The Embodied Therapist.

The continuous commitment to expanding and deepening one’s skillset.

The Karuna House Training Institute

Gretchen von Seggern and Andrew Lesniewicz are extensively trained clinicians, consultants, and teachers who are intentionally engaged in their own professional and personal growth. Together, with their passion and commitment to advancing excellence in the field of trauma-informed mind-body psychotherapy, they have opened the Karuna House Training Institute for graduate practicum students, graduate students completing internships, post-graduate therapists, and those seeking consultation in EMDR for training and certification.

By imparting this experiential awareness and knowledge base, Karuna House therapists and those who participate in our training institute are engaged in a training program that cultivates the development and mastery of clinical skills to better serve the clients and people whose lives they touch.

The foundation of the Karuna House Training Institute is informed by EMDR Psychotherapy and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. Certification and consultation toward EMDR are provided. To learn more, please contact Gretchen von Seggern (419.466.9891 or gretchenleu@karunahousellc.com).

  • I had the privilege of working with Gretchen during my EMDR certification journey, and I couldn't be more pleased with the experience. She demonstrated a remarkable level of expertise, making her an invaluable resource throughout the certification process. Gretchen possessed a deep understanding of the theory, techniques, and practical applications. Her ability to clarify concepts and provide real-world examples (especially her metaphors!) greatly enhanced my learning experience. Gretchen consistently held me to the highest professional and ethical standards, ensuring that I was well-prepared to become a certified EMDR therapist. Her attention to detail pushed me to strive for my best at all times. Gretchen's encouraging and supportive nature was truly motivating. She created a positive and nurturing learning environment that fostered confidence in my abilities. Her constructive feedback was always delivered with empathy and a genuine desire to see me grow as a practitioner. I am immensely grateful for her guidance and would highly recommend her to anyone seeking EMDR certification or looking to deepen their expertise in this therapeutic approach.

    Kristy Yetman, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor

  • Working with Gretchen during consultation has been an amazing experience! She has not only helped me gain the knowledge and understanding of EMDR and the AIP model to help my clients but also the confidence in using EMDR. From the case conceptualization to the tidbits, Gretchen has given me so many tools and additional protocols to tackle any presenting concern and still maintain the fidelity of EMDR as it’s intended. Gretchen’s style combines imparting helpful feedback with presenting alternative ways of conceptualizing a case in a fun and engaging way! I hope to keep working with Gretchen in the future as I will always value her insights and want to get as much knowledge from her as possible.

    DeQuan Brown, LPC

  • Four years ago, I began working at Karuna House as a mental health counseling intern under the supervision of Gretchen (Leu) von Seggern. I acquired many counseling skills during my internship that helped build a strong foundation as an incoming mental health professional. Once I completed my internship and became a licensed professional counselor, I then completed my basic EMDR training. Immediately after EMDR training, I had the opportunity to become EMDR certified while at the Karuna House. Both co-owners, Gretchen and Andy, offered extensive training in multiple modalities. While I was able to complete EMDR certification with Gretchen, I also learned various sensorimotor principles from Andy as well. They offered weekly consultations, which were invaluable to my development as a counselor. Whenever I had questions or felt I needed more one-on-one consultations, Gretchen and Andy were always willing and eager to meet. Both Gretchen and Andy are extremely compassionate supervisors who offer a broad range of knowledge and wisdom to their practice. In addition to excellent supervision, my colleagues at Karuna House were incredibly supportive. When I was entering into the field, having several colleagues surround me and provide a sounding board was very beneficial. From my internship to my LPC status, and now as a LPCC, I feel that Karuna House was an amazing experience for me and I highly recommend their training institute!

    Hope Meyer, M.Ed., LPCC

  • “Choosing to learn under Karuna House is probably the best decision I’ve made thus far in my career.  The knowledge and training provided are priceless—something I wish was taught in graduate courses—but that I’m so thankful to have learned in my professional development.  Andy and Gretchen consult in a way that provides safety and welcomes authenticity in order for therapists to deepen and mature as individuals.  Their mentorship has helped me to not only understand how my clients are showing up but also how I am showing up for them.  This relational approach to therapy is something we are all taught is important, but rarely ever modeled.  If you want to become a therapist who embodies healing and transformation for others, The Karuna House Training Institute is exactly for you. “

    Joy Herrera, MSW, LSW, EMDR Trained Therapist