Karissa Brenneman, LISW-S
Karissa Brenneman, LISW-S
Therapy for children, teens, trauma, anxiety, depression, and more in Worthington, Ohio.
About Me
My first encounter with therapists was part of an internship program focused on support for human trafficking survivors. I knew from then that I wanted to be in a helping profession to give that same kind of support to others who are navigating difficult symptoms and situations.
I love working with teens and young adults as they navigate the tensions and demands of life while becoming more independent. I’m really energized by seeing people of all ages address anxiety and confidence concerns. I want my clients to grow in their ability to know their needs, set boundaries and make choices from a sense of freedom. Letting go of control and accepting that things will not always go how we want is a lesson that I’ve been embracing through my life; it’s brought me a peace that I want to share with those I have the privilege of working with.
Someone once told me that my gift was adrenaline reduction and that has seemed to be pretty true. Kids and teens of all ages seem to enjoy my presence and find that we’re able to build meaningful connections. Many people tell me that I bring calmness and comfort to them. My goal is for you to feel secure in our therapeutic relationship so that you can challenge yourself to grow.
Outside of work, I love spending time with all my nieces and nephews (the little ones call me Sissa). I like to go kayaking, cheer for the Columbus Crew, take in theater shows, tend to my garden, do puzzles, play DnD, and work on renovating my house.
My Experience
I’ve spent seven years working as a mental health partner in various public school districts in Ohio. This has given me a lot of insight into the difficulties that students, teachers, and staff face in their day-to-day life. When I work with educators, my familiarity with school systems brings ease to our conversations about the stressors they’re facing. For students, my school experience helps us address the dynamics of friend groups, high pressure academics, and finding who they are in the middle of it.
- I am an LISW-S, Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervisory designation (I.2203791-SUPV)
- I graduated from The Ohio State University with my Master’s degree in Social Work.
- I graduated from Frostburg State University with my Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work.
- I am EMDR trained and am looking forward to helping advance healing for those who have experienced trauma.
My Therapy Specialities
- Child and teen therapy
- Anxiety and depression therapy (teens and adults)
- Trauma therapy (teens and adults)
- Family therapy (parents and children of any age)
- EMDR
Populations I work best with
- Teens and young adults (navigating life transitions, independence, and confidence)
- Survivors of trauma (including human trafficking survivors)
- Students (addressing school dynamics, academic pressures, and self-identity)
- Educators (managing stress and burnout related to school environments)
- Individuals struggling with anxiety and depression
- Perfectionists and over-achievers
- LGBTQIA+