Exploring Life & Business with Karen Ding of Flourishing Mind Psychiatry PLLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Ding.

Hi Karen, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always been curious about how people live and what helps them feel grounded. I studied at Rice University and completed my medical training in Houston, which gave me a strong foundation in medicine and exposure to a wide range of perspectives. Alongside that path, I was drawn to movement, travel, and creative outlets that offered balance beyond work.

Over time, that interest grew into teaching yoga and Zumba and participating in fitness exchanges that allow me to travel while sharing movement with others. Those experiences continue to shape how I think about wellness, presence, and connection.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Balancing a medical career with teaching fitness has been one of my biggest challenges. During medical school and residency, I continued teaching, sometimes heading straight to class after an overnight shift. It was physically demanding, but movement was also what kept me grounded during some of the most intense years of training.

That experience forced me to be intentional about energy, boundaries, and sustainability. Over time, I learned that caring for others depends on also protecting the parts of life that restore and center me.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Through my private practice, I focus on individualized psychiatric care with an emphasis on balance, and whole-person wellbeing. My approach is shaped by both clinical training and lived experience, including a deep belief that mental health is influenced by environment, movement, and how we care for ourselves day to day. In addition to clinical work, I serve as a psychiatric expert witness, where I provide objective evaluations and consultation in legal matters. I value the precision and neutrality this work requires, and I see it as another way to apply psychiatric expertise thoughtfully and responsibly.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Happiness, to me, comes from feeling aligned- when my work, relationships, and daily rhythms support who I am. It’s found in movement, meaningful connection, and the freedom to be present, whether I’m at home or somewhere abroad.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://flourishingmindpsychiatry.com/