Hello, my name is Karen Maddox.  Although I’m an Atlanta, Georgia native, I relocated to Jacksonville, Florida four years ago from Dallas, Texas. I’ve been married to my college sweetheart for 38 years, and we have three grown children, two sons-in-law, and four grandchildren.

My passion is to help couples and families find their way through difficult life transitions.  These transitions include the challenges of being newly-married, new parents, living life with teenagers, family relocation, or empty-nesting.

Just like you, I have had my share of joys and difficulties, and I’ve seen the importance of having someone that can guide me in my own life and help me create positive outcomes.  I am passionate about marriage and family therapy because I love helping people achieve goals in life and in their relationships.  Therapy is a tool that can be helpful for everyone,  whether in a crisis or just to talk and process life events and stressors.

If you’re struggling in life to find balance, feel anxious and overwhelmed, and need a sounding board, I provide a safe and comfortable environment where positive change can take place. If you’re not sure if your relationship can survive if things don’t change, I’d love to help get you in a better spot. You don’t have to keep living this way. Change can happen, and things can be better!

Who I can help:

Individuals: If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, coping skills, anger, or trying to move past challenging events in your life, I can help.

Couples: Are you struggling to connect? I can help you want to find better ways to communicate, fight fair, and want to feel more romance and passion again.

Parents: If you’re struggling with parenting, or your children are causing problems in your romantic relationship, I’d love to help. Being a parent has it’s tough moments, but certain situations can add even more stress, such as dating after children, blending a step-family, or if your child suffers with behavioral or social challenges. If you’re at your wits end with parenting your child, or you’re experiencing relationship distress with your partner, you don’t have to manage it alone. I can help you reconnect to your mate, offer strategies for parenting, and help you experience more peace.

Children & Adolescents: I help children and teens struggling with anxiety, depression, social interactions, break-ups, bullying, or adapting to changing family situations (parents’ separation, divorce, blended family, etc.).

I am so excited to be a part of the amazing team at Family Therapy Associates of Jacksonville, and even more excited to help you and your relationships.

Biography:

I earned a Bachelors Degree from Valdosta State University. I am currently working on a Master of Arts Marriage and Family Therapy from Liberty University and anticipate graduating April 2020. I am currently enrolled in the Family Therapy Associates of Jacksonville internship program under the supervision of Tabitha Johnson, PhD., LMFT and Kristen Montiel, LMFT, CAP. I am certified in Adventures in Marriage (LivetheLife.org) and Prepare/Enrich. I am currently undergoing extensive training in Level 1 Gottman Couples Counseling, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) as well as trainings on other evidenced-based family therapy theories and interventions.

Through my studies at Liberty University, I have extensive training in marriage and family systems, counseling children and adolescents, psychopathology and multicultural counseling. 

My early career was spent in the classroom as a middle school math teacher before our children were born. My greatest joy has been watching my twin girls and son grow into amazing young adults.  I spent a number of years volunteering at my church leading groups, mentoring, and working in marriage ministry.  

In my free time I ride motorcycles with my husband. We have ridden motorcycles in 47 states over the past six years! I also enjoy gardening and spending time with our children and grandchildren.

NOTE: Karen Maddox is acquiring hours to obtain a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, and is under supervision provided by Dr. Tabitha Johnson and Kristen Montiel. Sessions may be recorded for training purposes.