Karen C Simms

She/Her/Hers

License#: 39002006A (Indiana) and E.2404895 (Ohio)

  • Pronouns
    She/Her/Hers
Location
Description

Karen Crawford Simms, Licensed Mental Health Therapist
You don’t have to carry everything alone. I’m Karen, and I specialize in supporting Black women through transitions—especially those working in teaching, caregiving, service, and other helping professions. Whether you’re sorting through relationship or parenting challenges, pregnancy, marriage, divorce, menopause, illness, or a career shift, I’m here to hold a steady, honest, and warm space for you.

My approach is trauma‑informed and culturally attentive, shaped by more than 30 years of clinical experience and study. I blend practical, evidence‑based tools with a deep appreciation for the ways culture and faith (if you want to bring it in) shape healing. I use trauma‑specific work, CBT, systems and narrative approaches from marriage and family therapy, and psychoanalytic ideas—always tailored to fit you.

What it’s like to work with me

We’ll meet you where you are: straightforward, compassionate, and real.
In the first few sessions many people gain clearer priorities, quieter self‑judgment, and more peace about what they want next.
I’m an active therapist—therapy is for insight but healing happens in your life. Expect practical tools, readings, reflections, or small exercises you can try between sessions.
I attended seminary and welcome faith conversations when invited.
Why I do this work
I believe healing is sacred. It’s an honor to walk with someone as they reclaim possibility, freedom from old patterns, and a fuller sense of self.

If this feels like the kind of support you want, I’d be glad to connect and see if we’re a good fit.

I take insurance through Headway and I'm licensed in Indiana & Ohio.

Practice Details
  • City
    Indianapolis
  • Zip Code
    Indianapolis
  • State of Practice
    Indiana, Ohio
  • Describe Your Practice
    Online Only
  • Hours of Service
    Daytime (9a - 5p), Evening (after 5p), Weekend (Sat/Sun)
  • Accepting New Clients
    Yes
  • Virtual Therapy
    Yes
  • Prescribes Medication
    No
  • My Website
    https://www.meridiankconsulting.com/
  • Group Therapy Available
    Yes
  • Offers Pro-Bono Sessions
    Yes
Group Therapy Details

Healing the Helper — For helping professionals
Who it’s for: Teachers, caregivers, clinicians, social workers, and others in service roles who carry the emotional weight of caring for others.
What we do: This supportive group focuses on recognizing, addressing, and preventing vicarious and secondary trauma. We combine psychoeducation, reflective peer support, and practical resilience tools—boundary-setting, self-care practices, grounding and regulation techniques, and strategies for sustaining compassionate work.
What you’ll leave with: Greater clarity about your limits, reduced overwhelm, practical self-care plans, and renewed capacity to work without burning out.

Weathering Your Own Storms — Trauma-recovery skills group
Who it’s for: Individuals who have experienced trauma and want practical, skill-based support to heal and recover.
What we do: A focused, skills-driven group offering emotion‑regulation, grounding, somatic awareness, cognitive tools, and safe ways to process difficult experiences. Sessions emphasize safety, pacing, and culturally responsive approaches to healing.
What you’ll leave with: Clear tools you can use daily to manage symptoms, regulate emotions, and begin rebuilding safety and trust in yourself and relationships.

Relationships & Dating — Mid-career (30–50) and 50+ groups
Who it’s for: Two separate groups—one for women ages 30–50 and one for women 50+—who want to improve dating and relationship skills.
What we do: Using Imago-informed principles adapted to be culturally responsive, we focus on communication, repair, identifying patterns, healthy boundaries, and connection work. Exercises are practical and tailored to the realities of Black women navigating dating, partnerships, and changing life stages.
What you’ll leave with: Stronger communication habits, clearer relational goals, healthier boundaries, and more confidence in dating and long-term relationships.

When Trauma Hits Home — For parents and caregivers
Who it’s for: Parents and caregivers who have experienced trauma and want to prevent or address trauma’s impact on their children.
What we do: We teach trauma‑informed parenting strategies, co‑regulation and attachment work, age‑appropriate ways to talk about difficult experiences, and tools for addressing intergenerational trauma in family systems.
What you’ll leave with: Practical parenting skills to increase safety and resilience in your home, strategies to heal generational wounds, and a supportive community of caregivers doing the same work.

Groups typically run for 6-8 weeks. I keep them small and confidential. Reach out for more information.