices so the work fits the client’s life and values.

Confirm session options before booking so you know how sessions will be delivered. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when that works better. It can also let someone use audio-only options when bandwidth is limited or schedule sessions during a lunch break. Speak with the therapist to clarify available formats and practical arrangements before your first session.