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Our team

We are a team of highly experienced professionals committed to helping adults recover from various forms of trauma, addiction, and relationship issues. Each therapist brings a unique blend of empathy, expertise, and personalized therapeutic approaches to support your healing journey.

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Karen Gelstein, LCSW, CSAT

Karen Gelstein,
LCSW, CSAT

Welcome! As the Founder and Clinical Director of Embracing Change, the one thing I am certain of is that life is complicated.  For clients who have experienced less than nurturing childhoods, emotional neglect, or overt traumatizing experiences, navigating the complexities of life and relationships are even more difficult, without that ‘inner imprinting’ of security to call upon, during life’s inevitable challenges.

With over a decade of experience, as a trauma and addiction therapist, and CSAT supervisor, I am in awe of the human experience.  The survival defensives that propel children forward in difficult circumstances, reflects the sheer brilliance of the human spirit, and yet, these defensives interfere with emotional growth, maturation, and most challenging, it inhibits people from experiencing the gifts of vulnerability that forge deeper connections and greater fulfillment.

My specialties center on working with adults struggling with sex addiction, betrayal trauma, love addiction, childhood trauma, enmeshment and codependence.

My mission is to help clients cultivate greater intimacy with themselves, and develop an authentic self, learning to live from a place of empowered embodiment, as opposed to living from a place of inherent shame, where boundaries, identification of healthy needs and wants, and grounded decision-making are compromised.

I see therapy as a spiritual unfolding, in that it helps clients work through their defensives allowing for greater access to the deepest parts of themselves to achieve a better sense of clarity and purpose.

My approach to therapy, as an integrative therapist, involves utilizing different therapeutic modalities (interventions) offering a holistic model that takes into consideration the body, mind, and spirit. I work in collaboration with clients, aligning to their goals, with an understanding that an inherent sense of safety is central to the therapeutic process.

It’s an honor to welcome and support you, as you forge ahead with your personal journey towards healing and emotional well-being. Together, we will work to identify defenses, parts and their purpose so defenses can soften, and self-compassion can grow. In turn, this helps create an internal shift from feeling burdened and stuck to empowered and confident to live the life envisioned.

Karen’s training and certifications underscore her expertise in supporting those with trauma and addiction. Karen is a CSAT supervisor and received her certification from the International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP), an organization founded by Dr. Patrick Carnes and his pioneering work in the field of sex addiction. Through the IITAP organization, Karen came to know Dr. Ken Adams and his pivotal work with Mother Enmeshed Men (MEM) where she is preferred provider in treating enmeshment related issues with both men and women.

To further hone her skills in the treatment of trauma, Karen trained extensively with Pia Mellody, a Senior Clinical Advisor at The Meadows, a premier addiction treatment center. Pia Mellody is known for her groundbreaking work in the area of codependence, and the impact of Family of Origin (FOO) dysfunction creating developmental and relational trauma. Karen completed Pia’s Post Induction Therapy Training (PIT), an experiential model for healing childhood trauma.

Karen is also an Attachment Focused EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) practitioner finalizing her advanced certification. She is an approved practitioner with both EMDRIA (EMDR International Association) and the Parnell Institute which has pioneered the concept of Attachment Focused EMDR which recognizes the uniqueness of each individual, their attachment styles, and incorporates early (preverbal) trauma and neglect. Karen has also trained in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (level 1 & 2) at the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute, a body-centered approach to psychotherapy developed by Dr. Pat Ogden, one of several pioneers promoting how trauma gets locked in the body.

Jennifer

Jennifer Leinwand,
LCSW, CSAT-C

Jen specializes in working with adults seeking support for betrayal trauma, love addiction, sex addiction, codependency, family of origin issues, trauma, enmeshment, and relationship issues. She values her strong therapeutic relationships with her clients and engages with each client in a non-judgmental, nurturing, and empathetic manner to ensure they feel heard and understood.

Using an integrative approach, Jen applies techniques from AF-EMDR (Attachment-Focused EMDR) as an EMDR-trained clinician through the Parnell Institute, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), attachment theory, and inner child work using Pia Mellody’s trauma model. After years of supervision under a highly experienced Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT), Jen is experienced and well-informed in the trauma model for betrayed partners and the Patrick Carnes model for treating sex addiction. Jen is currently a CSAT-Candidate, working on certification from the International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP).

Jen collaborates with clients to increase self-awareness, improve emotional regulation, and develop skills and confidence to make healthy choices. Her individualized techniques explore past experiences and patterns to achieve goals through behavior modification and by enhancing insight into overall communication, development, and belief systems.

TAMARA Towbin, LMSW-P

TAMARA Towbin,
LMSW

Tamara specializes in helping adults recover from trauma, relationship trauma, codependency, emotional and physical pain, enmeshment, and sex and love addiction. With a warm and pragmatic approach, she uses techniques from neural retraining, IFS, PIT, EMDR, CBT, and somatic methods. Her personal journey of growth and recovery has given her a profound understanding of the human experience and the incredible power of the human mind.

Tamara’s therapeutic style blends warmth and care with a grounded, pragmatic recovery approach. She brings deep listening and empathy to each of her clients and offers a structured and tool-based methodology for recovery. She is committed to helping each individual heal their wounded parts and connect to the power they hold within, so they can live the life they desire according to their own vision. Her personal journey of growth and recovery has given her a profound understanding of the human experience and the incredible power of the human mind.

In her therapy, Tamara applies an integrative approach using techniques from neural retraining, IFS/parts work, family constellation work, Inner Child work based on Pia Mellody’s Post Induction Therapy (PIT), EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and somatic techniques. Tamara is experienced in the CSAT model, the trauma model for Betrayed Partners, and the Patrick Carnes model for Sex Addiction recovery. Tamara works with individuals, couples, and groups and has helped many on their healing journey.

Tamara holds a Master’s degree from Oxford University and previously spent 15 years working in the tech industry before transitioning to psychotherapy. She is also the founder of a health-education non-profit and has spent nearly 10 years coaching clients.

  • Advanced Master Program on the Treatment of Trauma, NICABM (National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine)
  • Practical Skills for Working with Anger, NICABM 
  • How to Work with Perfectionism, NICABM 
  • Essentials of CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) training, Beck Institute 
  • Gottman Method Couples Therapy – Level 1, The Gottman Institute

Todd Christenson,
LMHC-LP,CSAT-C

I am a dedicated addiction and relationship therapist committed to helping adults navigate the complexities of various behavioral and emotional challenges that may seem overwhelming.  My expertise includes suport for sex addiction, support for individuals struggling with infidelity, love addiction, enmeshment issues, and other relationship-related concerns. 

Through my recovery journey, I have developed a deep sense of empathy and understanding, allowing me to provide supportive and nonjudgmental coaching and mentoring.  My approach is tailored to each individual’s unique circumstances, whether they’re grappling with compulsive behaviors, struggling to maintain healthy boundaries, or seeking to rebuild trust and intimacy in their relationships.

As a therapist, I specialize in guiding clients through the process of self-discovery, helping them identify underlying patterns and develop healthier coping mechanisms.  I work with individuals who may be dealing with the aftermath of affairs or chronic infidelity, individuals struggling with sex or love addiction, codependency or enmeshment issues, who are seeking to establish healthier relationship dynamics, overcome shame, and build self-esteem, and or looking to improve communication and intimacy with partners.

I aim to create a safe, confidential space where clients can explore their challenges, gain insights, and develop practical strategies for positive change.  Whether you’re seeking to overcome addictive behaviors, heal from past traumas, or simply create more fulfilling relationships, I’m here to support you on your journey toward personal growth and recovery.

Client testimonials

“For years, I had a pattern of pursuing unhealthy relationships of all kinds. By working with Karen I learned how to identify the signs of dysfunctional relationships, understand why I was drawn to them, and then pursue healthier ones. Karen has a deep understanding of addictive behaviors and the impact of childhood trauma on our adult behavior, and she employs a variety of treatment modalities in her practice that I found to be highly effective. I’ve seen numerous therapists over the years, and I can say with absolute conviction that Karen is exceptional at what she does and is one of the very best.”
A
"Karen helped me through one of the most difficult and emotional times of my life. I had just started dating what turned out to by my future wife at that time and was deep in the throes of my addiction. With her guidance, I was able to overcome my addiction. She has continued in aiding me in maintaining my sobriety through the challenges that life has thrown my way. I am forever grateful to her!"
J
“Karen helped me to do some real work on myself. I feel like it was the first time I accomplished something in therapy. It wasn't always easy or comfortable but I know that I have healed a lot and am more able to face challenges that had troubled me for years. I now have a set of tools to help me move forward in my life."
R
“I began going to Karen after a highly traumatic relationship which left me feeling fearful, worthless and strongly believing that I was basically a bad person. Karen's compassionate, firm and intelligent approach helped me understand myself and brought me to a healthy place where love, integrity and self respect became an integral part of my reality. Today, with Karen's support and guidance I am learning to trust my instincts and believe in myself. I am forever grateful to her.”
M
“Karen helped my partner and I through the hardest period in our marriage. Karen created a professional, calming space and a platform for each of us to listen and be heard. This helped us to connect and grow. Her insight and guidance enabled us to communicate respectfully with one another. I am grateful to have had a kind and skilled therapist to create a safe space during a turbulent period in our marriage.”
S
“When I came to see Karen, I was in with a failing marriage and incapable of seeing the damage that was being done to my life by my own doing. While providing stability and tools to improve my current life, we were able to get to the bottom of why I was acting out sexually, while also raising my awareness of how I struggled with active trauma in my life. This was the most eye opening experience and I credit Karen for being able to focus on my overall well-being instead of just focusing on the behavior at hand. I cannot state how much my life has improved since my first visit with Karen. It has truly been a life altering experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I credit Karen’s skill and professionalism.”
C