About Dr. Engebretsen-Stopczynski

Karen E. Engebretsen-Stopczynski, PsyD, Florida licensed clinical psychologist and specializes in addictions, sexuality and relationship issues and trauma-related disorders. Her practical and sensitive treatment approach to these sometimes challenging issues, offers individual’s a unique opportunity to cultivate new ways of thinking about self and others, and helps couples develop caring, compassionate communications skills which promote authenticity and a healthy attachment to one another.

Dr. Engebretsen-Stopczynski is a graduate of Nova Southeastern University and has completed a Post-doctorate in Psychoanalytic Psychology from NSU. Since graduation, she has received certification as Domestic Violence Counselor from the Academy of Certified Domestic Violence Counselors (CDVC-IV),Sexual Addiction Counselor certification from National Board of Addictions Examiners (DAC), Hypnotherapy from the National Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists (CHT), Compulsive Gambling Addiction Training from the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling(#2723), and Sex Therapist from the Florida Post-Graduate Sex Therapy Training Institute (CST). Dr. Engebretsen-Stopczynski has also been awarded a Diplomate in Trauma & PTSD from the American Board of Psychological Specialties, American College of Forensic Examiners (DABPS), and a Diplomate in Addictions Treatment from the National Board of Addiction Examiners, National Association of Forensic Counselors, (DNBAE). She is a Diplomate of the American Psychotherapy Association (DAPA), a Diplomate of the College of Mental Health from the American Association of Integrative Medicine, (DCMH), and a Diplomate of the American Board of Sexology, (DABS). She has also received Fellow status from the American College of Advanced Practice Psychologists (FACAPP), and the American Association of Integrative Medicine (FAAIM).

She is a Founding Member of the American Psychologist Physician’s Register, an active member of the American Psychological Association, Division 45 of the APA, the American College of Forensic Examiners, the Mental Health Association of Broward County, the National Association of Forensic Counselors, and the South Florida Society for Trauma-based Disorders. She is also a member of the Southeast Florida Association of Psychoanalytic Psychology (SEFAPP). In addition to working with SEFAPP’s education committee and serving as co-chair for the fund-raising committee, she has served two consecutive terms as Secretary and Treasurer for the organization. She has also been recognized in the 2000/01 publication of Who’s Who of American Women.

Believing that education is the key to promoting social change, Dr. Engebretsen-Stopczynski supports the Broward Victim’s Rights Coalition, several Animal Rights Activist groups, and volunteers her time as an advisor to the Mental Health Association of Broward County’s Listen to the Children Program. Additionally, she has appeared as a featured guest on several radio call- in talk shows throughout the state of Florida ("Family Values" in Orlando, and South Florida's "Gay Grapevine") both of which are aimed at discussing relationship issues which are unique to the Les/Bi/Gay/Transgender and alternative communities.

Prior to entering graduate school, Dr. Engebretsen-Stopczynski served in the United States Air Force. While on active duty, she was appointed to function in a supervisory capacity on several assignments. In addition, she obtained medical training beyond what was required and worked as an EMT in the field, handling accidents, natural disasters and treating trauma victims. Since the base was comprised of many different cultures, the medical experiences in the ER, Pediatrics unit, and Labor and Delivery wards, offered a sobering look at human suffering and engendered Dr. Engebretsen-Stopczynski’s life-long interest in understanding the vicissitudes of the mind-body interaction and diversity issues.

As a staff writer for "UniQue America” Magazine, Dr. Engebretsen-Stopczynski shares her knowledge with the masses, in her insightful articles on a variety of topics as well as her book reviews. She is also a Continuing Educational Provider for: FL Board of CSW, MFT, MHC, FL Board of Psychology, and the California Board of Behavioral Sciences and provides CEU credit for professionals on various topics. See “upcoming lectures” at www.drkaren.com for dates and locations.