What is Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and how can it help my relationship?

EFT is a proven approach that looks at the emotional "heart" of your relationship. Instead of just teaching communication tips, we work to identify the "stuck" cycles that cause distance. By understanding the attachment needs beneath the surface, we can move from constant conflict toward a secure, lasting bond.

I’m nervous about starting therapy. What is the first session like with you?

It’s completely normal to feel a bit of "first-day jitters." Our first session is a low-pressure space for us to get to know each other. You’ll have a chance to share what’s been weighing on you, and together we’ll start outlining a roadmap that feels manageable and supportive for your specific goals.

Can therapy help if my relationship is struggling due to addiction?

Absolutely. Addiction often creates deep fractures in trust and safety. Because I specialize in both relationship therapy and addiction recovery (LCADC-S), we can address the substance use and the relationship healing simultaneously. We focus on stabilizing the present while healing the wounds that fueled the cycle in the first place.

How does EMDR work for trauma or anxiety?

EMDR is a specialized tool that helps the brain "reprocess" painful or traumatic memories so they no longer feel so overwhelming in the present. It’s not about just talking through what happened; it’s about reducing the emotional charge of those memories so you can finally feel a sense of internal peace and safety.

Therapist · Relationship & Addiction Recovery

Karen McKinney, LCSW, LCADC-S

When a relationship is strained by the weight of addiction, trauma, or long-standing conflict, it can feel as though the very foundation of your life has washed away. I’m Karen McKinney, a relationship therapist in Reno dedicated to helping individuals and couples navigate these deep fractures to find their way back to solid ground.

My approach is rooted in the science of attachment and Emotionally Focused Therapy, which lets us look beneath the surface of the “stuck” patterns that drive disconnection. Whether you are navigating recovery or healing old wounds through EMDR, we work together to restore clarity, balance, and connection.

I came to this work later in life, and my own experience with addiction and mental health challenges lets me meet clients with real understanding. At home I’m in Reno with my husband and two dogs — and lately an RV for exploring Nevada.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Addiction Counselor & Supervisor (LCADC-S)
EMDR & EFT Trained
Individuals & couples

Get a No-Cost Consultation

Karen’s Therapy Approach

Evidence-based therapies combined with a compassionate, strengths-focused style.

EFT For Couples (EFCT)

An attachment-based, research-supported approach that helps partners reduce conflict, rebuild trust, and create deeper emotional connection.
EFT For Individuals (EFIT)

Grounded in attachment science, EFIT helps you understand emotional patterns, strengthen self-regulation, and build long-term emotional well-being.
EMDR

Effective for trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression and phobias. Supported by thousands of studies, EMDR helps accelerate recovery and transformation.
Motivational Interviewing

A collaborative, strengths-based method that supports self-awareness and empowers you to make lasting change.

Relationship Issues

Couples navigating conflict, disconnection, or a breach of trust — and individuals working on how they show up in relationships.

Anxiety, Depression & Trauma

Individual work for PTSD, trauma, anxiety and depression, including EMDR for memories that still feel overwhelming.

Addiction & Recovery

Specialist support for substance use alongside the relationship healing that goes with it — addressed together, not separately.

Common Questions Clients Ask Karen

Karen has a warm, steady presence that helps people feel supported and at ease as they begin to talk about what’s been difficult. She listens closely and responds in a thoughtful, grounded way that helps clients feel understood while also making steady progress.

Cornelius Sheehan, LCSW — Director

Session Fees

$160 for a standard session.
Insurance

Hometown Health accepted. Ask us about out-of-network reimbursement.
Sliding Scale

A limited number of sliding-scale places are available — ask when you call.
Free Consultation

Call (775) 235-2205 or use the contact form to arrange a free consultation.

Find the Right Connection

Our team at Individual & Relationship Counseling Associates works collaboratively to support the Reno community. While we all have extensive and ongoing training in attachment-based Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples, our clinicians provide specialized focus areas to help you find the right fit:

Amy Aranda: Find your path back to connection. Amy focuses on helping individuals and couples move past “stuck” patterns to build clarity, balance, and security.
Cornelius Sheehan: Guidance for deep change. As a veteran clinician, Cornelius provides expert care for complex family dynamics and long-term relationship repair, alongside depth-oriented psychotherapy for individuals.
Gina Bemis: Strengthen your family bond. Gina specializes in EFT-based couple and family support, helping both the unit and the individual grow together.
Hillary Harris: Find internal safety and peace. Hillary focuses on individual and relationship therapy designed to move you through anxiety and toward a secure sense of self.
Maddie Huntley: Navigate life transitions with confidence. Maddie offers specialized therapy for young adults facing family conflict or the challenges of early adulthood.

Karen McKinney, LCSW, LCADC-S

Karen’s Therapy Approach

EFT For Couples (EFCT)

EFT For Individuals (EFIT)

EMDR

Motivational Interviewing

Relationship Issues

Anxiety, Depression & Trauma

Addiction & Recovery

Common Questions Clients Ask Karen

What Sessions Cost, And How To Get Started

Session Fees

Insurance

Sliding Scale

Free Consultation

Find the Right Connection

Let’s Talk About What You Need