EC Member Highlight: President-Elect Karen O’Brien
Continuing on with introducing our Executive Committee of 2026 members, say hello to our President-Elect: Dr. Karen O'Brien!
Dr. Karen O’Brien
Photography credit goes to Jennifer Lindberg Studio and Jenn Lindberg (@jenniferlindbergstudio and @jennlindberg).
What is your role within the EC this year? What do you do? How and when did you hear about BCPA for the first time? How did you end up as an EC member?
This year, I am serving as President-Elect, which gives me the opportunity to learn from our current president and prepare for next year's leadership role. My first involvement with BCPA was in 2018, when I served as Continuing Education Coordinator. At the time, I had recently relocated to San Antonio from Washington State and was looking for ways to connect with psychologists outside of the VA system, where I was working. Colleagues at the South Texas VA introduced me to BCPA, and it quickly became an important source of professional connection and community.
What is your favorite research area/training method/publication, etc. within psychology at the moment?
Although I am no longer involved in research, I completed a postdoctoral fellowship in military research psychology focused on emerging technologies in behavioral health, including telehealth and virtual reality applications. Clinically, my interests have evolved over the years from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and other contextual behavioral approaches toward relational psychodynamic, attachment-informed, and compassion-focused therapies. I am particularly interested in how relationships shape healing and growth, as well as the intersection of psychology, spirituality, and positive social change. More recently, I've also been paying close attention to developments in artificial intelligence and how these tools may be used thoughtfully and ethically in psychological practice.
Tell us something else about you that others should know!
I am a lifelong reader and recently co-founded a pop-up bookstore, The Common Thread, which is built around the idea that stories can help bring people together and strengthen community. I also love travel, spending time outdoors when the weather cooperates, and sharing life with my four dogs. A lesser-known fact: I earned a black belt in Taekwondo many years ago.