Dr. Karen V. Fox, Ph.D.
Psychologist | Psychotherapy
5190 Governor Drive Suite 101 SAN DIEGO CA, 92122About
Dr. Karen Fox is a psychologist practicing in San Diego, California. Dr. Fox specializes in the treatment of adult psychological problems, including mood disorders and relationship issues. She helps people choose new life options and teaches new coping skills, including mindfulness, relaxation, meditation, breathing exercises and various communication skills and goal setting. As a psychologist, Dr. Fox evaluates and treats patients through a variety of methods, most typically being cognitive or talk therapy, along with dream work. Dr. Fox focuses on attachment history, self-awareness, self-defination, self-esteem and self-determination. Her ultimate therapeutic goal is the empowerment of her clients.
Education and Training
CA School of Profes'l Psyc Ph.D. 1993
University of Cincinnati Ph.D. Candidate in English Literature 1982
University of Massachusetts MA 1977
Ohio State University BA 1970
Board Certification
Clinical Psychologist in California
Provider Details
Dr. Karen V. Fox, Ph.D.'s Expert Contributions
Can anxiety be controlled?
Yes, anxiety can be treated with a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy, combined with supportive psychotherapy, and may require medication for anxiety or depression, depending on the severity of symptoms. A strong treatment alliance between an individual and therapist is optimal. READ MORE
Is psychotherapy effective for bipolar disorder?
Yes, however successful psychotherapy depends on the patients' level of motivation and resources; the ability to form and nurture relationships. A patient who really commits to working on themselves and their relationships will do well in psychotherapy. A collegial relationship with a psychiatrist who is prescribing is important, along with conjoint family sessions if needed. READ MORE
Can psychotherapy make things worse?
It's possible that things may seem worse before they get better, when old dysfunctional patterns of behavior are broken and new behaviors, thoughts, and feelings need to be re-organized READ MORE
Can nicotine addiction be fixed?
The individual needs to first go "cold turkey" off nicotine. Decreasing nicotine, over time is more dangerous, since it's easier to "just have one cigarette or puff" which supports the addiction. READ MORE
Areas of expertise and specialization
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Independent Practice of General Clinical Psychology San Diego, CA. 1995 - Present
- Clinical Counselor Navy Family Service Center 1999 - 2001
- Psychological Assistant Dr. Denise Zimmerman, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, San Diego, CA. 1995 - 1996
- Psychological Assistant Dr. Russell Pierce, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, San Diego, CA 1988 - 1995
- Outpatient Eating Disorder Program Facilitator Alvarado Parkway Institute, San Diego, CA. 1990 - 1992
- Psychology Intern West County Counseling Center 1988 - 1989
- Psychological Assistant Dr. Stanley Rest, Clinical Psychologist, San Diego, CA. 1987 - 1988
- Psychology Intern Pathways, Substance Abuse Treatment and Education Center, San Diego, CA 1986 - 1987
- Part-time and On-Call Mental Health Worker Community Research Foundation, San Diego, CA 1984 - 1988
Professional Memberships
- San Diego Psychological Association
- American Psychological Association, Society of Clinical Psychology
Areas of research
communication between Doctors and their Patients
adult attachment
couples counseling
RESEARCH AND PUBLICATIONS: Editor, The San Diego Psychologist, newsletter of the San Diego Psychological Association; A Distant Closeness: Attachment History, perception of father, and current object relations of bulimic women. Unpublished dissertation for the California School of Professional Psychology, 1993. Unpublished research on the relationship between elderly parents and their adult children, and its impact on caregiving, 1987-1988. Harrigan, J. A., Fox, K., & Heidotting, T., Communication between older patients and their Physicians. Presented at the Society for Teachers of Family Medicine, Midwest Annual Meeting, Dayton, Ohio, 1985. Co-authored About Caring, a training manual for volunteers Working with de-institutionalized youths from the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services, Boston, Massachusetts. 1972.
Dr. Karen V. Fox, Ph.D.'s Practice location
SAN DIEGO, CA 92122Get Direction
Dr. Karen V. Fox, Ph.D.'s reviews
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