Karen Coad, LCSW

My Approach to Therapy

Welcome! My approach to therapy is often described as encouraging and compassionate with a dash of humor when needed. My practice is guided by the core belief that you are the expert on your life. I just happen to be trained in the process of creating and sustaining change. I don’t have all the answers, but I strive to ask the right questions so that change becomes less of a vague notion and more of an attainable action plan. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) guides my sessions. ACT encourages you to put down the struggle with your emotions, and learn to mindfully observe them so that even in the face of discomfort, you can live a life guided by your values.

In the last 15 years, I have developed a passion for my work with individuals with “sticky” brains- the overthinkers of the world. Helping individuals and couples defuse from their thoughts and succeed in love, life, and parenting brings value to my life. I specialize in working with anxiety, OCD, and relationship and parenting challenges. As a very human parent myself, I am committed to creating a non-judgmental and safe space where growth can happen.

In addition to providing psychotherapy, I provide evidence-based parent support and education through Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) International. Triple P is a preventatively oriented program based on 30 years of research- which aims to promote positive, caring relationships between parents and their children. Triple P exists to help parents develop effective management strategies for dealing with a variety of childhood behavioral and emotional problems and common developmental issues.  In addition to individual work with parents, I enjoy facilitating positive parenting seminars or discussion groups on various topics for parents and/or other practitioners.

☎ Contact

Karen.Coad@dremmabasch.com
(703) 672-0232
Offers teletherapy and in-person sessions 1718 Connecticut Ave Suite 201, NW

Schedule an initial conversation ▸

  • Rhode Island College
    Master of Clinical Social Work, 2006

    Rhode Island College
    Bachelor of Social Work, 2000

  • I completed my undergraduate and graduate degree in Clinical Social Work at Rhode Island College in Providence, RI where I had the privilege of supporting foster parents from 2002-2006. Upon graduation, I worked in a community mental health setting providing accessible and high-quality therapeutic care to families and individuals. Seven years ago, I rekindled my work with parents. I underwent extensive training and accreditation in evidence-based parent consultation (Triple P) and have been supporting parents and couples since 2016.

    OCD and related disorders are also an area of expertise and interest for me. I am a graduate of the Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) and enjoy providing Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Inference-Based Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for clients diagnosed with OCD. Continuing to grow as a therapist is a value that is important to me. I have also completed advanced training in perinatal mental health and hope to specialize in perinatal OCD, integrating my two fields of interest.n perinatal mental health and hope to specialize in perinatal OCD - integrating my two fields of interest. In addition to my role at Dr. Emma Basch & Associates, I facilitate Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) practitioner trainings for Triple P America. Item description

  • LCSW- Virginia 0904011332

    LCSW- Florida SW12175

    LCSW- DC SC200002126

    LCSW-C- MD 29665

  • Trained in Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT) through OCD Training School (2023)

    Accredited Triple P Provider (Positive Parenting Program) in the following areas (2016): Seminar, Primary Care, Group, Teen, Standard, Pathways, Enhanced, Discussion Group, Stepping Stones

    Trained in Level 1 and 2 Gottman Couples Therapy- (2019)

    PREP (Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program) Provider (2016)

    Trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - ACT (2016)

    Trained in Exposure and Response Prevention - ERP through BTTI (2022)

    Trained in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction for Teens and Adults (2021)

    Nurturing Parenting Facilitator Certification (2017)

    Member of Postpartum Support International (2022)

    Member of the International OCD Foundation (2021-present)

    Member of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (2020-present)

    Board Approved LCSW Supervisor - Virginia Board of Social Work (2022)