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Welcome to my website.  If you are here, you may be considering therapy for yourself or a loved one. This website will tell you what I do and how I can help you. 

There is a human tendency to desire, focus on, and strive for happiness.  We can forget that life holds a balance between the possibility for happiness, and the more shadow elements of life-- the challenges that cause pain and suffering. When we address the shadow and the more painful aspects in our lives, a deeper capacity for fulfillment can emerge. As a therapist, I collaborate with and walk alongside you in navigating through these challenges in order to facilitate personal growth, healing, and a deeper understanding of life's experiences.

The quality of the therapeutic alliance has been proven to be a stronger indicator of effective healing than specific modalities or interventions used.  With this in mind, my first priority is to build a strong, safe, non-judgemental, and trusting relationship with you. 

I practice therapy with a psychodynamic perspective, exploring conscious and unconscious patterns, behaviors, and beliefs that impact one’s identity and relationships.  I integrate a trauma-informed perspective, attachment theory, cognitive-behavioral theory, and dream work, while paying special attention to and facilitating growth in emotional and body awareness and expression.

Santa Cruz Therapist | San Luis Obispo Therapist

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What clients are saying...

"I’ve tried quite a few therapists, but Kate has by far been the best. Even when I got free therapy services through work, I chose to pay for her services because it made such a big difference in my life. She helped me recognize patterns in my decision making and thought processes, improve the way I communicate with my partner, better understand who I am, face challenges head on with ways to work through them, improve my inner self-talk, change the amount of influence I’ve placed on external things I can’t change, and probably much more. Kate listens well and it feels like she really cares. I recommend her to all my friends and think it’s the best investment you can make in yourself."
-J

"Kate connects deeply with her clients and gently stewards them into a better understanding of their selves and situations. She provides clear and useful tools, an insightful ear, and an understanding shoulder. Truly a game-changing combination."

- C

"Kate has been a supportive and knowledgeable guide, helping me navigate challenges and achieve my goals for emotional healing. Her expertise and compassionate, inspiring approach have been instrumental in our success together, equipping me with tools for daily life. She fosters a partnership in self-discovery, offering a calming, supportive perspective in a safe counseling environment. I trust her deeply and wholeheartedly recommend her guidance."

-T

"Kate has been an absolute lifeline for me.  She has helped me navigate regulating my emotional self and helped me learn how to validate my own feelings. I do not know if I would be the same person I am without her help.

 Thank you, endlessly."

-M

My partner and I went to Kate for couple’s therapy because we struggled with a large point of conflict and had differing communication styles. Kate acted as a neutral party to help us both improve so much that we are now committed lifelong partners of almost 10 years. Now, we feel like we are armed with the right tactics to get through any conflict together. When a conflict arises, we both know how to recognize our emotions, acknowledge each other’s needs in those moments and both make efforts to meet each other in the middle.

-N

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