B O D Y , M I N D , A N D S P I R I T
Go deeper in faith and embrace your whole self
Meet Karen
Dr. Karen Hurula is an overcomer who offers life experience and training that make her both unique and a needed voice for the church. She grew up a missionaries’ kid in Mexico, surviving an earthquake, studying several languages, and labeled “not smart enough” to fulfill her dream of being a psychologist. She developed an identity that was culturally complex, never quite fitting into the molds expected of her, as a pastor’s kid and eventually as a pastor’s wife. After having three children, she finally silenced the voices of self-doubt in her mind and pursued her dream, earning her doctorate in psychology, and a master’s degree in theology.
Teaching New Ways to Grow
Karen is passionate about the integration of the science of psychology and Christian theology. In her work as a therapist she has seen firsthand how a systematic devaluing of our emotional lives, as often taught in the Church, has hurt many people of faith, their relationships with others and their attunement to the voice of God. She believes in the mind-body-soul connection in maintaining health and wellness. It is her hope to see people of faith take good care of themselves. Karen has devoted her professional life to walking alongside those who are hurting and helping them to discover who God made them to be, as a means to bring them hope and a path forward. Karen offers a way to step more fully into the life you were created to live. Karen lives with her husband, Scott, and their children in the suburbs of Chicago.
What People Say…
“Karen teaches with relevant truth, helping people to discover and celebrate their true selves. She made a great case for emotional health!”
— Danielle Strickland • Boundless Voices, Women’s Speaker Collective
“Dr. Hurula is personable, knowledgeable and engaging. She presents her topic in a way that can be easily understood, yet without condescension. Her presentation style creates an environment of open interaction.”
— Major Kelly Collins, Divisional Commander • The Salvation Army
“Karen has an important message for the church.”
— Jeanne Stevens, Lead Pastor • Soul City Church Chicago
“Our church hired Karen as a speaker for a leadership development retreat. We were hoping for a time of unification and rejuvenation. Karen delivered tools and aids in order for both of those hopes to come to fruition. In the year since the retreat, our leadership team has grown closer together and utilized the tools shown by Karen for resolving conflict and finding their purpose and joy in ministry. We hope to hire her again in the future.”
— Captain Erin Metzler, Pastor • The Salvation Army