Dr. Karen N Vertti

Dr. Karen N. Vertti is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California and Florida with 31 years of professional work experience. She obtained her Doctorate in Social Work with a Criminal Justice specialization. She has worked in prison and office settings to help clients get their needs met. Dr. Karen has experience in helping clients overcome stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, intimate partner violence (IPV), low motivation and self-esteem, and feeling less shame and guilt. Dr. Karen believes that you are the expert 'in your story' and that you have many strengths that will assist in overcoming things that challenge you.

Dr. Karen’s approach to therapy draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Trauma-Based Cognitive Behavioral (TF-CBT). Clients learn about the deep connection between thoughts, feelings, and actions, and how their thoughts can impact the way that they view themselves. Dr. Karen teaches clients how to change their patterns to avoid harmful cognitive distortions that can lead to negative feelings. For clients who have previously experienced trauma, Dr. Karen provides mental grounding skills (physical and mental) and relaxation exercises to her patients, as well as self-soothing skills that can be helpful in emotional regulation.

Dr. Karen Vertti’s therapeutic style is warm, full of unconditional positive regard, and non-judgmental. She believes that everyone deserves to prioritize their mental health and strives to offer high-quality therapeutic services to clients of all identities, so they can shift their mindset in a positive direction. To do this, Dr. Karen utilizes approaches from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Trauma-Based Cognitive Behavioral (TF-CBT).

Dr. Karen teaches clients how to change their patterns to avoid harmful cognitive distortions that can lead to negative feelings. For clients who have previously experienced trauma, Dr. Karen provides mental grounding skills (physical and mental) and relaxation exercises to her patients, as well as self-soothing skills that can aid in emotional regulation. Clients then use their brain’s natural processes to place their painful memories in the past via ‘retelling your story’ and allowing them to live more in the present without anxiety, flashbacks, or other interruptions. By creating a safe, affirming atmosphere in each session, Dr. Karen provides clients with a space to be vulnerable and learn more about themselves.