Professional Background

Karen Wolfe began her journey into the field of psychology through a unique undergraduate experience that mirrored graduate-level training. In 2001, she participated in a research and fieldwork-focused mock graduate program, which gave her early exposure to clinical populations. She chose to focus on children with developmental disabilities, marking the beginning of her enduring commitment to child-centered therapeutic work. Her first role was in a special education preschool, which deeply influenced her career trajectory.

Karen has extensive experience working with children with autism, initially providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) interventions such as Discrete Trial Training (DTT) and DIR/Floortime—a relational and play-based model aimed at fostering engagement through what she describes as "going for the gleam in the eye." She later taught in a preschool classroom for children with autism, a position that deeply challenged her and ultimately catalyzed a profound personal and professional transformation. A spiritual awakening during this time reinforced her calling to continue therapeutic work with children, but outside of traditional classroom settings.

Clinical Training & Philosophy

Karen earned her Master’s degree from the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS), a program known for its experiential focus. While formal child therapy coursework was limited, her continued passion for working with children led her to seek additional specialized training. She studied with the Association for Play Therapy and with Karen Pernet to deepen her expertise in play therapy and became certified in the Hand in Hand Parenting approach—a model rooted in attachment, connection, and practical tools for parenting.

A turning point in her practice came after when she noticed a recurring theme among the parents she worked with: despite being given tools and insights, implementation often failed. This led her to recognize that many parental challenges stemmed not from lack of knowledge but from relational and emotional dynamics between partners. This realization guided her to train in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples, rounding out her therapeutic offerings to include family systems and couple work.

Therapeutic Approach & Specializations

Karen approaches therapy with a deep respect for the inner lives of each of her clients, regardless of age, and a deep respect for the emotional complexity of parenting. Her sessions emphasize connection, attunement, playful engagement, and depth. She believes that true transformation arises when caregivers are supported as whole individuals—emotionally, relationally, and spiritually.
​

• Child & Play Therapy
• ​Parent Coaching & Hand in Hand Parenting
• Couples Therapy (EFT Advanced Training)
• ​Neurodivergent Children & Families
• Attachment-Focused Parts Work and Somatic Inquiry with Adults
  
  

Vision & Leadership

Feeling isolated as a play therapist in private practice, Karen founded the SF Bay Play Therapy Family Counseling Center with the vision of building a collaborative, anti-oppressive, and community-based hub for clinicians and families. Her goal is to foster a space where therapists are not practicing in isolation, but are supported through shared tools, training, and dialogue—particularly around the integration of Hand in Hand Parenting principles and trauma-informed care.

Karen is passionate about mentoring therapists who work with children and parents, and she believes in cultivating spaces where the joys and challenges of therapeutic work are shared openly.

"This path is not always easy, but it is certainly worth it. I would be honored to support you along the journey."

Please contact me with any questions or to set up an appointment.
    [email protected]

If you are interested in my work with couples please visit www.EmbodiedRelationshipTherapy.com