Sarah Pallivalapil-Karerat, LSW

Intimate Partner Violence Training Specialist

Sarah Pallivalapil-Karerat, LSW (they/them) joins BHTEN as their first Intimate Partner Violence Training Specialist after 9 years of supporting survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) in clinical, research, training, and outreach roles. Clinically, Sarah has provided individual and group counseling to adult survivors of IPV, queer and trans trauma survivors, and IPV researchers experiencing vicarious traumatization. They are trained and practiced in experiential trauma care, incorporating EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) approaches into their clinical work. Sarah also worked as a researcher at the University of Pennsylvania on a multi-state study investigating the risk factors for homicide in the context of IPV. Bridging research and praxis, Sarah has facilitated trainings throughout these roles, on IPV, queer and trans survivors’ experiences, gender and sexuality, vicarious trauma, and healthy relationship skills. Sarah is a Licensed Social Worker and received their Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice.