Exploring Life & Business with Karla Lima of Corazonando Therapy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karla Lima.

Karla, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Santa Clarita, CA. In my private practice, I see clients both in person and virtually through contracted EAP services. Additionally, I work part-time as a College Counselor at a Community College, assisting students with disabilities with their academic needs and goals. I find both roles fulfilling as they allow me to apply my knowledge and skills in different areas.

I am proud to be the second one in my family to attend college and earn a Master’s Degree. Moving to California from Guatemala in my twenties was a challenging transition; however, I learned to take care of myself and focused on achieving my goals. In 2015, I decided to return to school to study psychology to enhance both my life and career. During my graduate program, I realized that I had chosen the right path. I have always had a passion for helping others, especially children, and I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had in my professional life.
I began my career as a therapist in 2018, working as a field-based mental health therapist with children in foster care. I worked with a range of ages, from infants to young adults transitioning out of foster care. Throughout my time with this population, I learned that being genuine and forming connections with my clients is the most critical aspect of my work. Even though I met with them only once a week for an hour, I witnessed their growth, and it comforts me to know I helped them through their process.
Leaving my full-time job as a community mental health therapist was one of the best but most challenging decisions I’ve ever made. After passing my licensure test two years ago, I realized it was time to explore new opportunities and start building my own practice, which is still a work in progress.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Building a private practice takes time, and often my fear of the unknown holds me back. Being a therapist during the pandemic was incredibly challenging; I had to be emotionally available for my clients, even when I lacked the support I needed at that time. Healers need healing too— as therapists, we cannot fully be present for others if we don’t take care of ourselves.
I have been in private practice for about two years and continue to struggle with creating content and marketing myself as a therapist. Fortunately, I’ve been able to connect with other therapists who have supported me along the way. With their help, I’m learning to maintain a more positive outlook, stay focused, and continue evolving as a therapist. I’m grateful to have a strong network, support system, and community. I’ve formed beautiful friendships with those who align with my values and aspirations for my practice.

As you know, we’re big fans of Corazonando Therapy. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My business name is Corazonando Therapy, a combination of two words: “Corazón,” meaning heart, and “sanando,” meaning healing. Translated, it means “Healing Your Heart.” After some soul-searching, I was able to create both the name and logo for my practice. I am very grateful to Stephanie Nunez – IG @Stephanienunezdesigns for her guidance throughout this process, which helped me develop my brand. I am setting the intention for my business and plan to establish a more defined practice in the upcoming year. I have everything I need to set up a business that aligns with my vision and values. Setting goals for my practice has been very helpful in keeping me on track.

What do you do, what do you specialize in / what are you known for?
I currently support individuals who are struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, life transitions, loss, and trauma. My approach involves meeting my clients where they are emotionally. I strive to ensure that they feel comfortable, heard, validated, and safe. When clients feel secure, they can let their guard down, embrace vulnerability without judgment, and open themselves to the healing process. Healing is not linear; it requires courage, vulnerability, effort, and consistency with their therapeutic work. I always highlight my clients’ progress and the changes I observe in them, encouraging them to continue trusting their process. Holding space for my clients has been the most gratifying part of my work. I want my clients to know that healing from past experiences is possible. One of my goals is to help others reach a point where life feels more relaxed and calm, and trust that things get better. I like to say that we are all a work in progress.

In my latest training, I discovered the community I feel called to support in my professional practice. One of my primary goals is to support women facing infertility issues—those whose concerns have been dismissed by doctors. Many women struggle to find the support they need when navigating major life changes, especially when those changes involve the profound emotional impact of being unable to carry a child. This is the first time I’m sharing about my experience and struggles. I feel sharing my experience will help others seek help for their mental health. I understand how difficult it is to find specialized support during major life transitions and medical challenges. Three years ago, I faced difficulties finding support and resources after I had a hysterectomy. Going through this loss helped me realize it’s something that is not talked about. My experience is what is encouraging me to support women whose medical concerns and grief have been dismissed by others. No one prepares you for the emotional toll this type of loss can take on your life. I want to give a special shout-out to my therapist for supporting me and helping me process my grief this past year. I feel like I’ve rediscovered myself, and I believe everything is falling into place. I am thankful for my family, friends, and everyone who has been part of my journey over these past three years.

What should we know? What sets you apart from others?
I believe there is a continuing and vital need for therapists who genuinely understand the Latino community, especially for women. Many of us grew up with the stigma surrounding mental health, believing it is better to keep our struggles to ourselves and not seek help. I want to help others break these barriers and limiting beliefs regarding their mental health.

Clients often tell me I have a calming presence, which helps them feel safe enough to open up. Being bilingual has helped me connect with my clients—especially those from the Latino community—on a deeper, more authentic level when we speak in Spanish. It’s crucial to me to create a safe space where vulnerability feels possible, and clients feel truly seen, understood, and validated, helping to break down the barriers we often build up.

What are you most proud brand wise?
I’m proud of my accomplishments and the work that I do with my clients. There is nothing more rewarding than hearing from my clients about the positive changes in their lives. Witnessing their profound transformations is an emotional and humbling experience, and I am deeply grateful to be a part of their healing journey. The connections I’ve made within my practice—both with clients and supportive colleagues—are invaluable. I take pride in my continuous growth as a therapist and an individual, and I am happy with the meaningful career, strong friendships, and community I am building.

What do you want our readers to know about your brand, offerings, services, etc?
I am contracted with an Employee Assistance Program agency that provides mental health services to employees across various fields. I encourage individuals to reach out to their HR department for more information about EAP sessions and how to connect with a therapist. I hope to work with clients who feel aligned with my approach and practice. Additionally, I will create a website with all the information clients need to connect with me directly.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I hold space for those in need and provide a supportive environment. I am vulnerable and connect with my clients. I feel inspired when I connect with my community.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/limakm
• Email: [email protected]