Counselor Spotlight: Amy

Amy Karatka, LAC shares her counseling journey.

Tell us a bit about yourself. 

I am a Jersey native and, therefore, have strong opinions on bagels. Growing up, I have always loved a good story, whether that was told through books, a conversation, or a show. Not much has changed, except now part of my life's work is listening to people's stories and I absolutely love it.

What do you do for fun?

I love to be outside. Whether that’s going on a run, playing tennis, or just reading a book in the sun, being outside fills my cup. I also recently started drinking coffee for the first time ever, so I’ve been enjoying trying out everyone’s recommendations!

Favorite book, movie, or artist?

Favorite book is tough. I would say my favorite author is either Ann Voskamp or C.S. Lewis.

What does your ideal day look like?

Waking up on Long Beach Island, watching the sunrise, and then going on a run. After a breakfast sandwich, I’d love to spend the day on the beach reading a book. After a day in the sand, getting dinner out somewhere followed by a walk to get an ice cream cone is pretty ideal.

Do you have any pets?

No pets, but definitely a cat person.

Cake or pie?

Neither. Ice cream every time.

What was your journey to becoming a counselor? 

I spent most of my high school years convinced I was going to be a full-time wedding photographer. Photographing people was (and is!) one of my favorite things to do, but it lost a lot of its appeal to me once I began studying it in college. After talking it through with mentors in my life at that time, I realized counseling was a way I could use some of the gifts God had given me to care for others well.

Describe your approach to counseling.

 While I blend both cognitive behavior therapy and psychodynamic therapy, ultimately I am most interested in hearing the client’s story. Our society is so rushed and seeks immediate gratification, so to be able to sit and listen to the client’s story unfold and develop over time is a privilege. Understandably, it can be challenging for people to open up, so I am intentional about building rapport and getting to know the client as a whole person, not simply to “fix” a problem. I want to honor that level of vulnerability by meeting them with care and compassion and embodying the love of Christ. 

Oftentimes that looks like asking the deeper, reflective questions and not making assumptions about the client; I want to hear their thoughts! I also strive to provide an objective perspective and help to unearth patterns of behavior that may be deeply rooted in life experience. Sitting with a client that is making connections to past and present things is so energizing!

What areas of counseling are you most passionate about?

I have truly enjoyed working with college students and young adults. Though that life stage can be challenging, there is so much growth and change that happens during that time. It’s a time of forming your own identity apart from family and so much can get stirred up during those years. Being a steady presence for those clients as they sort through so many feelings and thoughts during is so rewarding.

Any advice for someone considering becoming a counselor? 

Working or volunteering in the field prior to starting grad school is important. It will give you a greater understanding of what the needs in the community are, as well as possible levels of care you’d like to work in someday.