Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Lanxon.
Hi Karen, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I worked in education for about 17 years. During six of those years, my husband and I were foster parents. We found that there were often not many good therapists available for the children. When we did find a therapist for our foster children, it was rare that we felt they were authentic and helped them in the ways we believed they needed. This inspired me to get my master’s in counseling. After graduating, I left the classroom and became a high school counselor. During that time, I took my LPC associate license exam and began working part-time at a group practice in Georgetown. After I finished collecting my 3,000 hours (which took about 19 months), I applied for my full license, stepped away from education, and opened my own practice part-time (August 2024) while still working full-time at the group practice. In March 2025, I stepped away from client work at the group practice to focus full-time on building my practice.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wouldn’t say it’s been smooth. It’s been very rewarding, yet scary at times. After being in education for so long, the financial security in knowing when you get paid and knowing how much your check will be every month is the total opposite in private practice. I have learned to shift my mindset around money management. As a therapist in private practice, if I don’t work, I don’t get paid. There is no PTO. LOL!
I’ve also had to learn to shift my mindset about work overall. As a solo business owner, I have to be the therapist, admin, marketing agent, and whatever else I need to be. Discipline, perseverance, and my faith are nonnegotiable. It’s all on me, so everything goes on the calendar, even nap time. LOL! I’ve had to learn to network and join a coaching program for support and to gain the knowledge needed to build a successful and manageable business. The most crucial part of acquiring the knowledge is applying it, even when scared. This summer was my first experience with the summer slump. It was scary, because many people go on vacation or ultimately feel better with all the sunshine, so my caseload went down. Instead of sulking or chilling during the time I had empty slots, I networked, wrote blogs, and created content. I’ve learned that every moment counts. By the time fall arrived, I was full by October because of the work I put in over the summer.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Greatness Awaits Counseling Services PLLC is a private practice that currently offers online Christian counseling to ages 13 and up. (Face-to-face services coming soon in 2026) I specialize in helping working moms thrive again in life without the stronghold of guilt and burnout. I have a special place in my heart for those with special needs, so you will often see me alongside my husband volunteering for Special Olympics. I’m known among colleagues and clients as the laughing therapist. Although I walk with clients through challenging times in their lives, I truly believe laughter is like medicine. If anyone is offended by laughter, I’m probably not the therapist for them. LOL! That is one of the things I believe truly sets me apart. My clients have inspired family members to seek counseling because of the echo of laughter they hear coming from the room during their sessions. My clients also know they will get a prayer out of me before they leave the session, and they’ll remind me if I forget.
Not sure if this sounds cliché, but I’m most proud of being authentically me. LOL! What clients see is what they get. Whether that’s on my website, on my social media page, or on my profile within a directory. Well… except for the professional picture seen on my website and profiles, I don’t look like that in session. LOL! I’m often in workout clothes or a hoodie. It’s comfy! But I believe that’s what makes sessions feel safe for my clients. Especially as a Christian counselor, most of my clients are Christians who are coming to discuss challenges in their lives that may be contrary or contradicting to their faith and biblical principles. They need someone who is not going to condemn them but will show them grace and accountability, and equip them with practical tools to be successful. When they enter the session and see that I’m just another person who happens to be professionally skilled at helping them trace the root of their problem and get back aligned with the purpose God has for them, it gives them peace and confidence to open up.
And that’s what I want readers to know. Greatness Awaits Counseling is a safe place to be you and to use your faith, along with practical tools, to help you overcome what you’re facing in life. No judging. Although my clients know when I make a certain face, I’m about to challenge them. LOL!
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is that the same energy used to build another’s business or vision is the same energy we need to be willing to put into our own.
Pricing:
- $150/session
- Some insurances accepted
- Free 15 minute consultations
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gacounselingservices.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatnessawaitscounseling/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564925681732
- Other: https://linktr.ee/greatnessawaits
