Kara E. Gerling, LMHC Kara Gerling incompetent, negligent, dangerous, unprofessional St. Petersburg, Florida

The truth of the matter is

Libel is any defamation that can be seen, such as a writing, printing, effigy, movie, or statue.

Slander* is any defamation that is spoken and heard.

__________________________

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a mental disorder in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance and a deep need for admiration. Those with narcissistic personality disorder believe that they're superior to others and have little regard for other people's feelings. But behind this mask of ultra-confidence lies a fragile self-esteem, vulnerable to the slightest criticism.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/narcissistic-personality-disorder/DS00652/

Symptoms of this disorder include, but are not limited to:

-Reacts to criticism with anger, shame, or humiliation -Tends to exaggerate their own importance, achievements, and talents -Imagines unrealistic fantasies of success, beauty, power, intelligence, or romance -Requires constant attention and positive reinforcement from others -Easily becomes jealous -Lacks empathy and disregards the feelings of others -Obsessed with oneself -Trouble keeping healthy relationships -Is easily hurt and rejected -Sets unrealistic goals  

The truth of the matter is that I have never seen a client by this name, nor have I worked with a family with the described issues presented in this article of defamation. This report is completely fraudulent and a vicious attempt to ruin my reputation and discredit my practice.

I have always put my clients first while making every effort to accommodate the needs and goals of each person. I have never had a complaint filed against me, and have been fortunate enough to be recommended by my professional colleagues on more than one occasion. In addition, I have worked for local state and government contracts that require a certain level of professionalism and credibility. Upon request, I would be happy to disclose the names of such contracts or provide references to support this.

In my profession we often encounter people who are experiencing significant mental health issues and who, at times, act impulsively without consideration of the long term consequences of their acts. Unfortunately, the Internet has provided the perfect anonymous platform for people to post incorrect information or damaging comments without consequence.

Reports made on complaint websites, such as this one, become permanent records that will show up on most internet search engines and no attempts are made to verify the accuracy of such reports. In all likelihood, the author of this complaint may respond with another fabricated post and the more I respond, the more frequent this post will present itself when my credentials or name are searched. Consequently, victims of professional slander have limited options made available to them, with the process of removing fabricated complaints being difficult as well as very expensive to arbitrate. Issues related to complaint websites that I am describing were featured on a televised news program which you can view at the following link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHAcf1fYknE

Relying on unverified and/or unreferenced information from internet comments can lead to incorrect perceptions and skewed opinions. Instead of placing any trust in this report (which is truly a work of creative fabrication), I would encourage future clients to speak with me directly to understand the type of counseling services I am able to provide. I would also urge consumers to utilize more reliable research sources to determine the competency, professionalism, and ethics of a potential mental health clinician, such as the Florida Department of Health at http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/491/ where you can look up health professionals' licenses by name to see if any complaints have been filed or verified.

It might be more relevant to file your complaint with the American Mental Health Counselors Association.

American Mental Health Counselors Association
801 N. Fairfax Street, Suite 304
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 703-548-6002
www.amhca.org/

I'd suggest the original poster file a complaint with the American Psychological Association (APA). A complaint won't lead to the practitioners losing her license but a written record of the event may save others from encountering the same experience.

The goal of any counselor should be to help clients' improve their lives, alleviate distress and resolve crises. Any unprofessional or disruptive behavior that interferes with that goal shouldn't be tolerated. Report it!
 
Sometimes counselors themselves need to seek counseling services. My review of this complaint (and the rebuttals) suggests you might have encountered such a counselor.

These reading may be more beneficial to your situation:

Section 2.01 of the code, "Boundaries of Competence" requires psychologists to practice within the limits of their competence.

Section 2.06a of the code, "Personal Problems and Conflicts" states:
a) "Psychologists refrain from undertaking an activity when they know or should know that there is a substantial likelihood that their personal problems will prevent them from performing their work-related activities in a competent manner."

b) "When psychologists become aware of personal problems that may interfere with their performing work-related activities adequately, they take appropriate measures, such as obtaining professional consultation or assistance, and determine whether they should limit, suspend or terminate their work-related duties

http://www.apa.org/ethics/code/code-1992.aspx

Contact information for American Psychological Association: 

APA Ethics Office
750 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
PHONE: (202) 336-5930 ext 5930
FAX: (202) 336-5997
http://www.apa.org/ethics/complaint/index.aspx

First, let me start off by saying, I have no knowledge of who this Kara Gerling is. I only came across this post while researching a case our Firm is pursuing using the terms "LMHC violation Florida" in a Google search.

The only reason I'm taking the time to post, is the mere fact, that whoever wrote the above rebuttal ((in my professional opinion)), appears to be the practitioner herself. Ive seen it before. It's a desperate attempt at damage control.

Counseling is a private matter. This was not a review of the movie Avatar or an area seafood restaurant. There are very FEW people that will take the time to leave positive reviews on a website dedicated to cataloging complaints.

Pay special attention to the phrases used in this rebuttal: call Kara personally, I selected Kara because, her record is clean, and I would research sources other than scam websites." Do these statements sound like a rebuttal sound like a review or a defense? Make your own conclusion.
 
In either case, its important potential clients remember this is a mental health counselor not an M.D. or Registered Nurse. The violations that the DOH is willing to investigate vary significantly. As a LMHC, a practitioner can get away with a lot more
 
As applicable here, note the exclusions of the DOHs authority:
 
Psychiatric/Psychology Complaint Form:
http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/enforcement/frm_psyUCF.pdf\
 
.*Bedside manner or rudeness of practitioners (i.e., the practitioner himself or his/her office staffs attitude and professionalism) are NOT complaints the FLDOH will record against a practitioners license.**
 
FS 491.012, lays out most of the violations the DOH will hear:
 
http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/491.012 

Based on my experiences, this post sounds nothing like Kara Gerling or her services. I have been to her office multiple times, and it was very clean and professional. I selected Kara because she was most convenient to my location, and she had experience with children, and relationships. First, I did my research thru the FL Department of Health and saw her record was clean. Next, I spoke with her over the phone and addressed my concerns over seeing a counselor and she was very professional and courteous to me. If I was looking for a counselor for me or my loved one, I would research sources other than scam websites and go to the FL Department of Health or call Kara personally.  In my opinion, Kara is a good counselor and was helpful to me and my family.