Biography

Meet Rev. Karla Fleshman, LCSW, MDiv (They/She)

Building Bridges through EMDR Consultation for LGBTQ+, Spirituality, & Dissociative Experiences

LGBTQ+ folx are at increased risk for experiencing intersectional trauma, including yet not limited to socioeconomic marginalization, racial discrimination, religious abuse, and ableism. These compounding trauma exposures can amplify psychological distress and heighten reliance on dissociative coping mechanisms.

As a therapist, originally trained with an advanced generalist approach to social work practice with a specialization in health care, I have remained committed to working with each Person, System, and Family to find the therapeutic approach that best meets their personalized needs and helps them achieve their treatment goals.

I have received specialized training in EMDR as a Certified Therapist.  I hold an advanced certificate in dissociative studies for EMDR therapists through the Institute for Creative Mindfulness, and am a Consultant in Training with the Institute for Creative Mindfulness. I incorporate Person-Centered/Parts Work, Somatic Skills, Narrative Therapy, Spiritual/Existential Therapy, Trauma-Conscious Yoga Method, Mindfulness-Based CBT & Trauma Informed Care.

As a Consultant in Training, I believe EMDR therapy will cultivate a pathway illuminating that LGBTQ+ individuals often carry complex trauma from rejection, discrimination, and internalized messages – healing happens when we can process these experiences in a safe enough, affirming therapeutic space.

• • We commit to meeting each client where they are, honoring their lived experiences, and supporting them in achieving their mental health goals

• • We commit to meeting each consultee where they are, honoring their lived experiences, and supporting them in achieving their personal and professional goals.

• • We believe that mental health care is a collaborative journey between therapist and client. Our practice is grounded in trauma-focused, identity-affirming approaches that recognize the impact of minority stress while celebrating the resilience and strength of the LGBTQ+ community.

Publications

• • “The Forgotten Parts of Me: A Clinician’s Journey Through Breast Cancer & Early Childhood Trauma” in Queering EMDR Therapy by editor Roshni Chabra, LMFT (Creative Mindfulness Media: 2025)

• • The Role of Dissociation in Surviving Severe, Systemic Bullying: A Reflective Narrative for EMDR Therapists (and Trauma-Responsive Clinicians Serving LGBTQ+ Folx) in Delaware Journal of Public Health, (2025) Volume 11: Issue 2, pp 74-79

• • “Who was Nex? Who is Nex.T?” in Delaware Journal of Public Health, (2025) Volume 11: Issue 2, pp 80-81

• • “Building Resilience, Reducing Risk: Four Pillars to Creating Safer, More Supportive Schools for LGBTQ+ Youth” in Delaware Journal of Public Health, (2019) Volume 5: Issue 3, pp. 46-52.

• • “Understanding and Dealing with Spiritual Violence: Preaching, Testifying, and Gandhi’s Satyagraha as Tools in the Queer Social Justice Movement” in Understanding and Dealing with Violence: A Multicultural Approach, pp.95-112 by editors Barbara C Wallace and Robert T Carter (Sage Publications: 2003)