Insight Psychological Therapists - Karen Pérez Cruz
Karen Pérez Cruz, Practicum Intern Therapist, B.SC (She/Her)
With a genuine passion for connection, I find immense joy in crafting a nurturing space where individuals can embrace their authentic selves without hesitation. Embracing a person-centered philosophy, we’ll embark on a collaborative journey to understand the facets of your identity and the experiences that have shaped you. I incorporate a blend of therapeutic approaches tailored to address your personal goals and challenges. My practice is trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and committed to inclusivity – a space where all identities, including LGBTQIA2S+, are honoured. I’m a sex-positive and anti-oppressive therapist who champions a Health at Every Size framework to therapy. It’s my heartfelt mission to foster a safe and inviting atmosphere where you can feel genuinely validated and at ease.
*NOTE: Our Practicum Intern (Student) Therapists offer reduced rates for counselling support. Please be aware that FEES WILL BE NON-REIMBURSABLE by Extended Health Care Benefit Plans.
Unfortunately, Karen Pérez Cruz is not seeing any new clients at Insight Psychological. Please select another therapist from our team.
More About Karen Pérez Cruz
As a first-generation Latina immigrant to Canada, I intimately understand the challenges faced by fellow immigrants and marginalized individuals. Having navigated adapting to a new language and way of life, I am keenly aware of the struggle to preserve our cultural identities in an unfamiliar society. My practice is guided by culturally sensitive methods that highlight the profound impacts of identity and our life experiences on mental health. I center clients as experts in their own lives, capable of uniquely overcoming challenges. Together, we co-create a compassionate space based on mutual respect, empathy, and non-judgment. Throughout our journey, you can expect a patient and gentle presence, empowering you to navigate therapy at your own pace.
In crafting therapy strategies, I adapt interventions to align with your goals, addressing the specific barriers to your situation. My approach integrates various evidence-based methods, drawing from Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) among others. With over six years of first-hand experience as a Crisis Responder for the Kids Help Phone Distress Line and a Supportive Listener at the University of Alberta Peer Support Centre, I’ve supported individuals navigating diverse challenges such as suicide, abuse, assault, and relationship concerns. My training encompasses suicide risk assessment and intervention for all age groups, and I am passionate about helping couples and individuals with issues relating to their intimacy and gender. It takes strength to seek help for ourselves – congratulations on taking this important first step! I would be honoured to help you in this journey.
A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS:
What is your favourite quote?
“The world gives you so much pain and here you are making gold out of it.” – Rupi Kaur, Milk and Honey
What has been the most satisfying part of being a therapist?
I feel fortunate to be in a position that allows me to witness a person’s journey toward healing and finding relief for themselves. I have yet to find an experience as fulfilling as seeing a client grow more comfortable with being vulnerable over time. It is always heartwarming to experience the therapeutic relationship between client and therapist cultivate genuine compassion, connection, and understanding between two vastly different individuals.
Qualifications
Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology (In Progress)
Bachelor of Science in Psychology with Distinction
Affiliations
Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association Student Member
Certifications
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Basic Training
Community Helpers Program with Suicide Intervention
Brain Story Certification
Suicide Assessment and Intervention Training
Indigenous Youth Suicide Prevention Training
Living Works Start Certificate
Mental Health First Aid Training
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) Exp. 2025
QPR: Suicide Prevention Training
Trauma-Informed Care Training
First Responder to Sexual Assault and Abuse Training
Languages
- English
- Spanish
My areas of focus:
Anxiety & Depression
- Suicidal Thoughts
I have experience in:
- Abuse
- Adolescent and Teen Issues
- Anxiety
- Anxiety Disorders
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Adults
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Becoming a Parent or the Addition of Children
- Behavioural Issues
- Changes in Health
- Child & Youth Anxiety
- Child & Youth Depression
- Child & Youth Self Esteem Issues
- Child & Youth Stress and Trauma
- Children's Mental Health
- Coming Out
- Communication and Negotiation
- Compassion Fatigue
- Cross Cultural Issues
- Dealing with Infidelity
- Dealing with Physical Health Issues
- Death or Loss of a Pet
- Depression
- Difficult People
- Divorce or Separation
- Emotional Abuse
- Emotional Regulation
- Family Caregiver Stress
- Family Issues
- Family Violence
- Food or Eating Issues
- Gender Identity
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Graduation
- Grief and Loss
- Intercultural and Interracial Relationships
- Issues Related to Bullying
- LGBTQ2S+ Issues
- Life Transitions and Adjustment Issues
- Losing Someone to Suicide
- Loss of Employment
- Loss of a Loved One
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Marriage and Relationship Concerns
- Panic Disorder
- Physical Abuse
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Relationship Dependence
- Religious or Spiritual Trauma
- Self-Esteem Issues
- Self-Harming
- Sexual Assault and Abuse
- Sexual Offending Behaviours
- Sexuality and Intimacy Issues
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Stress Management
- Trauma
- Weight & Eating Disorders
- Workplace Stress
- Workplace Trauma
My treatment approaches:
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Adlerian Therapy
- Behavioural Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
- Emotionally Focused Therapy
- Existential Therapy
- Family Systems Therapy
- Gestalt Therapy
- Gottman Couples Therapy
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Narrative Therapy
- Person Centered Therapy
- Solution Focused Therapy
