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

14+ Years Supporting Adolescents, Adults, & Families

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. Many people I work with appear capable and composed on the outside, yet feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from themselves.

My approach integrates depth psychology and trauma-informed care, with a focus on collaboration, compassion, and authentic expression. Therapy is an opportunity to explore deeper patterns while working towards meaningful, sustainable changes in your day-to-day life.

📅 Schedule a Free Consultation or Email Me with Questions

Who I Work With

I work primarily with thoughtful, capable adults who are used to managing a lot on their own. Many of my clients are high-achieving, reflective, and outwardly functioning well, yet internally feel anxious, disconnected, self-critical, or stuck in familiar relationship patterns they can’t seem to shift.

People often come to me during periods of transition or strain, when old coping strategies stop working, relationships feel harder, or questions about identity, values, or belonging become impossible to ignore. These experiences may be shaped by trauma, attachment wounds, family dynamics, or environments that required you to adapt early and often.

I tend to work well with individuals who value insight, problem-solving, and depth, including professionals in science, technology, healthcare, and creative fields. Together, we can explore both present-day challenges and the deeper emotional patterns beneath them, at a pace that supports safety, clarity, and meaningful change.

My Approach to Therapy

Therapy can help you develop greater emotional regulation, self-understanding, and flexibility, both internally and in relationships. Depending on your needs and goals, our work may support you in:

• Developing coping, communication, and boundary-setting skills
• Identifying, regulating, and expressing emotions more effectively
• Understanding relational patterns and attachment styles
• Healing painful memories and challenging negative self-beliefs
• Aligning choices with your values
• Building resilience and more authentic ways of relating

My approach is integrative and tailored to you, drawing from:

• 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.

I value collaboration and regularly check in about progress and feedback, as this is essential to maintaining a safe, effective therapeutic relationship. Clients often share that therapy helps them feel more grounded, regulated, self-aware, and compassionate toward themselves, and better able to express themselves.

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

In-Person Therapy in Encinitas & Telehealth Therapy Across California

Telehealth therapy:

• Available statewide via 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 $240. 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 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.