Welcome to my practice

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

Hello, and welcome. My name is Kristen Hornung (please call me Kristen; pronouns are she/her or simply my name). I’m a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC #2071) with an M.A. in Counseling and a Ph.D. in Depth Psychology, with an emphasis in depth psychotherapy.

I offer in-person therapy in Encinitas (coastal San Diego County) and telehealth therapy across California. I work primarily with deep-thinking, over-functioning people who want support with feeling anxious, stuck, or disconnected. I bring over 14 years of clinical experience, and I believe therapy works best when it offers both safety and depth.

My Therapy Approach

Therapy with me is a collaborative and thoughtful process. I value setting clear goals together, revisiting them over time, and creating a space where you feel heard, respected, and supported.

My work is trauma-informed and depth-oriented. I integrate evidence-based approaches such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) with attachment theory and depth psychology to help clients:

• Process and heal from past trauma
• Explore unconscious patterns shaping emotions and relationships
• Develop new ways of responding to anxiety, perfectionism, and overthinking
• Strengthen relationships and cultivate healthier attachment dynamics

I also draw from DBT and CBT when helpful, offering practical tools for emotion regulation, stress management, and communication. Screenings or assessments may be used as needed to inform our work.nal relationship structures. My approach is inclusive, trauma-informed, and I am always open to feedback to ensure you feel safe and respected.

Values & Inclusivity

I am committed to providing an affirming, nonjudgmental, and inclusive space. I work with clients across a wide range of racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds, and I welcome individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+, those in polyamorous or nontraditional relationship structures, and people navigating identity or belief changes. I invite ongoing feedback to ensure you feel safe, respected, and supported in our work together.

Who I Tend to work Best with

Before becoming a therapist, I studied math, science, and the humanities, earning my undergraduate degree in Chemistry. That background continues to shape how I think and work, embracing curiosity, humility, and a respect for complexity. Some of the most influential mentors in my academic training emphasized that there are limits to what we know, and that insight often unfolds over time. This mindset is especially helpful when working with layered and complex emotional experiences.

Since 2011, I’ve worked with adolescents, adults, and families in settings including schools, outpatient community mental health clinics, and private practice. Many of my clients come to therapy with experiences such as:

• Complex trauma or adverse childhood experiences
• Attachment wounds or ongoing relationship difficulties
• Anxiety, perfectionism, or chronic overthinking
• Pressure to meet high expectations at work or in personal life
• Identity exploration (including gender identity, sexuality, or religious deconstruction)

From 2017–2021, I also served as a Clinical Supervisor, training and supporting pre-licensed therapists in community mental health settings. This experience deepened my understanding of communication, systems, leadership, burnout, productivity, and the emotional toll of high-responsibility roles.

Because of this background, I often work well with people in high-pressure professions, including managers, medical professionals, and those working in science and technology.

Education and Credentials

My academic and professional journey includes:

• B.A. in Chemistry (Brown University, 2008).
• M.A. in Counseling, Specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (University of San Diego, 2012).
• Ph.D. in Depth Psychology, Emphasis in Depth Psychotherapy (Pacifica Graduate Institute, 2018).
• EMDR Certified Therapist™ (EMDRIA): Certified in an evidence-based approach for trauma.
• National Board Certified Counselor (NBCC) by the Center for Credentialing and Education

A Little More About Me

I became a therapist in part because of my own recovery and healing journey, which taught me the value of meaningful, reflective work and the importance of purpose. Outside of therapy and parenting my two children, I enjoy reading, writing, walking outdoors, and learning new things. I’m also a traditionally published and self-published author, and I value creativity, reflection, and finding meaning in small, everyday moments.

Getting Started

You can learn more about my services on the Mental Health Therapy Services page.

If you’d like to explore whether working together might be a good fit, I offer a free 15–30 minute consultation by phone or video.

Contact me by phone at (619)202-1481 or by email at kristen@kristenhornung.com