Karen Kerschmann,

CBT is the foundation of my practice, but good therapy is never one-size-fits-all. I draw from a range of evidence-based approaches depending on the person and the problem we are working on. My goal is to create therapy that is thoughtful and challenging while still feeling very human. I value directness, curiosity, humor, and a strong therapeutic relationship. I also believe clients should leave therapy with skills they can continue using long after treatment ends. I regularly incorporate behavioral strategies, exposure-based approaches, mindfulness and acceptance techniques, and other CBT interventions when they fit the needs of the client.

I earned my master’s degree in social work from the University of Minnesota in 1999 and have continued advanced clinical training throughout my career. I hold diplomate status with the Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies, an advanced credential that recognizes a high level of competence in the practice of cognitive behavioral therapy. My clinical consultation related to diagnostic criteria and field-trial work was also acknowledged in the American Psychiatric Association’s DSM-5.

More recently, I completed the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program through the UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness, an intensive eight-week program that included weekly training, an extended day of mindfulness practice, and continuing education for licensed clinicians. The training strengthened the way I use mindfulness, acceptance, and present-moment awareness within cognitive behavioral treatment.

I also completed the intensive TEAM-CBT training based on the model developed by psychiatrist David Burns. The program involved weekly training and practice in advanced cognitive behavioral techniques, therapeutic empathy, motivation and resistance, measurement-based treatment, and methods for helping clients move from insight toward behavioral change.

Earlier advanced training has included cognitive therapy training through the Cognitive Therapy & Training Center, specialized training in CBT for insomnia with Dr. Gregg Jacobs, and advanced clinical hypnosis training with psychologist Michael Yapko.