Karen Doyle Buckwalter
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Theraplay Trainers
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Last updated: 8/27/2025
Karen Doyle Buckwalter
Certified
Professional Information
Carolina Attachment and Trauma Services
Director-Owner
Shelby
North Carolina
28150  United States
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  MSW, LCSW, RPT-S Theraplay Therapist, Trainer, and Supervisor, Video Intervention Therapy Trainer and Supervisor
  LCSW #C01189 North Carolina
  LISW #11142 South Carolina
  LCSW # CW013477 Illionois
  ADHD, Adolescents, Adoption, Adult, Anxiety, Attachment, Behavioral Issues, Child or Adolescent, Chronic Impulsivity, Coping Skills, Depression, Divorce, DDP, Emotional Disturbance, EMDR, Family Conflict, Foster Care, Grief, Infant & Early Childhood, Marital and Premarital, Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD), Oppositional Defiance, Parenting, Peer Relationships, RPT-S, Self Esteem, Stress, Teen Violence, Trauma and PTSD
  Yes
  Yes
  Certified Theraplay Supervisor
  Certified Theraplay Trainer
  Yes
  With over 35 years of clinical experience (full CV available at www.karendoylebuckwalter.com), I have worked extensively with children, adolescents, and adults across a wide range of settings. I am a certified Theraplay® Trainer and Supervisor, as well as a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor. My training spans numerous evidence-based modalities, including Child-Centered Play Therapy, Sandtray Therapy, Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP), Infant-Parent Psychotherapy, Attachment, Regulation, and Competency (ARC), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), EMDR, and Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®). I am also a certified trainer in Video Intervention Therapy.

I completed a two-year Post-Master’s Marriage and Family Therapy program at the Menninger Clinic and have worked in a variety of clinical environments, including foster care and adoption services, residential treatment, schools, non-profit organizations, and private practice. My clinical specialization lies in attachment and trauma-related issues. Additionally, I am a trained and reliable coder of the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) and the Reflective Functioning Scale associated with the AAI.
  Bachelor of Science in Individual and Family Studies from Penn State University
Master of Social Work from Temple University
2-year post-master's program in Marriage and Family Therapy from Menninger Clinic
  I have been using Theraplay since 1997 and a Theraplay Trainer and Supervisor since 2000. I have written numerous book chapters and published articles about Theraplay.
  At this stage of my career, one of my greatest joys is supporting, supervising and supporting other therapists. As a therapist, supervisor, and trainer, my work is grounded in the belief that growth happens through connection, reflection, and compassionate challenge. With over 30 years of clinical experience, I bring a depth of knowledge and a thoughtful and energetic presence to the work I do—whether I’m supporting clients, guiding fellow therapists, or delivering training to teams and organizations.

In my role as a supervisor/consultant, I offer a space that is collaborative, structured, and attuned to the personal and professional development of each supervisee. I support emerging and experienced therapists alike in deepening their clinical insight, refining their therapeutic skills, and navigating the ethical and emotional complexities of the work. My supervision style is relational and integrative with a strong emphasis on reflective practice.
Shelby
North Carolina
28150  United States
217-316-1396 (Phone)
Visit My Website »
  English
  she/her/hers
Additional Information
Certifications
Foundational Theraplay Practitioner, Intermediate Theraplay Practitioner, Certified Theraplay Practitioner, Level One & MIM Theraplay training, Level Two & MIM Theraplay training, Sunshine Circles Training, Group Theraplay training (Two-day)