Rev. Karla Fleshman, LCSW, MDiv
(She/Her)
Preferred Name: Rev.
About Me
Building Bridges through EMDR Consultation for LGBTQ+, Spirituality, & Dissociative Experiences LGBTQ+ folx are at increased risk for experiencing intersectional trauma, including yet not limited to socioeconomic marginalization, racial discrimination, religious abuse, and ableism. These compounding trauma exposures can amplify psychological distress and heighten reliance on dissociative coping mechanisms. As a therapist, originally trained with an advanced generalist approach to social work practice with a specialization in health care, I have remained committed to working with each Person, System, and Family to find the therapeutic approach that best meets their personalized needs and helps them achieve their treatment goals. I have received specialized training in EMDR as a Certified Therapist. I hold an advanced certificate in dissociative studies for EMDR therapists through the Institute for Creative Mindfulness, and am a Consultant in Training with the Institute for Creative Mindfulness. I incorporate Person-Centered/Parts Work, Somatic Skills, Narrative Therapy, Spiritual/Existential Therapy, Trauma-Conscious Yoga Method, Mindfulness-Based CBT & Trauma-Informed Care. As a Consultant in Training, I believe EMDR therapy will cultivate a pathway illuminating that LGBTQ+ individuals often carry complex trauma from rejection, discrimination, and internalized messages – healing happens when we can process these experiences in a safe enough, affirming therapeutic space. We commit to meeting each client where they are, honoring their lived experiences, and supporting them in achieving their mental health goals We commit to meeting each consultee where they are, honoring their lived experiences, and supporting them in achieving their personal and professional goals. We believe that mental health care is a collaborative journey between therapist and client. Our practice is grounded in trauma-focused, identity-affirming approaches that recognize the impact of minority stress while celebrating the resilience and strength of the LGBTQ+ community.
Education & Experience
University of Maryland School of Social Work Elizabethtown College Columbia Theological Seminary
Professional & Volunteer Affiliations
Clinical Social Work Association (CSWA) EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) National Association of Social Workers (NASW) World Professional Association of Transgender Health (WPATH) International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD)
Specialty Area
- Anxiety/Panic Attacks
- Chronic Illness/Medical Issues
- Chronic Pain
- Dissociative Disorders
- Gender Identity
- Grief/Loss/Mourning
- Mood Disorders
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Traumatic Incident
Population Served
- Adults
- BIPOC
- First Responders
- LGBTQ+
- Seniors
Language
- English
Insurance
- Aetna
- BlueCross BlueShield
- Cigna
- Highmark
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- UnitedHealth