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About Me
EVERYONE has a story...
...and EVERY story has struggles and challenges and it sure can SUCK while we’re in it. Am I right?
BUT...I have learned from my experiences and the experiences of others that so much beauty can come out of these struggles. All we have to do is take that first step forward...
Karen Palaniuk (she/her), MMFT
Marriage and Family Therapist
Helping individuals, relationships and families in Manitoba
I have chapters throughout my story where I struggled with anxiety.
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I could also write an entire trilogy about my past relationships (and maybe one day I will!).
Although those times were challenging, they are a part of my story and who I am.
It took a lot of inner work and personal growth to understand that all those past experiences were affecting my present life. Doing the work allowed me to have the perspective to better navigate writing my future life chapters in the direction I wanted it to go.
That’s what I loved so much about an MFT’s approach in working through life’s challenges...they are trained in systems perspective.
Systems Perspective
Systems perspective is a way of working that acknowledges that our past and present experiences and relationships are a huge part of who we are. MFTs take that into account as they help people make sense of things...it is so insightful and liberating when the puzzle pieces start to fit together and you get to understand yourself better.
That is why I pursued my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Winnipeg and became an MFT...because I believe in the process.
I have experienced it.
My life experiences interconnect with the work I do
Just as my experience with anxiety has led me to help many people who also struggle with anxiety, other life experiences have also interconnected with the work I do now...again, how our experiences shape who we are!
When I was 17, I took bets at the racetrack and groomed horses there for about 5 years. I later worked as a server and bartender with the LGBTTQ+ population for about a decade.
Racetracks and bars...these places were arenas for developing unhealthy relationships with substances and gambling.
I was exposed to people from all walks of life that used these substances and processes to mask underlying trauma that had yet to heal. I obtained new perspectives and understandings of the different stories we each live and that these people were simply beautiful souls that were struggling,
During my professional career I returned to the racetrack as a counsellor and later worked at addiction recovery centres. Here is an article that gives a glimpse of my earlier days, working in the backstretch: Winnipeg Sun Article
Through my private practice now, I continue to help people that are struggling with addictions and who are trying to figure out their place in this world.
I have always been really good at locating the goodness in people even when they can’t see it themselves. I find that kindness and respect goes a long way. We are all a work-in-progress but having someone who can listen, understand you and help guide you can make all the difference in your journey.
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Being able to help people change the end of one chapter and begin a new chapter that they want to write in their story, well, that is why I love what I do.
Karen
What Clients are Saying...
Karen is a terrific therapist. As I’ve moved through some significant transitions in recent years, she has helped me understand better how experiences and memories underlie my thoughts and feelings.
Karen brings a gentle and generous spirit to each session, marked by deep and empathetic listening. Her counsel is consistently wise and thoughtful, with the result that each time I leave, I feel that I know myself better and strengthened to move forward. The “homework” Karen has given me has consistently helped me be reflective and self-aware, even during the weeks between sessions.
I highly recommend Karen Palaniuk to anyone looking for a smart, insightful, good-humoured, caring and professional therapist.
- G.N.
Credentials
Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy – University of Winnipeg
BA(Hons) Degree in Psychology with a Major in Criminal Justice Studies – University of Winnipeg
Training
I believe in continuous training so I can best serve by clients.
I have completed many courses on topics such as anxiety, trauma, grief, compassion fatigue, emotionally focused therapy, non-violent crisis intervention, addiction, substance abuse, relapse management, Aboriginal family systems, Indigenous cultural training and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
Community Work
I believe that helping people and our community builds a better place for us all. I have been a member of the following committees:
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Relational and Family Therapy-Manitoba (RAFT-MB): Steering Committee Member (2020-present)
Ethics Committee, Grace Hospital (September 2018-June 2019)
End of Life Committee, Grace Hospital (June 2018-June 2019)
Manitoba Association of Marriage and Family Therapy Professional Development Committee (2014-2016)
Manitoba Association of Marriage and Family Therapy Elections Committee (2012-2014)