Heart Centered Therapy

Kara Holthaus, MA, LCPC

Intentional therapy for high‑functioning adults ready to make lasting change.

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Are you . . . ?

Are you fed up with feeling like the problem-solver in every relationship?

Are you suspicious of hope and tired of hustling to manifest something better?

Are you frustrated by the burden of regret?

You’ve built a successful life.

You might be outwardly calm and capable, yet still carry perfectionism, people-pleasing, or shame that never seems to fade.

You feel tense, anxious, or never quite “enough.”

If you grew up in an alcoholic, chaotic, or emotionally unpredictable family, those old dynamics can quietly shape you.

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This is for you if . . .

Heart Centered Therapy is for you if you are seeking depth, clarity, and integration.

I bring intentional therapy for high‑functioning adults ready to understand their patterns, heal family‑of‑origin wounds, and make lasting change.

Our work will be collaborative and structured. We work within clearly defined goals and regularly review progress to ensure the work remains intentional and supportive.

This therapeutic work is best if:

  • You are emotionally reflective.

  • You are stable enough for insight‑oriented work.

  • You are motivated to engage consistently.

  • You are able to work within clear therapeutic boundaries.

This practice may not be a fit if:

  • You are seeking immediate crisis support.

  • You prefer an unstructured, indefinite therapy process.

  • You need frequent between‑session contact.

Learn more
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Not your average . . .

Maybe you’ve tried therapy before and it just wasn’t helpful. You felt disappointed and a little confused. You want to go deeper and not just focus on learning coping skills or rehashing the current events. You are curious about why humans do the things they do, and how to make this knowledge functionally applicable to your own life.

I am not your average therapist. I am eager to work with you to get to the heart of the matter and put energy toward change and growth.

I specialize in:

  • medical trauma

  • spiritual or religious trauma

  • relational trauma

  • emotional trauma

  • betrayal trauma

  • work or system trauma

  • family trauma

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My Approach

Our work focuses on identifying patterns that no longer serve you and healing the roots beneath them.

I am EMDR-trained by EMDRIA.

I integrate attachment theory and inner child work informed by Pia Mellody’s Post Induction Model.

I draw from Kelly McDaniel’s work on mother-daughter relationships, High Conflict Institute approaches for coparenting and relationship dynamics, and trauma-informed care influenced by Diana Fosha’s AEDP model.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and apply.

Register

  • I offer virtual therapy for adults in Maryland, including Frederick and Montgomery Counties, as well as the greater DMV region.

  • Sessions are 50 minutes and conducted through secure Telehealth.

  • Sessions are conducted through secure Telehealth.

  • I am a private pay therapist and do not accept insurance, but I can provide a SuperBill for out-of-network reimbursement.

Contact Me

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and I will be in touch shortly. I can’t wait to hear from you!