Josefin Särnholm

ACADEMIC POSITION

2026- Senior Research Specialist, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical 
Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet
2021 – 2026  Lecturer, Researcher, Division of Psycholog, Department of Clinical  Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet

2023 –2025 Adjunct Associate Research Scientist, Centre for Behavioral Cardiovascular Health, Department of Medicine,  Columbia University, New York, USA
DOCTORAL DEGREE
2021 Exposure-based cognitive behavioral therapy for atrial fibrillation: A
novel treatment paradigm; Karolinska Institutet
COURSES AND DEGREES
2015-2021 PhD program Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
2015-2018 Research school in epidemiology/psychiatry KI/SLL
2011 Licensed psychologist, National Board of Health and Welfare, Stockholm,
Sweden
2010 Master of Science in Psychology, Stockholm University

My research focuses on cardiovascular behavioral medicine and digital mental health, with the overall aim of improving recovery and long-term outcomes in cardiovascular disease. A central theme of my work is the role of fear-based mechanisms in cardiac populations, including cardiac-induced post-traumatic stress. I investigate how maladaptive fear and avoidance of bodily sensations contribute to persistent symptoms and impaired recovery, and use this mechanistic framework to develop targeted, exposure-based digital cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) interventions.

These interventions are being developed and evaluated in patients with atrial fibrillation, post–acute coronary syndrome, and following cardiac surgery, with the goal of integrating evidence-based psychological care into routine cardiac treatment pathways.

In parallel, I am part of the Mind the Gap consortium, where my research focuses on migrant health and reducing inequalities in access to evidence-based psychological treatments through culturally and linguistically adapted digital interventions.

My work in cardiovascular behavioral medicine has been recognized with the Neal Miller New Investigator Award (Academy of Behavioral Medicine Research, USA, 2025) and the Outstanding New Investigator Award (International Society of Behavioral Medicine, 2025).

I teach in the psychologist and medical programs, as well as to healthcare professionals, with a focus on cardiovascular behavioral medicine, psychological treatment, and psychiatric assessment.

Supervision to doctoral degree

• Ulrika Ehrén, Online Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Anxiety Related to Pediatric Asthma, 2023-