Josefin Särnholm

CURRENT POSITION
2023 – present Adjunct Associate Research Scientist, Department of
Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Columbia University, New York, USA
2021 – present Lecturer and faculty member Department of Clinical
Neuroscience, Division of Psychology, Research Group Enebrink, Karolinska
Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
DOCTORAL DEGREE
2021 Exposure-based cognitive behavioral therapy for atrial fibrillation: A
novel treatment paradigm

My research focuses on three main areas within cardiac psychology. Firstly, I
have developed a cognitive behavioral therapy treatment protocol for cardiac
anxiety following myocardial infarction (heart attack) and I am principal
investigator (PI) for an ongoing RCT where we are also assessing changes in
cardiovascular biomarkers and pain sensitivity. A larger RCT is planned for
2024. Secondly, I am PI for a research project focusing on cardiac-induced
posttraumatic stress disorder in patients following acute coronary syndrome.
With support from the NIH, I am leading this study in collaboration with
Columbia University to develop and test an early online intervention for
these patients. The third research focus pertains to psychological factors
following open heart surgery, I together with colleagues have developed a
novel CBT intervention to reduce anxiety and depression and minimize
cardiovascular risk factors in patients undergoing open heart surgery.
These studies aims to explore key mechanisms and processes in cardiac
psychology interventions. I strive to build an interdisciplinary knowledge
base that addresses the treatment gap for psychological care in a wide range
of cardiac diseases and acute medical conditions.

In hold a current position as clinical lecturer at the psychologist program,
KI. I am currently the examinator and course director of “Clinical methods
within psychology” (6 credits), psychologist program, KI, semester 8, I am
also the course coordinator for “Internet psychology” (4, 5 credits),
psychologist program, KI, semester 7 and course director of an Independent
course, KI (7, 5 credits) an independent web-based course (7, 5 credits) for
healthcare practitioners on psychological treatment within primary care.