Karin-Margareth Epner
psychologist filled with passion
Psychologist in Tartu, soon-to-graduate Master’s student in Clinical Psychology, and passionate advocate for personal development. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working in a wide range of environments – from a rehabilitation team to a prison and a special care facility. These experiences have deeply shaped my understanding of the importance of acceptance at the core of counseling, regardless of a person’s past. What truly matters is the choices we make moving forward. We cannot control the past or the future – only our actions in the present moment.
In my practice, I also specialize as a sexual counselor. Sexual behavior remains a somewhat uncharted and often avoided area in psychology, with many professionals hesitant to address it. However, I firmly believe that sexuality and gender are fundamental aspects of human identity, and cannot be overlooked or suppressed.
Occasionally, when clients are open to it, a small white cat named Murumuna joins me at work. She is a gentle soul who has accompanied me in supporting individuals with mental health challenges in hospital settings. Her presence brings a playful touch – and her nickname, “Muna” (Egg in English) makes it hard to stay serious in her company.
When I’m not working, I find joy either with my cats or traveling. These two passions often don’t align, as traveling means leaving my beloved cats behind. I also prioritize my own mental well-being through laughter and physical activity.
My background
Education
- 2023-….. University of Tartu (aquiring MA clinical psychology)
- 2019-2023 University of Tartu (BA psychology)
- 2021-2022 University of Konstanz, Germany (BA psychology)
- 2007-2019 Saue Gymnasium
Training
- 2024 Basic Training for Sexual Counselors (Viljandi Hospital, Sexpo, 30 ECTS)
- 2024Working with Sexual Trauma (Trainer Silva Neves)
- 2024 HCR-20-V3 – Violence Risk Assessment Training (Trainers Stephen D. Hart, Kevin Douglas, Laura Guy)
- 2024 Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Skills for Adolescents and Families (Psychwire and Trainer Marsha Linehan)
- 2024 Motivational Interviewing Intermediate Level (Trainers Asta Vaks and Helena Väljaste)
- 2023-2024 Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Skills (Psychwire and Trainer Marsha Linehan)
- 2024 Social programme “Uus suund” (Trainers Margus Veem and Lauri Pihkva)
- 2023 Harmful Sexual Behavior (Trainer Margus Veem)
- 2023 STATIC-99R, STABLE-2007, and ACUTE-2007 Training (Trainer Andrew Brankley)
- 2022 Basic Training in Motivational Interviewing (EMITA)
I have visited many psychologists and I can say with certainty that working with Anette has been my best experience. I have received both support and recommendations, which have come in very handy in everyday life. Anette supported me through difficult personal problems and through the difficult journey of university admission. Thanks to cheerfulness, responsiveness and professionalism, visits to the psychologist have always been pleasant and effective.
An extremely good experience, which I praise both as a patient and as a student 🙂
Rein, 22, student
At the first meeting, it became immediately clear that this is a very nice psychologist who works with love and care and is able to inject it into others, and gives very good advice and always explains everything when there are questions and recommends books related to the given topic!
Evelin, 25, babysitter
During the time that we have been working together, I have noticed a great development in myself. The me of 9 months ago probably wouldn’t even recognize me now. You have helped me a lot and supported me in solving complex and emotional problems, for which I am very grateful! I love that you validate my feelings, understand my dark humor and approach my concerns creatively. I would recommend you to others, but I can’t praise you too much, otherwise one won’t be able to make an appointment with you soon :D.
Kristiina, 22, student
Would definitely recommend to others! The whole process is so professional – the space is safe, we discussed exactly the topics to the extent that I was able to do it at that moment! The recommendations for further reading/activities/referrals (psychiatrist, funding, etc.) were very good! Super “if there is a need, find a solution” mentality.
Anonymous
We have been working together for half a year, and I can honestly say that I do not remember such a self-aware, analytical, honest and so far the most confident me. I have shared my extremely positive experience with family and friends, and I will gladly continue to do so. In this kind of cooperation, it is very important with whom it is done, and I am extremely grateful that you have been there for me at the right time. Thanks and see you next time!
Britta, 30, teacher
I remember when I started looking for a psychologist. Soon, however, I got a new appointment and met Annie. A wonderful, bright, warm and affectionate psychologist was waiting for me at the door, to whom I agreed to tell everything from my heart. We have been working together for a little over a year now, and I couldn’t ask for a better psychologist.
Aide, 17 , student
If there are difficulties in understanding a situation, you are very good at giving an example of how the given situation would feel as a bystander.
Everything I’ve said, I’ve never felt you look at me or treat me with disdain or any kind of predisposition. Always a neutral look.
You can ask very thought-provoking questions. They develop the ability of self-analysis very well.
Very supportive and friendly. If necessary, also a nusging force, so that a person pulls themselves together and does scary, but necessary things.
Martti, 27, DevOps engineer
Before I came to Anette-Johanna, I had met with 4 psychologists/counselors. I didn’t make it to a return visit with any of them, because somehow I didn’t have the feeling that I wanted to continue and talk more. I immediately felt different with Anette. She senses very well when it is necessary to leave a longer break between meetings and when it is necessary to meet more frequently. I like that she directs my thoughts in such a way that in the end I come to the so-called solution myself or I understand how I need to work on myself to achieve results. It’s nice to talk to her.
Manni, 28
Anette-Johanna is a very sweet person. Already at our first meeting, she left a very warm impression. Her willingness to help and her readiness and presence for the patient at any moment are of great importance to us. The fact that we have a person to whom we can always turn and whose advice we listen to, excludes the possibility of turning to anyone other than her in the future. Deep bow!
Anonymous
My child has seen you for only 3 times, but their answer to my question about getting help was OHHH YEAAHHH! They will come again soon and they are very much looking forward to seeing you. You are a very warm and affectionate person. When we met for the first time, we were of the same opinion that with your help we can solve some of our problems. And on your recommendation to avoid failures, because the problems of a teenager are sometimes so complicated.
Anonymous
If otherwise I walk in the dark most of the time, trying to understand this world and myself, sometimes you appear with a lantern and illuminate the surroundings. You don’t dictate things, but you don’t fail to give advice. In the meantime, it seems to me that you are learning with me, and that is rather good – you don’t stay within certain frameworks, but you find a suitable approach for the patient.
The first meeting was tense. The desire was to climb out of the window. But now I greet you as a good acquaintance.
I would recommend you to others. I don’t think there’s a patient you can’t help.
Anonymous