About Me
Hi, I’m Karen Sungkarisma.
I am a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor Candidate (RTC-C) with the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada (ACCT).
I believe in the quiet power of transformation—the kind that unfolds when we allow ourselves to be seen, to feel deeply, and to begin shaping our pain into something meaningful. At the center of my work is a deep reverence for the human story: the wounds, the resilience, and the inner light that flickers even in our darkest hours.
“Holding space, listening, and building trust has always been part of who I am, no matter the setting.”
My Journey
I was born in Jakarta, Indonesia, and moved to Canada when I was five years old due to political unrest. Immigrating at a young age was a disorienting and tender experience—one that shaped my understanding of identity, belonging, and resilience.
I grew up navigating complicated family dynamics, learning early on about survival, silence, and strength. These experiences called me to listen—really listen—to the stories that live in each of us. They shaped my perspective, taught me to hear what isn’t always spoken, and sparked a deep curiosity for the emotional worlds we all carry. I became drawn to the places where pain meets light, where people begin to reclaim their voice, their power, and their truth.
I’m not afraid to go into the darkness—I’ve spent my entire life working in the shadows, turning inward, and doing the deep inner work needed to grow. That personal journey of transformation continues to shape who I am, and it inspires the way I show up for others. I know what it’s like to struggle, to rebuild, and to try again. And I’m here to help others do the same in their own way, at their own pace.
When I’m not in session, I also work part-time as a barber—another space where I connect with people in meaningful, everyday ways. Holding space, listening, and building trust has always been part of who I am, no matter the setting.
My Approach
My therapeutic approach is holistic and integrative, combining elements from various evidence-based practices to meet the needs of each client.
I draw from somatics, emotion-focused therapy, strength-based approaches, polyvagal theory, CBT, DBT, attachment-based theories, and existential approaches. I believe in creating a space where clients feel seen, safe, and supported as they navigate their healing process. I also offer a spiritual lens—honoring the deeper wisdom of the body, the soul’s capacity for healing, and the intuitive unfolding of each person’s path. Whether you identify with spirituality or are simply curious, this perspective can gently support your process of meaning-making and self-discovery.
My own healing journey has taught me that the path to growth often involves both pain and joy, darkness and light. I want to be there for my clients as they navigate their own transformations—helping them move through pain and into empowerment.
Healing isn’t linear. It’s layered, often nonverbal, and rarely neat. It’s a process of remembering who you are, unlearning what no longer serves you, and choosing—again and again—to meet yourself with love and tenderness.
Contact Me
Reach out to book an appointment or learn more.
If something in you feels drawn to this space—maybe a spark, a quiet pull, or a sense of possibility—I invite you to trust that feeling. Sometimes the body knows before the mind catches up.
Take a moment to tune in. If, after exploring this site, you feel something stir—curiosity or resonance—reach out. It would be an honour to connect.
Whether you’re ready to book an appointment or just have a few questions, don’t hesitate to connect. I’ll respond personally and promptly to help you take the next step toward feeling better.