Today we’d like to introduce you to Kari D’Amato.
Hi Kari, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
After working as an advertising art director and a freelance graphic designer for 25 years, I decided to follow my passion for helping people into a counseling career. As my kids were growing up—they’re now in college—I tried to be very present in their lives, volunteering at school, supporting them in their activities, and getting to know their friends. As my daughter’s cheer coach from her first through eighth grade years, I formed strong bonds with the squad members, often becoming a go-to adult when one needed adult advice.
When the cheerleaders started middle school, I realized that many of the squad members were not learning critical world skills from their families or at school. I began extending cheer practices by 30 minutes once a week to address various topics that were important for teens. With their parents’ permission, we discussed topics such as how to keep themselves safe from internet predators, FOMO, and low self-esteem exacerbated by social media, the risks of sending nude photos of themselves, sexual consent, and how to protect themselves from traffickers. As with my own kids, I sought to give them the information they needed BEFORE they actually needed it. The cheerleaders were very receptive, and many fruitful discussions occurred.
Tragedy struck our squad when an assistant coach, who was the mother of one of the cheerleaders, died by suicide. It was an incredibly hard thing to deal with thing and as you would imagine, the squad was overwhelmed with emotions ranging from intense sadness to anger and confusion. We banded together and shared feelings. We met with a grief counselor and learned how to show support and love to the girl who lost her mother. It was a profound experience for me, and it served to awaken my desire to help teens and young adults in a greater capacity.
In early 2021, graduated with a master’s degree in marriage, couples, and family counseling, and as part of my graduate program, I completed my internship and practicum at Renew Counseling Center in Olathe. There, I worked with adolescents in their Intensive Outpatient Group Program, which is often viewed as either the last option before needing inpatient therapy or after leaving as a bridge back to normal life. I learned so much and loved working with all the teens there. I continued at Renew while I started my private practice, and, since the first of 2023, my office has been located at Opal KC in Overland Park. In May of 2025, I passed the licensure exam to progress from being a licensed professional counselor (LPC) to a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC).
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
For me, the path to where I am today has been relatively smooth. In general, I try to be a positive thinker, so I try not to dwell on past struggles. Perhaps this is due to counseling being my second career. I am grateful to have been able to follow another dream as an older woman in the search for fulfillment. As an empty-nester, I am now able to focus on me and helping others in my counseling practice.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I work primarily with older teens and young adults who are dealing with anxiety, social-anxiety, low self-esteem, social problems, depression, ADHD, OCD, body image concerns, and relationship issues with family, friends, or significant others. I also specialize in helping my clients navigate tricky transitions like graduating, moving out, starting college, beginning an internship or job, and having to start adulting.
As for my counseling style, I am laid back and nonjudgemental and I strive to meet my clients exactly where they are. I utilize an eclectic mix of therapeutic modalities, including acceptance & commitment therapy, DBT, CBT, narrative therapy, gestalt therapy, and solution-focused therapy. When appropriate, I also utilize EMDR and Brainspotting methods to assist with trauma. I strive to be inclusive and accepting, working with clients from various backgrounds and including members of the LGBTQAI+ community.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
As I am an open book, I do not think there are many things most people would find surprising about me!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://karidamato.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kari_damato_counseling/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kari.damato.lpc/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kari-d-amato-085a582/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/karimckd/counseling/
