About Karen J. Osterle, MSSA, LICSW

I am an interactive, relational, insight-oriented and solution-focused therapist, and my therapeutic approach provides a lot of support and practical feedback to help you effectively address personal life challenges. I integrate complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client/patient and couple. With compassion and understanding, I work with you to help you build on your strengths, overcome ambivalence about the therapeutic process, and attain the personal growth you are committed to accomplishing.
EXPERIENCE:
The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Clinical Instructor for first-, second-, and third-year medical students
U.S. Department of State
Independent Clinical Consultant/Psychotherapist for Foreign Service employees who are brought back from overseas (immediately curtailed) for psychological/psychiatric reasons
Eugene Meyer III Treatment Center of the Washington School of Psychiatry
Psychotherapist
Whitman-Walker Clinic
Volunteer Psychotherapist
ValueOptions, Inc .
Employee Assistance Program Care Manager
District of Columbia Department of Mental Health, Youth Forensic Services/Mayor's Services Liaison Office
Consultant to the D.C. Superior Court's Family Division judges and allied professionals
Hillcrest Children's Center
Psychotherapist
EDUCATION:
Washington School of Psychiatry, Washington, DC (over eight years of intensive, post-Master's degree study and clinical supervision)
Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio (Master of Science in Social Administration, 1994)
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Illinois (Bachelor of Arts, 1990)
Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Spain (one year of liberal arts study, 1987-88 school year)
Extensive travel in Western and Eastern Europe, North Africa, North, Central and South America, and East Asia.
Professional Affiliation and Memberships
Member, National Association of Social Workers
Associate Member, American Psychological Association (and Division 39)
Contributing Member, Washington School of Psychiatry
Member, Society for the Exploration of Psychotherapy Integration
Member, International Association for Cross-Cultural Psychology
Member, International Experiential Dynamic Therapy Association
Licensure:
LICSW (District of Columbia)
LCSW (Virginia)
LCSW-C (Maryland)