Karl W. Maust, LMSW

1. What led you to become a counselor?

Karl: I discovered my calling to counseling during an introductory class at Rosedale Bible College, where I realized that social work was exactly where I belonged. Since then, I've been dedicated to walking alongside people through their most difficult seasons.

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2. How would you describe your counseling style?

Karl: I describe my style as balanced, collaborative, and empowering. I will avoid over-analyzing the parts of your life that are already functioning well so we can focus our teamwork on the areas where you actually feel stuck. My goal is to empower you by holding you accountable to your own values-supporting you as you take on the challenges you once felt were out of reach. 

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3. What issues do you specialize in?

Karl: Currently, I would like to see myself as a generalist; however, much of my work is focused on helping couples find stability and supporting individuals as they navigate the complexities of major life changes. My experience in crisis intervention and homelessness prevention further informs how I help people find their footing during life’s most difficult transitions.

 

4. What theoretical approaches influence your work?

Karl: My work is primarily grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and I hold a specialized certificate in this area to help clients understand the connection between their thoughts and actions. I am also certified in Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT), as I believe that human-animal interaction can often be a powerful catalyst for comfort, safety, and emotional breakthroughs.

 

5. What is the first session with you like? 

Karl: In our first session, we search for the hope that will provide healing in the therapeutic process later on. I will ask what brought you in, but also where you want to be after therapy. It’s a no-expectations-environment where we can start wherever you feel comfortable starting.

 

6. What do you do outside of counseling to recharge? 

Karl: Outside of counseling, I stay recharged through a mix of creative and active hobbies. I enjoy getting outdoors to play disc golf, go skiing, or go fishing, but I’m just as likely to be found spending time with my family, playing guitar, or getting overly involved in a good tabletop game. I always enjoy being creative and learning new things.

 

7. How do you create safety in the therapy room? 

Karl: In my office, you’re in control of how deep we dive into whatever it is that you’d like to explore. We can stop when you want to stop and press on only when it feels right to you. My priority is to create a predictable, respectful space where you feel empowered to move at your own pace toward the stability you’re looking for.

 

8. For clients who desire it, how do you integrate faith into sessions? 

Karl: Faith is the foundational lens of my practice. I believe clinical psychology and biblical truth work together for understanding and clarity. I understand that anxiety is often a call to action, while depression is a call to prayer. If you desire a Christian approach, you can expect sessions anchored in Christ that align with and uphold God's Word. I'm here to provide an environment where you can strengthen and grow emotionally and spiritually.

 

9. How do you help clients who feel stuck or isolated? 

Karl: I believe that failure isn’t the opposite of success, but a necessary part of it. When a client feels isolated or at a standstill, I use tools like motivational interviewing to help find that spark of hope. We’ll work together to view setbacks as opportunities for growth, returning to the drawing board whenever necessary to find a process that truly works for you.

 

10. What do you believe creates real change in therapy?

Karl: Real change doesn't happen overnight; it's built through manageable steps. I focus on helping you make intentional shifts that move the needle without becoming overwhelming. A key philosophy of mine is that growth happens at the edge of our abilities—you never learn to do something until you try the things you can't yet do. By focusing on these small stretches, we turn impossible goals into reachable reality.

 

11. Who all do you work with? 

Karl: I’m honored to work with individuals of all ages—from 6 to 60+—and I have a particular passion for helping couples navigate their unique relationship dynamics. Whether I’m sitting with a child, a couple, or an individual, my goal is to provide a space where everyone feels supported enough to move forward.