About Karen Kurlander PH.D.

Karen Kurlander Ph.D. is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who was  an Assistant Psychologist at Harvard University’s McLean Hospital from 1981 to 1986.   Along with a strong foundation in Traditional Psychotherapy, she has years of experience with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She completed Clinical Training in Mind /Body Medicine, sponsored by the Mind/Body Institute and offered through Harvard Medical School Department of Continuing Education. At the Himalayan Institute she learned to use relaxation and biofeedback in psychotherapy under the Direction of Dr. R. Ballantine.  She holds 4 Certificates from the European Institute of Applied Buddhism for completion of Mindfulness Retreats led by Thich Nhat Hahn.  She was Co-Founder and Director of Charlesbridge Center, PC, from 1983-1992 before going into full-time private practice.  She is a longstanding member of the American Psychological Association, licensed to practice Clinical Psychology in Massachusetts and New York State.

Dr. Kurlander is a Certified Imago Therapist, who completed her training under the guidance of Carol Kramer Slepian LICSW, an Advanced   Imago Therapist on the Imago Institute Faculty.  She assisted Harville Hendrix PH.D. and Helen LaKelly Hunt PH.D., creators of Imago Relationship Therapy,  at a weekend workshop for couples held at Kripalu Institute.  Using this approach, she has helped many couples to deepen their connection to each other and begin their relationship anew.

Karen Kurlander, Ph.D. has taught Psychology at the Undergraduate and Graduate level.  Her faculty appointments included University of Massachusetts Harbor Campus and Lesley College.  She has co-authored works published in research journals and a medical anthology edited by Marc Peppercorn M.D. of Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital.

MY APPROACH TO TREATMENT

I provide a safe mutually respectful setting where people can get a positive view of what they are able to do, where they want to be and how to get there. Through careful listening and active engagement I help them get to the heart of their concerns, access their own resources and learn new skills to achieve their goals. This work enables new solutions to old problems and positive change that is noticeable to the people I work with and those close to them.

Couples often enter treatment with cyclical problems that create deepening conflict and distance. My goal is restore the closeness, mutual support and understanding they seek.  Imago Relationship Therapy facilitates communication that allows resolution of even large recurring problems.  When appropriate, I use Mindfulness Training to maintain a calm positive atmosphere while couples find new ways of being together.

Whether working with an individual or couple, treatment is always highly personalized. The shape of every therapy is unique as I draw on the traditions I am trained in to provide treatment that best reflects the needs and goals of the person in front of me.

Qualifications

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Member of the American Psychological Association

Assistant Psychologist, Harvard University’s McLean Hospital 1981-1986

Founder and Co-Director Charlesbridge Center, P.C., 1983-1992

Certified Imago Therapist

Clinical Training in Mind/Body Medicine through Harvard Medical School Department of Continuing Education

Certificates of completion from the European Institute Of Applied Buddhism for Mindfulness Retreats led by Thich Nhat Hahn