Karen Klein

Hi! I'm Dr. Karen Klein. I'm a licensed Psychologist in Maine. I've been working in Maine for 38 years and have a variety of experiences working in Mental health Centers, nursing homes, and private practice. I've also worked with many different types of people but mostly see individuals who are depressed or anxious or experiencing significant trauma from some past event. I enjoy working with all individuals, especially with couples. When I worked at the Mental Health Center I developed the Marriage and Family Clinic where I trained doctoral students from all over the country in ways to do therapy with couples.

My approach

My approach always depends on the client's problem and what the way they prefer to do therapy. I enjoy getting a good family history, which is part of psychodynamic therapy, and looking for patterns of behavior the individual has learned from their parents and families from a very young age then trying and understand their current problem in terms of the information gathered. this is part of Family Systems Therapy.

My focus

I enjoy working with adults and couples and older adolescents. I believe I can only help another person if I can truly "hear" what they are saying and feeling. When I can do this successfully, I let the client know what I "hear" and try to experience their problem as if I were in their shoes.

My communication style

One of the first things I let the client know is that the session is their time to talk about whatever they wish. It's their session, not mine. I may ask a few questions for clarification but only for that reason. I'm not there to judge. Just to understand.

My journey to mental healthcare

I knew I wanted to be a psychologist since the age of 14. I have always been a curious person and loved figuring out problems and solving puzzles. When a friend’s sister, who was majoring in psychology, told me what that was and what a psychologist did, I knew that it was the right profession for me. I could help others and use those skills that seemed to come naturally. I achieved my BA in psychology at Boston University, an MEd in School Psychology at Worcester State University, and a PhD in Counseling Psychology at the University of Georgia.

My goals for you

I feel goal setting should be a collaborative task. I initially ask the client what their goals are. Near the close of the session, I engage the client again in establishing some basic goals, which is something we do together.

My first session with you

During the first session, I briefly talk about confidentiality and let the person know that they can talk about whatever they wish, such as why they made the appointment or what their problem is, and I'll take notes. Hopefully, by the end of the session, we'll have an idea of the problems they wish to discuss and the goals they wish to achieve.