Karissa Heck, MA, LPCC

Lino Lakes

* Independent Contractor
I believe healing and laughter often go hand in hand. While therapy can involve exploring difficult experiences and emotions, I strive to create a space where humor, authenticity, and genuine connection are not only welcome, but encouraged. My goal is to help clients feel comfortable being themselves while working toward meaningful growth and change.
I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help clients address trauma, challenge negative thought patterns, build coping skills, and work through a variety of life concerns. My approach is strength-based and client-centered, meaning I focus on each person’s unique strengths, values, and goals while tailoring treatment to their individual needs.
I firmly believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is the foundation of effective therapy. Feeling seen, heard, and understood creates the trust necessary for healing, self-discovery, and lasting change. I am committed to providing a body-positive, inclusive, and affirming environment where individuals of all cultures, backgrounds, identities, and belief systems feel respected, valued, and supported.
Outside of the therapy room, dance has been a significant part of my life. Having danced competitively through high school, I learned valuable lessons about discipline, creativity, confidence, and resilience. Dance also taught me the importance of movement as a tool for stress relief, emotional expression, and cultivating a healthy relationship with our bodies. These experiences shaped my belief that true wellness involves caring for both the mind and body, as they are deeply interconnected. I believe that difficult experiences and trauma can often be carried in the body long after the event has passed. Movement and dance can be powerful ways to reconnect with ourselves, process emotions, and release stress and tension that may no longer serve us. This understanding of the mind-body connection continues to inform my holistic approach to healing and overall well-being.
Whether you’re navigating trauma, anxiety, life transitions, relationship challenges, or simply looking to better understand yourself, I am committed to providing a supportive and collaborative space where healing, growth, self-acceptance, and even a little (or a lot) of laughter can coexist. Taking the first step toward therapy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. I would be honored to support you on your journey toward healing, growth, and greater self-compassion.