Early in my career, when I was working as a social worker, fitness instructor and personal trainer, I got the idea that working with our bodies could affect our minds.  As I began to work with people, first intuitively, drawing on the training I already had, and then diving into the intersection of psychology and contemplative practices, I realized that to truly be healthy, each of us needs to understand the unique relationship between our mind, body and spirit.  I believe mindfulness is the core component of healing, of developing better relationships with ourselves and with others, and of creating a more peaceful and compassionate world. With patience, persistence and deep inner listening, we can learn to let go of beliefs and behaviors that limit our potential and, instead, allow ourselves to flourish and bloom.  No matter what challenges we face, I believe change and growth are possible.

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Karen Schwartz

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Karen has more than 25 years of experience helping people live happier, healthier lives. With a gentle, warm approach infused with humor, she has worked with people of all ages dealing with a wide range of issues, including trauma, addiction, eating disorders, domestic violence, depression and anxiety, as well as with people seeking personal growth, greater well being and a deeper expression of their spirituality. 

 

In addition to maintaining a private practice in New York City, Karen serves as Director of Operations for the Center for Trauma and Embodiment at JRI.  She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and the International Association of Yoga Therapists. She is also a freelance writer whose work has appeared in a variety of online and print publications. 

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Read my interview with The Balanced Soul Project here.

 

Education and certifications

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New York State Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service

 

Postgraduate Certificate in Contemplative Clinical Practice

Smith College School of Social Work

 

Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga Facilitator

Center for Trauma and Embodiment at Justice Resource Institute

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Certified Yoga Therapist

International Association of Yoga Therapists

 

Certified Yoga Teacher and Advanced Yoga Teacher

White Lotus Yoga Foundation

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Yoga Alliance accredited RYT-500

 

Certified Meditation Teacher

Senior Shambhala teacher David Nichtern

 

Certified Health Coach

American Council on Exercise

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Professional Reiki Practitioner

MINKA Brooklyn

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Karen has presented on TCTSY for diverse organizations including:

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• New England Society for the Treatment of Trauma and Dissociation (NESTTD)

• Bent on Learning Yoga Teacher Training Program

• New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care

• The Psychotherapy and Spirituality Institute

• Community Relief and Rebuilding Through Education & Wellness (CRREW)

• New Alternatives for Children

• Jaya Yoga Center

• Sacred Sounds Yoga Center

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Karen has worked with a wide variety of corporate and nonprofit organizations, yoga studios and health clubs, including:

 

• New Alternatives For Children

• Sanctuary for Families New York

• Harlem Comprehensive Treatment Institute

• Starhill Residential Treatment Center

• Aegis Domestic Violence Shelter

• Columbus Park Collaborative (eating disorders treatment)

• Lantern Organization (supportive housing)

• American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge

• Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

• White & Case LLP

• New Visions for Public Schools

• The Athletic & Swim Club

• Lucky Lotus Yoga Center

• New York Yoga

• Yoga Sutra NYC

• Life in Motion Yoga Center

• The Peninsula Spa