Kara Schnier, Intern

Kara is a Clinical Mental Health student at the University of Wisconsin Superior working towards her Master’s degree. She spent six years working in the Madison Metropolitan School District at both an elementary school and middle school. She worked with 3rd - 8th graders, with her primary responsibility being helping students regulate when they became too dysregulated to be in the classroom. This work helped her realize the impact that mental health has on individuals, their families, and the greater community. As a result she decided to leave education to strengthen her professional toolbox and to be able to have a greater impact on her own community.

Kara believes that people have it within themselves to make change. What someone needs to make a healthy change, they already possess. They might just lack the necessary tools and perspective to get started. Thus, she enters the therapeutic relationship with a person-focused, solution-focused lens. Through talk therapy, she hopes to help individuals of all ages develop the necessary skills to take on the twists and turns that life will inevitably throw their way. She particularly enjoys working adolescents.

Kara is interested in the impact that TF-CBT has on youth and adolescents that have experienced trauma in their lives, as well as the use of Play Therapy. She recognizes that play can be a powerful tool, especially for those clients who are younger and have trouble verbalizing what is going on in their lives. Afterall, play is the first language of communication we all learn before we can speak.

In her free time, Kara loves to go hiking with her 6 year old rescue pup Quinny, hit the slopes on her snowboard in the winter, and check out the Wisconsin countryside on her bike in the summer. Staying active and connecting with friends grounds Kara and allows her to show up as her most authentic self for her clients and consumers.

Kara provides outpatient services virtually and in person at the Waunakee office. She also provides Comprehensive Community Services to Dane County.