Karina Gruesz, LCSW, received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Smith College and a Master of Social Work degree from Simmons University. Karina has over 6 years of clinical experience, working in community based, outpatient, in-patient, and school-based settings. Her experience prior to joining Riser+Tread includes counseling and coaching students at Concord-Carlisle High School and running therapeutic groups for adults and adolescents with depression, anxiety, and substance abuse concerns. Karina is passionate about social justice and specializes in working with youth and young adult clients with ADHD, anxiety, trauma, and substance use, as well as LGBTQ+ clients.

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Karina takes a strengths-based and person-centered approach to counseling, focusing on helping people to learn and discover the strategies and tools which will help them to thrive. She believes that all people are capable of success, and works with her clients to build confidence as well as insight into their motivations and barriers for change. Karina utilizes a number of evidence-based interventions to best suit client needs, including Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Narrative Therapy.

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In her personal life, Karina enjoys hikes with her dog, sewing and crafting, spending time with family and friends and hunkering down to play video games, read a book, or watch the latest science fiction/fantasy show.