Dr. Karen

About Dr. Karen

Dr. Karen E. Engebretsen, Psy.D. PA., DABPS, DNBAE, DAPA, FACAPP, FAAIM, CDVC-IV, DAC, CHT, DABS is a licensed clinical psychologist and certified sex therapist who specializes in addictions, sexuality and relationship concerns and trauma-related disorders. Her practical and sensitive treatment approach to these sometimes challenging issues, offers individual’s a unique opportunity to cultivate new ways of thinking about self and others, and helps couples develop caring, compassionate communications skills which promote authenticity and a healthy attachment to one another.

She is an active member of the American Counseling Association, the American Psychological Association, Division 39 of the APA, the American Psychotherapy Association, the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, the Mental Health Association of Broward County, the National Council on Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, the National Organization on Male Sexual Victimization, and the South Florida Society for Trauma-based Disorders. She is also a member of the Southeast Florida Association of Psychoanalytic Psychology.

In addition to working with SEFAPP’s education committee and serving as co-chair for the fund-raising committee, she has served two consecutive terms as Secretary and as Treasurer for the organization. She has also been recognized in the 2000/01 publication of Who’s Who of American Women. Dr. Engebretsen is a graduate of Nova Southeastern University and has completed a Post doctorate in Psychoanalytic Psychology from NSU. She is a Fellow of the American College of Advanced Practice Psychologists (FACAPP), and a Fellow of the American Association of Integrative Medicine (FAAIM). She has also been awarded a Diplomate from the American Psychotherapy Association (DAPA), a Diplomate from the American Board of Psychological Specialties/American College of Forensic Examiners with a specialty in Trauma/PTSD (DABPS), a Diplomate from the National Board of Addiction Examiners/National Association of Forensic Counselors (DNBAE), and a doctoral level specialty certification in Sexual Addiction from the National Board of Addiction Examiners (DAC).

Additionally, she has received specialty certification in Domestic Violence treatment from the Academy of Domestic Violence Counselors (CDVC-IV) and national board certification in hypnotherapy (CHT). She has also received post graduate training as a Sex Therapist and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Sexology (DABA). Prior to entering graduate school, Dr. Engebretsen served in the United States Air Force. While on active duty, she was appointed to function in a supervisory capacity on several assignments. In addition, she obtained medical training beyond what was required and worked as an EMT in the field, handling accidents, natural disasters and treating trauma victims.

Since the base was comprised of so many different cultures, the medical experiences in the ER, Pediatrics unit, and Labor and Delivery Wards, offered a sobering look at human suffering and engendered Dr. Karen’s life-long interest in understanding the vicissitudes of the mind-body interaction and diversity issues. Believing that education is the key to promoting social change, Dr. Karen supports Broward Victim’s Rights Coalition, several Animal Rights Activist groups, and volunteers her time as an advisor to the Broward County Mental Health Association’s Listen to the Children Program. She has given lectures on erectile dysfunction and treatment to the OP Prostate Cancer support group at the local community hospital. Additionally, she has appeared as a featured host on VHPTV.ORG and Dr. Karen’s Health TV and also has appeared on several Radio call-in talk shows throughout the state of Florida (“Family Values” in Orlando, and South Florida’s “Gay Grapevine”) both of which are aimed at discussing relationship issues, which are unique to the Les/Bi/Gay/Transgender alternative communities.