Whether you are seeking support for yourself, your child, or your family, I am so happy you found your way here to learn a little about me and the work we may be able to do together in the therapy space. 

First and foremost, I always aim to take a strengths-based and collaborative approach, which means working together with clients to help them use their strengths to move through their challenges. I believe in the immense capacity of humans to heal and grow through positive relationships, and connected experiences and environments – thus I allow the therapeutic relationship to help guide client healing by providing an attuned, compassionate, and non-judgmental presence. I value taking a whole-person approach so that I can get to know what makes each client unique, tailoring the therapy experience to the individual, couple, or family, and prioritizing helping each person feel safe and seen for who they are. I enjoy working with people of all ages, cultures, spiritual practices, genders, sexualities, and abilities, and recognize that every person is impacted greatly by their individual and systemic factors and contexts. In my work and life I aim to be an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community, neurodivergent folks, and people of all identities and intersectionalities. Ultimately, it is my hope to help people feel at home in themselves, know themselves deeply, and reach the goals they bring into therapy through a supportive therapeutic relationship.

I graduated with an MA in Counseling Psychology through the California Institute for Integral Studies with an emphasis in Expressive Arts Therapy. In addition to providing traditional talk therapy, I enjoy integrating a variety of expressive arts into my practice to help people access, process and work creatively with whatever is bringing them to therapy.  This might include trauma, relationship challenges, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, transitions and big life changes, the struggles (and gifts) that come with being neurodivergent, or just being a human.  The expressive arts can be woven into the therapy process as much or as little as clients choose, and can help clients experience the power (and even joy!) of their own creativity in the midst of the therapeutic process.

Outside of the therapy space, I enjoy spending time in nature, taking walks, and being with my friends, kids, husband, dog, and cat. I also enjoy playing and listening to music, and making art.

To reach Kate for more information or to schedule an appointment: 805-635-8588 or Kate@CoastTherapyAssociates.com.