About Karen Derman, LMFT
Consultant, Therapist, Coach, Advocate, Author, Motivational Speaker, Professional Trainer.
I am passionate about my work with neurodiverse children , teens , young adults, and their families. I have extensive experience in Autism, ADHD, and related disorders.
- 2017 -2024 Currently in private practice in Woodland Hills, CA. working with neurodiverse children, teens, young adults, and their families.
- 2016-Retired from Kaiser after 15 years of service.
- 2008 - 2016 Transferred to Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills, and developed the Autism Program there. I was the program coordinator for nine years. Member of multi disciplinary diagnostic team. Parent and professional training.
- 2001 -2007 Developed the Autism Program for Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles. Served as the Program Coordinator for six years. Member of multi disciplinary diagnostic team. Parent and professional training.
- 1992 "The Magic Hole in the Sky" book and audio tape were published.
- 1982 -2001 Began my career with Neurodiverse children and their families in Malibu, CA as a play therapist in private practice
Education and Licenses
2023 - Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist - Evergreen Certification #206962
1982 - License in Marriage and Family Counseling MFT #17153
1980-1982 - Internship in Jungian Sand Play and Play Therapy , West Los Angeles, CA
1980 - Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, Goddard College, Plainfield, Vermont
1977 – Bachelor of Arts, International College, Los Angeles, CA
Parent and Professional Training
Providing individual and group training in Autism, ADHD and related learning differences. Educating parents, licensed therapists, nurses, and other professionals about neurodiversity.
Experience in Parent and Professional Training
2008 - 2016 Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Woodland Hills, CA.
2011- Kaiser Orange County, Autism for Therapists Workshop.
2009 - Kaisser Workshop, Autism For Nurses, Mariot Hotel, Long Beach, CA.
2001 – 2008 Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, West Los Angeles,CA.
1998 – Association of Resource Specialists, San Francisco, CA.
1997 – Creative Workshop, Malibu, CA.
1995 – Juan Cabrillo Elementary School, Malibu, CA.
1994 – The John Bradshaw Institute, Encino, CA
1993 – Association of Educational Therapists, San Diego, CA.
1992 – American Booksellers Association, Los Angeles, CA.
The Magic Hole in the Sky
by Karen Derman, LMFT
The Magic Hole In The Sky is about a little girl with a learning disability who goes on a magical journey that transforms her life. The Magic Hole in The Sky facilitates communication between children, their parents, teachers, and therapists. Share it with someone you love! Available on Amazon.com.