Dr. Karen M. O'Brien
I am a counseling psychologist who strives to make a difference through my work as a scholar, professor, and therapist.
My research focuses on the vocational development of women (e.g., studying factors associated with successful management of work and family in the United States and internationally) and intimate partner violence (e.g., developing interventions to reduce dating violence). Recently, I completed a Graduate Certificate Program in Applied Thanatology at the University of Maryland Baltimore - I look forward to engaging in research related to death, dying and grieving.
Interestingly, I now believe that of all my contributions to our field, the one that will be most lasting is that of teaching and mentoring doctoral and undergraduate students. My students have gone on to do important work in academia, counseling centers, private practice, and community organizations.
As a professor, I truly value the University-Community partnership that I developed with the Family Crisis Center of Prince George's County. I teach a two semester course sequence where undergraduates learn, in the first semester, about research and theory related to domestic violence. In the second semester, students run groups for children who have witnessed or experienced domestic violence. The students' struggles and greatest learning tend to be related to race, privilege and seeing life’s inequities.
As a therapist, I have been humbled by walking with clients as they struggle to make changes despite profound obstacles. For me, belief in the efficacy of therapy occurs in relationships with clients who develop the strength to improve their lives.
I feel very fortunate to have found work that is meaningful, interesting and hopefully makes a difference in the lives of others.
My research focuses on the vocational development of women (e.g., studying factors associated with successful management of work and family in the United States and internationally) and intimate partner violence (e.g., developing interventions to reduce dating violence). Recently, I completed a Graduate Certificate Program in Applied Thanatology at the University of Maryland Baltimore - I look forward to engaging in research related to death, dying and grieving.
Interestingly, I now believe that of all my contributions to our field, the one that will be most lasting is that of teaching and mentoring doctoral and undergraduate students. My students have gone on to do important work in academia, counseling centers, private practice, and community organizations.
As a professor, I truly value the University-Community partnership that I developed with the Family Crisis Center of Prince George's County. I teach a two semester course sequence where undergraduates learn, in the first semester, about research and theory related to domestic violence. In the second semester, students run groups for children who have witnessed or experienced domestic violence. The students' struggles and greatest learning tend to be related to race, privilege and seeing life’s inequities.
As a therapist, I have been humbled by walking with clients as they struggle to make changes despite profound obstacles. For me, belief in the efficacy of therapy occurs in relationships with clients who develop the strength to improve their lives.
I feel very fortunate to have found work that is meaningful, interesting and hopefully makes a difference in the lives of others.
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