We believe that we were created for more than survival - we were made to thrive.
Hi, I am Karissa Whitlatch, founder of Made to Thrive Wellness
Whether you are navigating anxiety, trauma, grief, life transitions, the effects of stress on your mind and body, the joys and challenges of motherhood, pregnancy, postpartum, or infant feeding, it is my honor to walk alongside you with compassion, clinical excellence, and faith—because you were made to thrive.
A little more about me
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), EMDR trained, Certified Perinatal Mental Health Specialist (PMH-C), Certified Sensorimotor Psychotherapist, counseling PhD student, and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
I never imagined this would be the path I would take, but through God’s gentle guidance, He continued to open doors and lead me exactly where I needed to be. My journey began at Phoenix Seminary, where I earned my Master’s degree in Counseling with Biblical Integration. Over the years, God has continued to reveal the purpose behind this work—the privilege of walking alongside people through some of life’s most painful seasons while witnessing healing, hope, and transformation.
None of us escape pain and suffering, but we were never meant to walk through it alone. We were created for connection, support, and the opportunity to move toward the life we were created to live—with purpose, hope, and the ability to truly thrive.
I love a good cup of tea, learning something new, the gift of motherhood, and the daily adventure of following Jesus.
My Journey Into Lactation
My passion for lactation support began through my own experience as a mother. When my first child struggled to nurse, I discovered how emotional and vulnerable the feeding journey could be. A lactation consultant who was also a mental health counselor supported both my baby and me, helping us find a path that honored our needs while protecting our relationship.
That experience changed the way I viewed lactation support. I learned that feeding is not only about nutrition—it is also about connection, confidence, and the bond between parent and baby. Whether you breastfeed, pump, formula feed, or use a combination, my hope is that you feel supported and connected throughout your journey.
My Approach
Many of the women I work with are navigating anxiety, past trauma, postpartum challenges, difficult seasons of motherhood, or the overwhelm that can come with major life transitions. I believe healing happens when we are cared for as whole people—our thoughts, emotions, bodies, relationships, and faith. Using approaches such as EMDR, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, parts-work, and attachment-based care, I help clients better understand their experiences, build nervous system regulation skills, heal from painful patterns, and move toward greater connection, confidence, and hope.
For those who desire it, I integrate Christian faith and biblical principles into counseling, honoring the connection between emotional healing, faith, and restoration.
As both a therapist and a lactation consultant, I also understand the unique connection between maternal mental health breastfeeding, and infant feeding. Whether you are seeking support for postpartum anxiety, trauma recovery, or lactation challenges, my goal is to provide compassionate care that supports both you, your baby, and your journey through motherhood.