Kara Newman, PhD(She/Her/Hers)

Kara Newman, Ph.D., is an experienced clinical psychologist. Her online therapy practice, New Light Psychology LLC, provides research-supported therapy approaches for those affected by traumatic loss, stress, PTSD, and anxiety. Dr. Newman also provides culturally-informed grief therapy to the bereaved, which may be appropriate for any individual from any faith background. As a grief and trauma therapist with addictions expertise, she is especially committed to supporting first responders and community public servants.

Dr. Newman obtained her bachelor’s degree in neuroscience at Trinity College, during a rewarding NCAA collegiate career in women's ice hockey. She then relocated to Philadelphia, completing her master’s degree and Ph.D. in clinical psychology at Drexel University. She has been licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for more than 12 years.

Prior to beginning her career as a full-time therapist, Dr. Newman held research positions at the University of Pennsylvania Treatment Research Center and the University of Connecticut Health Center, where she studied early life trauma and abuse, HIV/AIDS, and addictive behaviors. Dr. Newman worked in public service for nearly 8 years with the Department of Veterans Affairs, providing PTSD-focused clinical services and grief therapy to military Veterans of the Vietnam and post-9/11 (OEF/OIF/OND) combat eras. During this time, she was promoted into leadership and professional consultation roles, including Clinical Lead of a VA Medical Center's substance use treatment clinic and Assistant Director of a psychology pre-doctoral internship training program.

In her mid-career, Dr. Newman developed additional clinical specialties in suicide prevention education, gambling treatment, and employee EAP services. Today, she recognizes the deep challenges of maintaining a workplace culture of strength while experiencing unspoken emotional pain. Her treatment framework focuses on making personal changes toward healthier coping, while strengthening the close relationships and connections that make life worth living.