Therapists in San Luis Obispo, CA

It can be difficult to ask for help in the mist of struggle. Daily life can feel overwhelming and difficult to navigate or make sense of. You don't have to do it alone. Karina is willing to walk with you in your journey of self-discovery, healing, and growth. As a compassionate and dedicated therapist Karina specialize's in a holistic approach to mental health, by enhancing your physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being. She offers a comprehensive and personalized approach to support individuals like you in overcoming life's challenges.

You don't have to solve life's difficulties and navigate personal changes alone! I will work with you in a collaborative, supportive and safe environment to help you to feel better about yourself and your life. We can identify what is not "working"/problem areas as well as what is "working"/your strengths and move toward the positive changes you would like in your self and your life!

As a therapist, I am passionate about creating a safe space to explore a deeper understanding of yourself, others and the world . With empathy and trust, I will walk alongside you as you navigate feelings of anxiety, sadness, fear, self-criticism, doubt and shame. You can learn new ways to manage life stressors, gain confidence and self-compassion, advocate for your needs, and live a life that you deem meaningful and authentic to you.

Sooner or later, we all need some help. You're wise to seek out a professional who can help you gain clarity and direction. I know you're struggling now, but I'm excited about how much better things can be for you. Modern life is certainly generating a lot of anxiety & depression, and taking a heavy toll. I'm here to help you get through these difficult times. My primary focus is helping young and midlife professionals get grounded, gain clarity, and build strong confidence in themselves. My approach to therapy is compassionate, interactive, focused on new perspectives, working through emotions, and skill building.

Thank you for considering me as a potential partner in your journey of healing & self-discovery. I have over 10 yrs. of clinical experience in the mental health field working primarily with adults & college-age students struggling with substance abuse, depression, anxiety, family/relationship problems, trauma, life-transitions, personal growth, & self-acceptance. I was born and raised in Europe & am open to also working with clients who are from a wide range of countries & are experiencing difficulties in adjusting to life in the U.S. I am warm, caring, non-judgmental, & able to provide you a safe space to address today's stressors.

We all have challenges and experiences throughout our life span that can cause pain, frustration, feeling stuck and other difficult emotions. These experiences can result in us becoming disconnected with our true selves and unable to live life to the fullest. I am here to help you connect with your true self so that you can not only heal from difficult experiences but grow from them and create a sense of empowerment. I provide a safe, non-judgmental environment offering a highly personalized approach tailored to each individual's needs.

My early training and work with young children and their parents prepared me for my current work treating adults and couples; many of the struggles these families had centered around bonding and attachment. Today, most of my adult patients face relationship issues rooted in early life experiences. During psychotherapy treatments, I help my patients understand the value of working through early emotional losses so they can mature and enjoy healthy adult relationships.

My ideal clients are LGBTQI, gender variances, alcohol and addiction ,parents of children with problem behaviors, young adults and adults, deal with realities of love whomever that light might shine. I enjoy working with couples; you didn't get the manual with your relationship but it's not too late. I also love working with individuals on the path to spiritual awakening.

“Look beside you, and I’ll be there;” this is my credo, both as an individual and as a therapist. Life can be difficult; there are always challenges and struggles, and in many instances, it is the connection and support that one person gives another that makes the difference. I use a client-centered, strength-based approach to therapy. My work focuses on assisting clients to identify their own personal strengths and unique goals for treatment, express and process difficult and/or uncomfortable emotions, and learn effective coping and interpersonal skills that will help them throughout their life.

As a therapist, I am passionate about walking alongside folks as they reveal their truths and vulnerabilities to themselves. I believe, and have witnessed that people are capable of long standing change with knowledge, support, and connection, and that therapy is a great place for that. You can learn new ways to manage life stressors, feel safe, gain confidence, and live a more joyful and purposeful life. I use cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, and strength-based techniques, while never ignoring the human element and connection where the real change happens.

The therapeutic process is unique to every person. I take a collaborative approach to therapy so together, we create a plan that fits for you. I utilize therapeutic techniques that support you to learn and build tools that you can use to guide you in the direction you want to grow. I primarily use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with strong influences from Person-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The therapeutic relationship we will build will be used as an agent for change. As we work together, we will develop meaningful and reasonable goals that feel achievable and empowering.

I have experience working with individuals, couples and families. I believe therapy is a safe environment to promote change, healing and an opportunity to explore yourself and how you connect with others.

Life brings some challenges to all of us and sorting these out can be difficult for the most competent of individuals. My hope is to help you find the clarity you seek so you can enjoy your life to the fullest by creating an accepting environment to support your journey to a better life. I have always been curious about people and what makes us think one way or another. I have had the opportunity to serve people in this area for over 20 years at different agencies and have worked with very diverse folks. I would love the opportunity to help you discover some unexplored part of yourself that can deepen satisfaction in your life.

I specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorders. After a thorough evaluation, I teach my clients about their anxiety and together we come up with an evidence-based treatment plan---then we work as a team to implement that plan. My new book ("Your Anxiety Beast and You: A Compassionate Guide for Living in an Increasingly Anxious World") guides people through my treatment approach.

I practice depth psychotherapy and I strive to be a guide and partner in exploring your inner world. I believe that you know the landscape best and that every part of you is there for a reason. Together, we can be curious and warm towards the aspects of your experience that have been too painful to acknowledge, invite in parts of you that have been rejected, and make insightful connections between the past and present which will allow you to live with vibrancy and self-compassion.

Accepting new clients.

It is difficult when we notice depression, anxiety, overwhelming emotions, and problematic behaviors impact our relationships with others and with ourselves. We can feel stuck in a repetitive loop of conflict despite our attempts to find relief and resolution. With a good fit, we will aim to navigate therapy collaboratively and to hold each session within a safe and non-judgmental space. I work with individuals who may need support to resolve this conflict so they may become empowered to live their daily lives to thrive as who they are and participate in meaningful relationships.

Maybe you're looking to get curious about the things that leave you feeling stuck, your family or community of origin, or the implications of society on your experiences. Or, you need a space to show up authentically, without fear of judgement. Perhaps you need someone to support you navigating distressing experiences or help you find ways to cope and heal. I integrate depth-oriented work with here-and-now suggestions to help people who are experiencing a multitude of concerns, resulting in meaningful, long-lasting change and more fulfilling lives.

Openings available this week with my team of therapists at Thrive SLO. I work with college students and adults feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and/or anxious. Need balance in your life? Facing grief, past trauma, or coping with difficult family situations? Or maybe you are thinking about coming out to your family and friends? I offer expertise, guidance and support for you to navigate these challenges. I'm passionate about the personal transformation that comes through therapy. I love working with curious individuals who want to better understand themselves, their emotions, & their relationships.