HEAD to HEART

Hello there! Introductions are always awkward (or is that me?). Let’s keep this simple — Hello, I’m Karena. I am so glad you’re here! I am a Clinical Faculty member in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at an online university and the owner of HEAD to HEART where I provide counseling, supervision, and consultation services.  As a Black/Bi-racial woman, my work centers the experiences of Black women and other Women of Color. With that being said, I love to work with anyone who is experiencing symptoms of anxiety or mild/moderate depression, going through life transitions, and/or has a desire for personal growth, finding their voice, or living a more connected and embodied life. My approach to counseling is grounded in approaches that heal clients holistically. It is an honor to serve you, whoever and however you are. I prioritize making our time together safe, inclusive, and supportive. Remember that in counseling, you are an expert, too! You know your life experiences, body, spirit, and mind and I honor that. We will combine our areas of expertise in order to find your unique path to healing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- IS DISTANCE COUNSELING FOR ME? This really depends on your comfort level with technology, your location, and your personal needs and desires for attending counseling. I am currently only working with adult clients in individual counseling sessions. Individuals who are experiencing suicidal thoughts, homicidal thoughts, intimate partner violence, psychotic symptoms, and other mental health needs that require intensive services are not suited for distance counseling. If you are experiencing any of these concerns please call 911 or contact one of the emergency resources listed below. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONSIDERATIONS Be mindful that distance counseling requires a strong internet connection for the best experience. In distance counseling, confidentiality is also the responsibility of the client. Please ensure that you are meeting in a quiet, confidential, and distraction-free space. Eye contact and body language are experienced differently through telehealth software. Distance counseling services are a specialty of mine. My practice has been distance-based since its inception and will continue to be in the future.  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PAYMENT INFORMATION HEAD to HEART is out of network with all insurance companies. This might seem odd, however, many people choose not to use their insurance plans because of the added privacy. When insurance is accepted third parties are notified for billing purposes. Service through HEAD to HEART does not inform any additional parties of your choice to seek counseling services. Insurance companies also require counselors to provide diagnoses of a mental health disorder. When insurance is left out of the equation, I am not required to label your experiences in this way. Another reason to leave insurance out of our work together is that insurance companies can limit the number of sessions they are willing to cover. Without the involvement of insurance companies, you and I will have more freedom to decide what is the best path to healing. If requested, I will provide a monthly superbill for services rendered to submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement. If a superbill is provided a diagnosis must be submitted as part of this paperwork. If you would like to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for out-of-network coverage, please check your insurance policy carefully and then contact your insurance provider. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUPERVISION I provide distance supervision services through HEAD to HEART in order to guide and mentor future LPC’s to trust their intuition in the counseling room, to continue developing their counselor identity, and to find and use their voice in creative, fun, and healing ways with clients. I also throw in a some education on things that I wish I would have learned early in my career. I am also happy to provide supervision/consultation on an as needed basis for Doctoral students who may need support during the exciting, yet trying times of completing a rigorous program. These meetings may include discussions of future employment, dissertation writing and research, navigating PWI's as a BIPOC student, balancing the demands of a doctoral program, etc. ------- CONSULTATION AND EDUCATIONAL OFFERINGS I love to speak to and consult with groups and organizations on a variety of topics, including: Human Development | Cognitive Development | Ego Development | Deliberate Psychological Education | Polyvagal Theory and Informed Practices | Nervous System Regulation, Family Systems and Dynamics | Self-Care and Wellness, Distance Counseling | Counselor Development | Curriculum Development for Counselor Education programs | Doc. Student Life ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MORE ABOUT ME, IN CASE YOU'RE INTERESTED. :) Credentials ------- Licensed Professional Counselor, Virginia Approved Clinical Supervisor Certified Sexologist, The American College of Sexologists International National Certified Counselor ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Education ------- B.S., Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University M.Ed., Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling, The College of William & Mary Ph.D., Counselor Education and Supervision, The College of William & Mary ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Favorite Professional Memberships ------- Counselors for Social Justice Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities (SAIGE) Therapy that Liberates Southern Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Virginia Counselors Association Virginia SAIGE Virginia Association for Multicultural Development Virginia Association for Counselor Education and Supervision ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bio ------- Dr. Karena J. Heyward is a licensed professional counselor, a certified sexologist (ACS), and a counselor educator combining her knowledge of Polyvagal Theory, Somatic Psychotherapy, relational systems/dynamics, community-oriented advocacy, social justice, racial identity development, holistic wellness, and sex-positive approaches to provide healing and educational experiences that will move you from head to heart. She is incredibly grateful that her career allows her to hold space for students and clients where they can remember their true essence, connect with their intuition, and practice fierce self-care and self-celebration. Her work emerges from a place of safety, collaboration, social justice advocacy, and authenticity. Her interests include sexual wellness, Polyvagal theory, awkward moments, Transpersonal Psychology, true crime podcasts and movies, somatic counseling, neuroscience, astrology, holistic healing, dream interpretation, being on/in/near water, and all of the magical things in life. She can often be heard saying, "Celebrate that shit!", "Breathe and believe!", "What will move you from your head to your heart?", " What's your favorite failure?", "Take good care of yourself!", "You are exactly where you need to be.", “Thank you for being exactly who you are and how you are.” and "Oops"... also, F-bombs. Lots and lots of F-bombs.