Depth-Oriented Psychotherapy, Trauma Therapy, and EMDR in Encinitas & Online Across California

14+ Years Supporting Adolescents and Adults

I specialize in working with individuals who are often carrying more than they let show: anxiety, trauma, identity questions, or complex relationship and attachment dynamics. My approach integrates depth psychology and trauma-informed care, focusing on collaboration, compassion, and authentic expression. Therapy is an opportunity to explore deeper patterns while working towards meaningful, sustainable change.

📅 Schedule a Free Consultation or Email Me with Questions

Who I Work With

Are you…

Feeling stressed, anxious, or unfulfilled even when life looks fine on the surface?
Overthinking, overdoing, or people-pleasing, yet still feeling not good enough?
Wishing you could navigate family dynamics or break old relationship patterns?
Exploring your identity, values, or beliefs, and finding it harder than you expected?

You might also identify as:

Self-critical: navigating imposter syndrome, inner critics, or fear of failure
Perfectionist / overachiever: always striving, rarely satisfied
Deep thinker: curious and insightful, searching for the “why” beneath stuck patterns
Tired of Masking: wondering what it would feel like to live more freely and authentically

I specialize in supporting deep-thinking, over-functioning adults (engineers, tech professionals, scientists, creatives, healthcare providers) who are curious and insightful but may struggle with stress, anxiety, trauma, or relationships.

I also support adults exploring sexuality, identity, family expectations, or religious beliefs, especially when these shifts bring up shame, fear, or old attachment wounds.

Additionally, I work with those impacted by childhood trauma, grief, neglect, adoption, parental mental illness or substance use, or parental separation.

I am a secular therapist, committed to honoring your autonomy and identity. I create a safe, nonjudgmental space free from shame, welcoming immigrants, first-generation adult children of immigrants, LGBTQIA+ folks, and people of all faiths and backgrounds.

My Approach to Therapy

Therapy may help you:

Develop coping, communication, and boundary-setting skills
Identify, regulate, and express emotions
Understand relational patterns and attachment styles
Heal painful memories and challenge negative self-beliefs
Align your choices with your values
Build resilience and authentic ways of relating to yourself and others

I integrate evidence-based approaches tailored to your needs and goals:

EMDR Therapy: An evidence-based method for processing trauma and supporting post-traumatic growth. I am certified in EMDR by EMDRIA. I have completed additional training in early childhood trauma and dissociation. Read more.
Attachment Theory: Explore how early relationships shape current dynamics. Read more.
Depth Psychology: A psychodynamic approach that involves exploring unconscious patterns, active imagination, creative expression, dream work, and embodied experiences for insight and healing. Read more.
Parts Work: Guided visualizations, active imagination, and ego state interventions can help with integration and with resolving stuck points (which are often protective in nature).
Practical Tools: Drawing from DBT and CBT to build skills for managing emotions, communication, boundary-setting, and stress management.
Goal-oriented and feedback-driven: I prioritize regularly checking in with my clients about our progress and discussing feedback because I have found that it is key for helping us develop and maintain an effective, safe, and collaborative therapeutic relationship.

Clients often share that therapy helps them feel more regulated, grounded, self-aware, and compassionate. They also frequently share that they are better able to express themselves and live more authentically.

Credentials

I have over a fourteen years of clinical experience, an M.A. in Counseling, a Ph.D. in Depth Psychology, and certification in EMDR by EMDRIA.

California Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC #2071, active since 06/04/2015)
National Board Certified Counselor (NCC, NBCC)
EMDR Certified Therapist™ (EMDRIA)
BA in Chemistry, Brown University (2008)
MA in Counseling, University of San Diego (2012)
PhD in Depth Psychology, emphasis in depth psychotherapy, Pacifica Graduate Institute (2018)
Trained in multiple evidence-based therapy modalities for trauma and mood disorders

On a Personal Note

Lived experience of recovery
Parent to two children
Creative writer and nature-lover

In-Person Therapy in Encinitas & Telehealth Therapy Across California

Telehealth therapy:

Available statewide via secure, HIPAA-compliant video
Typical hours: Monday–Friday, 9 AM–3 PM

In-person sessions: Encinitas, CA

345 Saxony Rd, Suite 104, Encinitas, CA 92024
Wednesdays & Fridays by appointment
Walk-and-talk or mobile sessions on a case by case basis

Fees: 50 minute psychotherapy sessions are $220. Sessions of alternate lengths can be prorated from this fee. Learn more on my FAQ page.

Complimentary Consultation

Would you like to see if we are a good fit? Schedule a free 15 to 30 minute consultation directly through the secure form below.

📅 Schedule a Free Consultation

If you don’t see any times that work for your schedule, please email me or leave a voicemail with your availability and I will do my best to accommodate you.

Testimonial

“Kristen is one of the most genuine, caring, deep diving therapists I know. She sees through the fog of the psyche and into the spirit of each individual person. Through her understanding and knowledge of the human condition she is able to gently guide clients toward safety and self understanding. There is no one I would trust more to work with a friend or client of mine who had experienced trauma or was struggling with their sense of self.”

Additional Information

To get a feel for my style, check out my free blog posts and videos on therapy.
Forms & Policies: The Good Faith Estimate and Notice of Privacy Practices are available on the Forms page.
Please note: I do not provide evaluations for workers’ comp, emotional support animals, custody cases, school/work accommodations, or disability documentation.