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About Karl Stenske, MA, LMFT

Adoption Specialist | Attachment & Trauma Therapist | Adoptee

Hi! I'm Karl, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Irvine, CA, and I’ve spent the last 15+ years walking alongside individuals, couples, and families as they navigate the often-complex layers of adoption, healing, identity, and connection.

I specialize in adoption, trauma, attachment, religious trauma and couples therapy—and these aren’t just professional interests. I’m also an adoptee, so I understand the emotional terrain from the inside out. That personal experience, combined with master's degrees in both Adoption Studies and Marriage and Family Therapy, has shaped how I show up in the therapy room: grounded, compassionate, and deeply curious about your story.

In my work, I support people who are carrying things that are often hard to name—feelings like shame, grief, anxiety, emotional disconnection, or a sense of not fully belonging. Whether those struggles are rooted in adoption, trauma, abuse or the messy beauty of being human, I offer a space where you don’t have to figure it all out alone.

I also work extensively with couples, especially those feeling stuck in painful patterns. My approach is rooted in attachment-based therapy, helping partners move beyond conflict and toward safety, trust, and deeper emotional connection. Many of the couples I work with have been impacted by adoption—whether one or both partners are adoptees, they’ve adopted a child, or they’re considering adoption. These relationships often hold layers of unspoken complexity, and I help couples understand and navigate those dynamics together.

In our work, I draw from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), attachment theory and somatic, attachment-focused practices that support meaningful, lasting change. I don’t believe in quick fixes or surface-level solutions. I believe in doing the kind of work that leads to real transformation—work that’s respectful of your pace, your pain, and your hope.

Most of all, I believe healing happens in relationship. If you're ready to explore yours—with yourself, your partner, your history—I’m here to walk with you.

Let’s connect.


Reach out here to schedule some time together or ask any questions you may have. I’d be honored to support you.

Photo of Karl Stenske therapist adoption specialist

License

Karl Stenske, LMFT 150804

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

Master's Degree

Marriage and Family Therapy

Class of 2023 – with Honors

Touro University Worldwide

Master's Degree

Adoption Studies - IMA

Class of 2011

Goddard College

Bachelor's Degree

Psychology of Communication -  IBA

Class of 2009

Goddard College

Karl Stenske Therapist Adoption Specialist Speaking Teaching

Media

“THE POWERFUL WORK KARL IS SHARING WILL DO MORE THAN CHANGE LIVES; IT WILL PROFOUNDLY CHANGE SOCIETY’S PERCEPTION OF ADOPTION.”

 

KAREN CAMPBELL

Get In Touch

Inter-racial couple smiling and posing for the camera. Man is kissing woman on the cheek. Connecting after couples therapy

Contact Information

Telephone

Email

Address

15615 Alton Pkwy, Suite 450

Irvine, CA 92618

Karl Stenske Therapy Logo, The name Karl over a therapist chaise lounge chair.

Karl Stenske, MA, Adoption Specialist, LMFT 150804

"Family leaves and indelible mark on your life: demanding to be noticed and woven into every piece of your story"

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