“LIFE’S EITHER GOING TO BE A GREAT TIME OR
A GREAT STORY. SOMETIMES IT’S BOTH.”
– Anonymous
Dr. Karen Nissim
PSYCHOLOGIST & POST-DOCTORAL FELLOW
My name is Dr. Karen Nissim (she/her/hers). I am a Clinical Psychologist and Post-Doctoral Fellow at CPP. My work is grounded in trauma-informed care and emphasizes intersectionality. I strongly believe in addressing the effects of interpersonal, generational, and collective trauma in therapy while recognizing the ways that culture, identity, and systemic experiences shape mental health. These experiences have informed my approach to creating a therapeutic environment that is compassionate, collaborative, and empowering, where clients feel supported in taking an active role in their healing process. My goal is to help you feel seen, understood, and equipped with the insight and tools to build a life that feels authentic and meaningful to you.
I believe each client is unique, and that therapy should be tailored together to suit your individual needs. I have been trained in psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavior, and acceptance and commitment therapy. I enjoy drawing from these approaches to help you navigate challenges and feel empowered within your life—whether working through mindfulness strategies or exploring patterns in your relationships. I believe that you are the expert on your life, and that by exploring what feels difficult and complicated, we can uncover insight and nuance together. My hope is to help you connect with yourself with curiosity and self-compassion. To be vulnerable in therapy is brave, and you deserve a soft place to land.
I also believe that therapy is built on authentic human connection. I strive to bring my genuine self into each session while creating a warm, collaborative environment where you feel comfortable showing up as your authentic self. Although therapy often involves exploring painful and traumatic experiences, I also believe there is room for humor, lightness, and moments of joy when they arise naturally. I value getting to know every aspect of who you are and believe that exploring your identity—including the many experiences, relationships, and communities that have shaped you—is an important part of understanding yourself and fostering meaningful growth.
My academic background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from New York University and a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology. During my time as a doctoral student, I received training at the Parnes Clinic, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York-Presbyterian Behavioral Health, Jacobi Hospital, Montefiore Medical Center, and the New York State Office of Mental Health. Having provided therapy across a variety of settings, I have seen the importance of being flexible as a clinician and tailoring treatment to each client’s individual strengths, values, and goals.
