About Me

Sometimes the pain of loss (death of a loved one, divorce, end of a relationship, loss of job) can feel overwhelming and unending; like many people, perhaps this is the first time you’ve considered seeing a therapist for help. Or maybe you’ve been “nudged” by a concerned friend or family member. You want to feel better, make sense of your loss, ease your suffering and go on living.

Why is grief therapy valuable? Because “a grief deferred is a grief prolonged,” as noted by author Miriam Greenspan in her book, “Healing the Dark Emotions.” Left unaddressed, grief may lead to self-destructive behaviors, substance abuse, depression, impaired relationships, physical illness, panic attacks or diminished job productivity. However, there is hope in seeking help…

Karen Batka, MBA, MA, LMFT

Founder, A Place for Grief™ Asheville, NC

Helping you find your way through loss, grief and life transitions

I am a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), licensed to work with residents of North Carolina and California, Certified Grief Recovery Specialist®, Registered Hatha Yoga Teacher and Employee Assistance Clinical Specialist. I received my education from The California Institute of Integral Studies (MA, Integral Counseling Psychology), Moravian College (MBA) and The Pennsylvania State University (BS). Read more…

My passion for purposeful grief work is inspired by accompanying many people through loss journeys who often experience peace, insight, well-being and gratitude (yes!) as they learn to develop a relationship with their grief. You are not alone if your first thought is, “I don’t want to be with my grief, I just want it to go away!” This is where my support, experience and compassion can assist you in leaning into grief to be more fully with your whole experience.