Karen Christopherson, LMSW, CAADC

Hi! I'm a relationship counselor, corporate and personal life coach and Life Coach columnist who has a Master's degree in Social Work, and CAADC certification. I have also completed training with The Coaches Training Institute, the Dr. Phil by Frank Lawlis PhD method, Sharon Wilson and Terri Levine's Coaching from Spirit program, and Bob Proctor's (of The SecretLaw of Attraction) coaching program. I'm trained as a mediator and an arbitrator. My background is in the corporate and entrepreneurial arenas, providing counseling and corporate coaching for 28 years, and then working my own private practice for the last 20 years in counseling and coaching. I have been described as the "queen of reframing," and an "out-of-the-box" thinker, due to my ability to experience the seemingly impossible as a welcomed challenge, and to readily reframe life's obstacles into growth opportunities. I love sharing my excitement for growth and learning with you, inspiring you to find your own passion for life and work, to triumph in the face of adversity, and to seek practical, constructive resolutions to complex issues in an ever-changing world. My focus is on empowering you to identify and begin to rely on your own intuitive wisdom, because I believe that "what happens between sessions is more important than what happens in session." My innate interpersonal and intuitive skills, contagious enthusiasm, lighthearted sense of humor and personalprofessional life experience equip me to engage others in creative problem solving and positive change efforts under adverse conditions. My work reflects my belief that everything happens for a reason, and that there are lessons to be learned from all events that occur in our lives. I will encourage you to create and sustain meaningful, conflict-free connections with others along life's journey. My personal and professional mission is to be a positive influence in the lives of others and to make a difference in an often negative or troublesome world.

Testimonials... What People Say About Me "Well, what can I say... having Karen as a life coach has been a transforming experience in my life. She has an uncanny way of reframing ideas and thoughts that I have perceived, and then changing my perceptions into a more positive outlook. Karen makes me feel more in control of the choices I am making in my life. She has a unique gift and is a wealth of wonderful information, insights and amazing suggestions." Michele, social workercoach. "Karen is a gift of the Spirit. She prevails upon all of us to be our best, not only for the moment but for all time." Larry D., hospital CEO. "I have to thank you over and over for your wisdom about how to talk with my children about the upcoming divorce. It helped me beyond words. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you." Eileen, therapist. "Karen's outlook on life is unfailingly positive... she has the ability to reframe anything and help you to see how any experience can be a growth experience. She is very intuitive, able to cut to the heart of the matter in minutes. Even though she sees the 'big picture' quickly, she never 'shoves it down your throat.' She helps you find your own truth in your own way and time - the essence of a great coach!" Laurel S., business consultant. "Thank you so much. You truly are a genuinely kind and caring person. You were so indepth and descriptive that you cleared ALOT of things up, and I now know better ways to approach this. You really have a gift to connect with someone, and I appreciate all you've done. You really helped me." Tony E., high school sophomore. "I contacted Karen at a time in my life when I 'stood in the midst of a town square ready to make a choice.' Which way to go? In which part of the village would I find the people and experiences that I needed to continue to grow, thrive, and give? I found her sitting by the fountain. She was mature, wise, kind, and spiritual. We talked a while. I made my choice. I am comforted knowing that she is still there." Jane, MSW, university professor, life coach. "You ask the right questions at the right time, redirect me when necessary, help me to focus in on and connect my goals with my activity, and hold me accountable for my commitments." Mary W., health care consultantadministrator. "I could not be happier with my experiences with Trillium Consultants! After reading in the Advance (newspaper, Karen's Life Coach column) several of Karen's responses to people trying to resolve problems, I got the sense that coaching is different. I thought about the issues my husband and I were having, trying to balance our marriage with his work life and as a young mother finding the direction my own life needed. Indeed, after several coaching sessions, we have been able to resolve long standing issues in a practical way. My coaching relationship has provided the needed boost to get beyond the things that were holding me back. To me, coaching is a great way to define an area of one's life that needs direction, determine the direction to go in, and then get there!" Jessica P. "Always you have been there for me with support, encouragement and caring. You have empowered me to grow and learn; and your zest for life, creativity, passion for the work, and undying optimism are an inspiration to me!" Jean H., project administrator. "From you I have learned of wisdom and vision, of courage and of being true to one's heart and soul. You have been a mentor, a friend, a confidante. Your humor has buoyed and inspired me. Knowing you has enriched my life. I am a better person because of you." Susan H., clinical supervisor.