Women Who Inspire: Dr. Karen Stallings
Christian Women Living Magazine is excited to announce another addition to our family here at CWL. Dr. Karen Stallings will be joining our team with a weekly column that is sure to be a great addition to our content. We would like to take this opportunity to introduce Dr. Karen to our readers so that they may get to know her. Welcome aboard, Dr. Karen!!
Stephanie Kelly: Please introduce yourself to our readers.
Dr. Karen Stallings: I was born and raised in Detroit Michigan. As a young person, I was always interested in politics, civil rights, and community service. I graduated from high school, and attended Lincoln University, located in Lincoln, Pennsylvania. She continued in her quest of serving others as she graduated with a degree in sociology. She received her Masters in Social Social Science from Bryn Mawr College and a Doctorate of Arts In Marriage and Family Therapy Studies from Eastern University located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.Upon graduating college, I began my 25 plus career of working with young people and their families. I have been the director of a psychiatric Children’s program, a child protective services worker in Pennsylvania, and a director of a locked juvenile facility for adolescent girls in Delaware. Currently, I am a school social worker, where for the past 18 years I have worked at an alternative high school and middle school in Salem New Jersey.My proudest moments and greatest blessings came when God blessed me with my two children. I’ve been married to my best friend for the past 28 years, Rev. Donald Stallings. He is my rock and the wind beneath my wings. I am a member of several professional and community organizations including the National Association Of Social Workers, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
SK: Please share your testimony.
KS: While I grew up attending church, I didn’t form a relationship with Jesus until I went to college. I was broken, wounded, and full of despair. To hear that there was one who would love me unconditionally, love me without an agenda was something I had been seeking my whole entire life. I fell in love with Jesus and have been trusting HIM ever since that service where I meant Him on my college campus.
SK: What led you to choosing your profession?
KS: My brokenness. Sadly, I got into this field trying to HEAL myself by trying to heal others. It took me years to understand and embrace that HEALING must begin with me first.
SK: How does your faith influence your work as a mental health professional?
KS: My FAITH influences every aspect of my career and my life. Meeting, counseling, working with people every day that bare their soul and wounds allows me to share with them the Hope of Christ. Not just in word, but more importantly deed. I never have to say I am a Christian. I share Christ everyday as I share hope, light in darkness, healing to their despair and trauma.
SK: What do you see as a recurring issue in your patients? Has this changed at all because of the pandemic?
KS: I see much more hopelessness, fear, loss, grief due to the pandemic. It is more intense and constant.
SK: How do you think the social distancing protocols will change our social behavior and mentalities in the near future and beyond?
KS: It is sad because I believe we may never feel safe hugging or being close for a very long time. I believe the social distancing will impact how we relate and connect with each other for years to come. It is sad.
SK: What coping skills do you find most helpful in your own life?
KS: Coping skills are so important for all of us. I use Breathing, coloring books, lots of prayer and quiet time in my backyard. Sadly, I am unable to go to my favorite place, the Beach, but I have been intentional about creating spaces, periods of time, and moments where I am in touch with the needs of my soul and spirit. I have been doing more self -care activities. Little things like lighting my favorite candle or taking extra-long baths where I say my affirmations and favorite Bible verses.
SK: Tell us about your latest projects and what you have coming-up in the near future.
KS: I have been the guest on several Zoom tele-conferences speaking about Faith and Mental health. These have been ongoing opportunities since the pandemic. I am also set to begin my own column in the Christian Women Living magazine. I have authored a Book entitled, “when faith and trauma Collide”. I also have authored 3 eBooks.
1. How to heal from Childhood trauma
2. YOU are the only YOU there is: A Guide to practicing Self-Love
3. I FORGIVE me: a guide to self-forgiveness..
SK: What types of questions will you be answering in your “Dear Dr. K” column?
KS: In my column titled, “Dear Dr. K”, I will be answering any questions pertaining to Faith, Trauma, Relationships, Family, and Mental health.
All of Dr. Karen’s products and services can be found on her web page.
