Karen Derman, LMFT(She/Her/Hers)

Are you a high-achieving adult who may be successful on paper—capable, driven, accomplished—but privately struggling with focus, organization, relationships, or a persistent feeling of being out of sync?

Is your child bright and capable, but not doing well in school or in their relationships with others? Do they struggle with inattention, self regulation, or poor self esteem? Does your child make eye contact and listen to you? Can you have a back and forth conversation with your child?

Karen Derman is an expert in identifying and making sense of neurodivergence—autism, ADHD, and learning differences—whether or not there has been a formal diagnosis. With over 40 years of clinical experience, and as a contributor to the development of a large-scale multi disciplinary autism and ADHD program in Southern California, she brings both depth and precision to this work.

Karen’s process is thoughtful, thorough, and highly individualized. She looks beyond surface behaviors to understand underlying patterns in thinking, learning, emotional regulation, and relationships. Clients often describe a profound sense of relief when, sometimes for the first time, their experiences are accurately understood and clearly explained.

From there, Karen develops a focused, practical plan—one that respects each person’s strengths while directly addressing the challenges that have been getting in the way. For adults, this can mean a shift from self-doubt to clarity and self-trust. For parents, it can mean finally understanding how to support their child in a way that truly fits.

Karen’s work is not about labeling or “fixing.” It is about insight—deep, accurate understanding that allows people to move forward with greater confidence, direction, and ease. When that clarity happens, it is often transformative.