Supporting you on the path to better mental health.

About me

I grew up in a small town in Bavaria with my German mother, Norwegian father, sister, and a variety of pets. Early on, I knew I wanted to work in healthcare. Friends and family often told me I had a good ear and a strong sense of empathy - and so, after finishing school, I decided to study psychology in Trier. Two semesters abroad, in Sydney and Zurich, gave me the chance to immerse myself in different cultures. These experiences shaped me personally and reinforced my professional belief in the value of openness and curiosity when working with others. During this time, I also discovered my deep interest in the intersection between psychotherapy and research, which led me to take on a PhD position in Switzerland after graduation.

For the next 15 years, I worked as a psychotherapist, chief psychologist and head of quality management in a Swiss private psychiatric clinic - a time that was intense, enriching, and deeply fulfilling. Alongside this, I also worked as a supervisor and lecturer. In 2019, my husband and I set off on a new adventure with our two sons: what was meant to be a two-year stay abroad in southern Sweden turned into a new chapter of life—with all the highs and challenges that come with raising a family far from home.

Today, I’m grateful to be able to continue working in a profession I’m still passionate about after more than 20 years - now from my base in Sweden.

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and our dog, who reliably ensures that life is never boring. I love tending to the garden, getting lost in a good novel, cooking, walking by the sea, and spending time with friends in lively conversation - preferably without keeping an eye on the clock.

    • Human Connection: A trusting therapeutic relationship is the foundation for meaningful change.

    • Collaboration & Partnership: Therapy is a joint effort—we work together as equals to explore solutions that fit you. Your strengths, experiences, and insights are valuable tools in this process.

    • Goal & Need Orientation: Therapy is guided by what matters most to you—your goals, needs, and personal motivations shape our focus.

    • Transparency & Authenticity: Genuine and honest interactions are at the heart of our work together.

    • Strength-based & value-oriented: We identify and build on your strengths, and connect your actions with your personal values - the things that give your life meaning.

  • After earning my diploma in psychology and while pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, I completed a Master of Advanced Studies in Psychotherapy, with a focus on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Behavioural Medicine (MASP).

    Over the past 20+ years, I’ve treated individuals in inpatient, outpatient, and online settings, helped develop treatment programs for OCD, eating disorders, and chronic pain, and contributed to suicide prevention initiatives. I’ve also worked in digital mental health — providing online therapy, developing internet-based treatments, and participating in research projects focused on using technology to personalize care.

    To support safe and effective digital therapy, I completed a telehealth certificate, focusing on strategy, integration, and patient-centered delivery. In addition to my clinical work, I supervise and teach postgraduate psychotherapy trainees and remain committed to ongoing professional development — with additional training in approaches such as Schema Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Strength-Based (Resource-Oriented) Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy and Compassion-Focused Therapy.

  • Work experience

    since 2025 Own Online Counseling Practice

    since 2023 Online Psychotherapy and Coaching @ Aepsy AG, Zürich, Switzerland

    since 2013 Clinical Supervisor, Self-Employed

    since 2008 Guest lecturer at Postgraduate Level @ Department of Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy and Behavioural Medicine, University of Zürich, Switzerland

    2022-2025 Post-doc Researcher @ Department of Psychology, Section for Clinical Psychology, University of Oslo, Norway

    2020-2022 Head of Operations for DACH region @ digital mental health provider Braive AB, Sweden

    2019 Clinical Psychologist @ Braive AB, Stockholm, Sweden and Oslo, Norway

    2018 Chief Clinical Psychologist, Specialist Ward for Common Mental Health Disorders, Sanatorium Kilchberg, Switzerland

    2010-2017 Head of Quality Management @ Sanatorium Kilchberg, Switzerland

    2004 - 2010 Clinical Psychologist @ Specialist Ward for Common Mental Health Disorders, Sanatorium Kilchberg, Switzerland

    2002 - 2004 Clinical Research Assistant @ Department of Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy and Behavioural Medicine, University of Zürich, Switzerland

    Education and Professional Training

    2021 Certificate in Telehealth: Strategy, Implementation, and Optimization @ Stanford University School of Medicine.

    2012-2013 Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS), Cognitive Behavioural Supervision @ University of Zürich. Degree: Eidg. anerkannte Supervisorin (licensed supervisor)

    2002 - 2007 Master of Advanced Studies in Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Behavioural Medicine (MASP) @ University of Zürich. Degree: Eidg. anerkannte Psychotherapeutin (licensed psychotherapist)

    2002 - 2004 PhD Student at the Faculty for Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy @ University of Zürich. Dissertation: Long-term Psychobiological Evaluation of Stress Management. Degree: Dr. phil.

    1995 - 2002 MSc in Psychology @ University of Trier, Germany. Degree: Diplom-Psychologin

    1982 - 1995 School Education in Bad Kissingen, Germany. Degree: Abitur (Baccalauréat)

What clients are saying

  • "Dr. Hammerfald supported me with great expertise during a challenging period in my life and in the process of exploring myself more deeply. Our interaction was always respectful and on equal footing. I consistently felt heard, taken seriously, and understood. What I especially appreciated was that a touch of humor also had its place in our sessions. I can wholeheartedly recommend working with Dr. Hammerfald."

    Female client, 41

  • "I found Karin when I was going through a very difficult life change and she was exactly the person I needed. I am an Australian woman living in Switzerland. I was grateful to find somebody with whom I could speak my native language but who also understood the society and culture in which I live; significant contributing factors to some of the challenges I have been experiencing. Karin`s approachability and kindness appeals to me enormously. She encourages me to consider other ways of looking at myself and my situation which have helped me to adjust my perspective and feel more positively about myself and my role in my family and community."

    Female client, 53

  • “The online therapy sessions helped me greatly in gaining new perspectives. The professional and compassionate support created a trusting atmosphere, even in a digital setting. After just a few sessions, I could already notice positive changes in my life.”

    Male client, 34

  • “I experienced Dr. Hammerfald as a very attentive and empathetic psychologist. She understood me right away and adapted her methods to my individual needs—whether through targeted insights or scientific papers. What impressed me the most was how actively she listens, connects to past discussions, and helps pave the way for healthy self-reflection.”

    Male client, 21

  • “Through therapy with Ms. Hammerfald, I found my way back to life and can once again enjoy it freely, without anxiety. I am very grateful for her valuable work and support. With her calm and kind manner, she always met me where I was and guided me along the way. She does an incredible job. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!”

    Female client, 29

  • “For the past three years, I have had the privilege of having Karin by my side—sometimes weekly, sometimes with longer intervals of one or two months, depending on my needs. From our very first interaction, I felt seen, understood, taken seriously, and completely free to talk about anything and express my emotions. With incredible empathy and expertise, Karin has guided me through several challenging times and helped me better understand myself and my needs. For that, I am deeply grateful to her.”

    Female client, 32

Get in touch.

Feel free to reach out to schedule an initial meeting where we can get to know each other and discuss the most suitable approach and setting for your unique needs.

I will get back to you within 2 business days.