Welcome to a Space for Healing, Growth, and Connection

In-Person Mental Health Therapy in Encinitas & Virtual Therapy Across California

Supporting Adolescents, Adults, and Families

Have you been…

• Feeling lost, numb, or unfulfilled, even when everything seems fine on the surface
• Shutting down, reacting in unexpected ways, feeling disconnected from your body, emotions, or the world around you, or dissociating
• Overthinking, over-functioning, or striving to please others while never feeling like you’re good enough
• Struggling to communicate your needs, set boundaries, or express your emotions
• Wishing you could explore and express your identity—whether related to gender, sexuality, spirituality, or values—without fear or shame
• Feeling so accustomed to stress that mindfulness, self-care, or relaxation feels unnatural or even uncomfortable

These feelings and experiences are more common than you might think. Therapy offers a safe, supportive space to explore your patterns, identify their roots, and develop tools to move forward. No matter where you are in your journey, meaningful change is possible.

Who I Tend to Work With

I specialize in working with individuals who are driven, analytical, and deeply thoughtful—engineers, tech professionals, scientists, creative people, medical professionals, and other intellectuals who approach life with curiosity but sometimes struggle with anxiety, relationships, trauma, or identity.

Have you thought you might be…

• Highly self-critical, navigating imposter syndrome, inner critics, or fear of failure
• A perfectionist or overachiever, constantly striving but rarely feeling satisfied
• A problem-solver, eager to understand and address the deeper “why” behind your struggles
• Insecure in relationships, experiencing heightened stress around conflict, difficulties with emotional closeness, and challenges with navigating boundaries

I have worked extensively with people who were adopted, grew up with parents or caregivers who struggled with addiction or untreated personality disorders, experienced the loss of a parent or caregiver, or were affected by trauma, abuse, or neglect.

Hope for the Future

Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, attachment wounds, or the impact of trauma, therapy may help you:

• Develop coping and communication skills tailored to your unique needs.
• Identify, regulate, and express your emotions more effectively.
• Gain insight into relational patterns and attachment tendencies.
• Work through painful memories or negative beliefs about yourself.
• Build resilience and cultivate more fulfilling relationships.

My Approach to Therapy: A Safe Space to Explore

I have over a decade of clinical experience, an M.A. in Counseling, a Ph.D. in Depth Psychology, and certification in EMDR by EMDRIA. I integrate different evidence-based approaches depending on your unique needs and our goals.

I am a secular therapist, which means I do not work from a religious or faith-based framework, and I take care to not project my own beliefs onto my clients. Therapists have an ethical obligation to respect your autonomy, which is your right to self-governance and self-determination. I believe it is essential for you to feel safe and free from shame or harm caused by systemic biases in therapy, and to be able to express your thoughts and beliefs without fear of judgment.

I welcome immigrants, first-generation adult children of immigrants, LGBTQIA+ identifying folks, and people with different faiths and spiritual beliefs into my practice. I am committed to honoring your cultural identity and always open to feedback as we navigate the dynamics within our therapeutic relationship.

My therapy approach blends:

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): An evidence-based therapeutic method for processing trauma and fostering post-traumatic growth. I have additional training on using EMDR for early childhood trauma and dissociation.
• Attachment theory: Exploring how your early relationships influence your current dynamics and discovering healthier ways to connect.
• Depth psychology: Working with unconscious patterns, dreams, and embodied experiences to foster growth and healing.
• Practical tools: Drawing from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to provide actionable skills for managing stress and emotions.

This balanced approach allows us to address both immediate challenges and deeper patterns, helping you move toward meaningful and lasting change.

In-Person Therapy in Encinitas and Virtual Therapy Across California

My typical hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 3 PM.

I work with adolescents, adults, folks in relationship(s), and families. I provide in-person therapy in Encinitas by appointment only (no walk-ins please) on Wednesdays and Fridays at 345 Saxony Rd Ste. 104, Encinitas, CA 92024

I provide virtual therapy via secure, HIPAA-compliant video across California. On a limited basis, I also provide mobile, in-home, or “walk and talk” therapy in Encinitas, Cardiff, Leucadia, and Rancho Santa Fe.

Reach Out Today

If you’re ready to explore a new path forward, I’m here to help.

Contact me for a free 15-30 minute consultation. Let’s see if we’re a good fit!

📞 (619) 202-1481
✉️ kristen@kristenhornung.com

Additional Information

• Learn more about therapy, watch my video on self-care, and review my fees on the Frequently Asked Questions page.
• You can view, download, or print the Good Faith Estimate Notice and Notice of Privacy Practices on the Forms page.
• Please note: I do not provide evaluations or recommendations for workers’ compensation, emotional support animals, custody-related matters, work or school accommodations, or disability qualifications, as these are outside my scope of practice.