About Dr. Karbasi
Professional Experience that Matters
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience. I earned my doctorate (Psy.D.) in clinical psychology from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. While my experience is broad, my practice is mostly dedicated to chronic pain and chronic illnesses, especially those that are complex, often misunderstood, and for which mental health expertise is often difficult to find.
I bring a depth of experience with complex medical conditions that is uncommon among psychologists who treat chronic pain and chronic illness. I spent the majority of my career working at a top-rated, five-star medical center as an expert health and pain psychologist on multidisciplinary healthcare teams alongside physicians, nurses, pharmacists, surgeons, physical therapists, and other medical professionals. In these roles, I obtained firsthand exposure to the realities of medical care from inside the healthcare system and what it takes to care for patients with complex medical needs.
I’ve sat in many rooms with medical colleagues, absorbing a tremendous amount of information, hearing different perspectives and ideas, and problem-solving how we could provide the most comprehensive, highest-quality patient care possible. I’ve given presentations to medical professionals on topics related to pain and other physical and mental health conditions and served as psychological consultant on how to understand and care for patients with complex problems. I’ve spent thousands of hours studying medical charts and have completed thousands of sessions assessing and treating patients with many different types of medical problems in settings including primary care, pain management, neurology, neurosurgery, cardiology, rheumatology, mental health, and more.
Working at a major medical center provided me with constant opportunities to participate in education and training, expand my knowledge and skill set, master gold-standard treatments for medical and mental health conditions (including trauma, insomnia, and more), and consult closely with experts across medical and mental health specialties.
This depth of experience means that when you come to me with chronic pain, chronic illness, or complex medical symptoms, I’m not simply learning about your condition for the first time or applying general psychological knowledge to help you. I understand the medical system you’ve been navigating, the terminology you have heard, the kinds of evaluations and treatments you may have undergone, and the profound ways that complex medical problems can disrupt your life. This allows me to approach therapy with both psychological expertise and a true appreciation for the medical realities you are facing. I deeply understand the space where the mental health and medical worlds intersect. This is my “home turf.”
I definitely don’t claim to know everything, and I’m always eager and open to learning more, but for the most part, you won’t have to spend your sessions educating me about your condition. You won’t have to translate, because I speak your language. I’ll know exactly what you mean when you talk about a muscle relaxer, steroid injection, spinal cord stimulator, herniated disc at L-5, a tilt table test, a CT myelogram, EMG, antibody test…you get the idea.
My experience also means that I can help you with other stressors, concerns, or mental health issues that may arise during our work together. Where relevant, I can also help you figure out how these issues may intersect with your pain or symptoms and how we can address multiple concerns simultaneously.
Personal Experience That Matters
I’ve had the unique experience of being on both sides of the medical system. I know what it feels like to go to many appointments searching for answers, to get bad news (or no news), to be given a scary-sounding imaging result and feel terrified (yes, terrified), to see the look of perplexity on a doctor’s face, to have to stop doing my favorite activities and to be told I shouldn’t or can’t do them anymore, and to feel the panic, grief, loss, and frustration that come with all of it. I’ve had medical experiences that were very kind and positive, and ones that left me feeling worse.
I know what a nerve ablation feels like, and what a flare-up feels like—and the emotions that go along with it.
These experiences have provided me with an even deeper sense of empathy and compassion for people living with chronic pain and other persistent symptoms. Just as importantly, I also know what it feels like to realize that there is hope, there are other ways of addressing pain and symptoms, and that things can change.
Today, it is my professional passion to share what I’ve learned with others, and most importantly, to offer a sense of optimism and possibility. While every person’s path, goals, and outcome will look different, the core of my approach is rooted in my firm belief that improvement is possible.
What It’s Like To Work With Me
Style
My style is professional but also warm, friendly, and down-to-earth. I am frequently told by patients that they can tell I genuinely care about them. I have a good sense of humor and believe in laughter and light-heartedness in therapy where appropriate. I relate to my patients as being a guide and expert in mental health, but also as a fellow human being. I don’t talk about myself very much in therapy because your sessions are about you, not me. However, I’m also not a “blank slate” therapist and will occasionally disclose things about myself if I feel it will genuinely benefit your treatment. I listen attentively and carefully, and I am thoughtful about treatment plans (type, order, and pacing). I am on time for appointments, and I give my patients my full, undivided attention during their therapy time. I am deeply committed to the quality of the work I do, I am conscientious, organized and prepared, and I have a keen curiosity and interest in digging in and “figuring things out” together with my patients. I maintain clear, professional doctor-patient boundaries.
I stay current with research and regularly seek opportunities to learn so I can provide the highest quality care possible. I also truly enjoy learning from my patients.
Authenticity
I take pride in being ethical and transparent (for example, I don’t make promises or guarantees, and I will be honest with you about whether I think someone else may be able to serve you best). I don’t consider myself to be a salesperson; I conduct therapy for those who are a good fit, for as long as they clinically need it, and do not use pressure tactics to initiate or unnecessarily prolong a person’s time in treatment. It’s important to me to treat people like they are human beings, fairly, and how I would want to be treated.
I truly care about your pain and your symptoms and am invested in your well-being, and I’m confident that will come through to you.
I believe in practicing what I preach, so I strive for a good work-life balance and make plenty of time for self-care and personal hobbies.
A Personalized Approach to Therapy
Some of my strengths as a therapist are my knowledge of a wide variety of therapeutic techniques and my skill in adapting treatment to create a personalized plan for you, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. It is important to me to take the time to get to know you in the first few sessions so that we can determine what kinds of treatments may be the best fit for you. I see myself as “on your side” and will help you recognize your strengths and value, and I’ll compassionately challenge you when needed and help you think about things in new and different ways. I believe that good therapy should be a little difficult and challenging at times; this is what helps us grow and change, especially when it occurs in a safe, supportive environment.
Everyone has different views of therapy and what they want out of it; some people need or want practical tools and skills, some are seeking a specific evidence-based approach, and some people need a safe place to process their feelings and thoughts. Some people prefer to tackle things head-on; others prefer (or may need) a slower, more gentle approach. Some people like to work on a deeper level to understand themselves and the “roots” of their problems. These needs may even vary for the same person depending on the day, week, or situation. I am a highly flexible psychologist and am willing and able to work with you on any of these levels. I don’t push ideas or techniques that you are not interested in. I will respect and meet you where you are in your healing journey, while also supportively encouraging you to go a bit outside your comfort zone at times. We will regularly assess your feelings about therapy and your progress to make sure you are satisfied and that you are getting the benefit out of therapy that you want and deserve.
Your Role In Therapy
I will often ask you to practice skills, complete assignments, or reflect and think about concepts we have discussed between sessions. Unlike many medical treatments, therapy is not something that is done “to” you. Successful therapy is an active process and works best when you are an active participant in your treatment. This means engaging in new ways of thinking and behaving consistently, not just in the short time we spend together in session. I am a big believer in the idea that “you get out of therapy what you put into it.”
Who I Work Best With
You may be a good fit to work with me if:
You are struggling with any of the areas listed on this site
You have chronic pain or other symptoms that haven’t responded adequately to traditional treatment
You have an open mind and are willing to try new things
You want an evidence-based approach and aren’t expecting a “quick fix”
You want someone with extensive training and experience in chronic pain and chronic illness
You want someone who understands the medical system and can speak medical terminology fluently
You want the convenience and comfort of telehealth therapy
You’re willing to actively participate in therapy; you expect that it will take committed action on your part to improve and heal
If my background and therapy style resonate with you, please reach out – I look forward to connecting with you!