Karen J

Ms Karen J Osterle

Psychotherapist

verified by TherapyRoute

“I help individual adults to feel and function better, and I also help couples restore intimacy (and/or part amicably, if need be) by helping the two of you to think about things differently---and, therefore, talk about things differently. Sometimes, it's important to be able to come up with a new ending for the same, old stories. In addition, as a lifelong student, and as someone who taught first-, second-, and third-year medical students for several years, I understand the importance of flexibility, humility, and maybe even a little levity in the work.”

About Me

I help individual adults navigate personal challenges, aiming for improved well-being and daily function. For couples, I specialize in conflict resolution, guiding you to restore intimacy or navigate separation respectfully. In either case, we explore communication patterns together, helping you understand underlying dynamics. My aim is to create a space where you feel heard, enabling practical steps towards clarity.

Approach

To support clearer daily functioning and gentler endings or renewed closeness, I work in short, focused sessions that combine careful listening with practical, experimental steps you can try between meetings. In Washington, D.C., and online, sessions move at a steady, collaborative pace: We track patterns, name flashpoints, and practice small communication changes or anxiety-management tools until they fit your life. I keep the work concrete and compassionate, suited to adults and couples seeking real change, without high drama.
Contact Karen J

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

Services

Individual therapy for adults Premarital counseling Marital and couples counseling Family dyad "couples" counseling (i.e., a parent and adult child or two adult siblings who are looking for closure or for repair and reset)

Services Offered:

  • •
    Relationship Counseling

    Counselling for couples or partners focused on improving communication, rebuilding trust, and strengthening emotional connection.

  • •
    Psychotherapy

    In-depth therapeutic work that explores patterns in thoughts, emotions, and relationships to produce lasting psychological change.

    Learn more about Psychotherapy

Works With:

  • •Adults
  • •Couples
  • •Organisations

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

  • •
    Anxiety

    Persistent worry, nervousness, or fear that is disproportionate to the situation and interferes with daily functioning.

    Learn more about Anxiety
  • •
    Mood Disorder

    A category of mental health conditions, including depression and bipolar disorder, in which a person's emotional state is significantly and persistently disrupted.

    Learn more about Mood Disorder
  • •
    Relocation / Expat

    The psychological challenges of moving to a new country or city, including loneliness, culture shock, identity shifts, and loss of social support.

    Learn more about Relocation / Expat
  • •
    LGBTQI+ Support

    The unique psychological experiences of LGBTQI+ individuals, including identity exploration, coming out, discrimination, minority stress, and relationship dynamics.

  • •
    Relationship Issues

    Difficulties in romantic relationships, including communication problems, trust breakdowns, conflict patterns, or uncertainty about the relationship's future.

    Learn more about Relationship Issues
  • •
    Self-Esteem

    A person's overall sense of their own worth and value. When chronically low, it can drive self-doubt, avoidance, and difficulty in relationships.

    Learn more about Self-Esteem

Professional Title:

  • •
    Psychotherapist

    A professional trained to provide in-depth therapy that explores patterns in thoughts, emotions, and relationships to produce lasting change.

Qualifications

Case Western Reserve University; Washington School of Psychiatry

Washington School of Psychiatry (Jon Frederickson, Chair)

Registrations

District of Columbia Department of Health

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

Virginia Department of Health Professions

Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners

Minnesota Board of Social Work

Florida Department of Health

Service Area

Karen J. Osterle, MSSA, LICSW

In-person & Online

Northwest Washington, Arlington, Bethesda

Washington, District of Columbia

United States