- CBT strategies
- ACT techniques
- Gottman principles
About Karyn
Dr. Karyn Smith is a Minnesota psychologist with the credential MN Psychologist 6271 and 25 years of clinical experience. She works with common life stresses and longer-standing concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, trauma and anger. She sees people dealing with addictions, parenting strain, sleep and eating problems, and career and identity questions.
In sessions she favors a direct, interactive style that focuses on practical changes. Conversations look at patterns of thought and behavior, and include hands-on strategies to manage difficult feelings in the moment. She uses techniques drawn from cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment ideas to help people notice what matters and act on it.
Dr. Smith also draws on client-centered and dialectical behavior approaches to address emotion regulation, communication, and coping skills. For relationship concerns she uses principles from the Gottman Method to improve interaction and problem-solving. She integrates these methods with longer-term perspectives when helpful.
People often come for help with anger that flares at home or work, recurring resentment, or trouble tolerating frustration. She helps people name the triggers, build skills to step back, and practice new ways of responding. Sessions also cover grief, ADHD, bipolar mood concerns, and issues tied to gender and sexual identity.
Her background includes work with trauma survivors and people facing chronic caregiving or aging concerns. She combines talk therapy with concrete exercises and behavioral experiments so progress is measurable. To begin, clients complete a short questionnaire and schedule an initial session to set goals and priorities.
How her approaches translate to online work
Dr. Smith often uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. ACT helps people clarify their values and take action even with difficult feelings. CBT focuses on spotting unhelpful thinking and testing small behavioral changes to reduce distress and improve daily functioning.She sees finding the right approach as a team effort. The therapist and client review goals and try methods that fit the person's needs and preferences. Adjustments are made over time so the approach feels practical and useful.
Confirm the current session options before booking, as formats are not specified here. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. For someone juggling work, parenting, or caregiving, that flexibility can help translate new skills into everyday situations without promising a particular session type.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
25+ years
Listed in
Minnesota
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, anger, addictions, and related concerns listed in her profile.
What is her therapeutic style?
She uses an interactive, practical approach that blends client-centered conversation with cognitive and acceptance-based techniques.
How much clinical experience does she have?
Dr. Smith has 25 years of experience working as a psychologist, therapist, counselor, and life coach.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is listed as MN Psychologist 6271 and practices from Minnesota.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with clients outside the United States?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions scheduled and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What is the first step to begin?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.