Kara Petersen

Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT

Email Me

(805) 514-1986 Call Me

Email Me

Kara Petersen

Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT (she, her)

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today

4 Endorsed

Call Me

Let's Connect (805) 514-1986

Available both in-person and online

5565 Carpinteria Avenue Suite 23 Carpinteria, CA 93013

My website

You’ve been told you’re too much, but often feel like you aren’t enough. You know what you need to do, but you can't seem to make meaningful change. Many of my clients struggle with things like anxiety, shame, attachment wounds, trauma, or the aftershocks of complex relationships. I work with clients of all ages: younger ones who need extra space for big feelings, adolescents navigating the turbulence of the teenage years, and adults exploring past and current patterns to understand, heal, and grow. I help clients address their current mental health concerns while developing a deeper understanding of themself.

My approach is psychodynamic and relational. I collaborate with clients to integrate aspects of cognitive & dialectical behavioral, and play therapies, and weave in somatic, ecobased, and bibliobased practices. With deep compassion, warmth, and humor, I offer a safe space for all aspects of your self to be seen, heard, and felt.

Research says the best predictor of successful therapeutic outcomes is not the type of therapy you practice but the relationship you have with your therapist. You can show up messy, thoughtful, ambivalent, hopeful, all of it. If you’re looking for therapy with depth, humor, and genuine connection, I’d be glad to hear from you.

Call or Email Kara Petersen now for a free 15 minute consultation - (805) 514-1986

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Kara Petersen MA, LMFT

5565 Carpinteria Avenue

Suite 23

Carpinteria, CA 93013 map

(805) 514-1986

629 State Street

Santa Barbara, CA 93101 map

My website

In-person sessions in Carpinteria, walking and nature sessions on the nearby bluffs. Telehealth throughout California. Weekdays & Evenings.

I specialize in Child, Anxiety and Trauma and PTSD

$200 Per Session

I see individuals, families and groups

Hello from me and my sunlight-filled office.

Let's Connect (805) 514-1986

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Kara Petersen MA, LMFT

5565 Carpinteria Avenue

Suite 23

Carpinteria, CA 93013 map

(805) 514-1986

629 State Street

Santa Barbara, CA 93101 map

My website

In-person sessions in Carpinteria, walking and nature sessions on the nearby bluffs. Telehealth throughout California. Weekdays & Evenings.

I specialize in Child, Anxiety and Trauma and PTSD

$200 Per Session

I see individuals, families and groups

Hello from me and my sunlight-filled office.

Finances

Fees

Individual Sessions $200

Payment Methods

ACH Bank transfer, American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, Health Savings Account, Mastercard, Visa

I accept cash, checks, and all major credit cards, as well as, HSA cards. While I don't bill insurance directly, I can provide a superbill for you to submit for potential reimbursement. Please reach out with any questions.

Kara Petersen

Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (805) 514-1986

Kara Petersen

Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (805) 514-1986

Qualifications

Verified by Psychology Today Licensed by State of California / 145462 Kara Petersen

Education and Years In Practice

In Practice for 7 years

Attended Pacifica Graduate Institute , Master of Arts Counseling Psychology Emphasis in M, Graduated 2021

I have over 15 years of experience working with teens and their families in educational and therapeutic settings. I have extended trained in Psychodynamic Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, DBT Skills, Oaklander Play Therapy, and Somatic practices.

Kara Petersen

Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (805) 514-1986

Kara Petersen

Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (805) 514-1986

Specialties and Expertise

Top Specialties

Child
Anxiety
Trauma and PTSD

Expertise

Behavioral Issues
Bipolar Disorder
Body Image
Borderline Personality (BPD)
Coping Skills
Grief
LGBTQ+
Life Transitions
Mood Disorders
Parenting
Peer Relationships
Personality Disorders
School Issues
Self Esteem
Self-Harming
Spirituality
Stress
Suicidal Ideation
Teen Violence
Thinking Disorders
Transgender

I work with clients who struggle with anxiety, trauma, and emotional distress. Our work together begins by building trust and connection. We dive deeply into current concerns while exploring previous experiences and relationships, illuminating patterns and habits. Clients often experience shifts in perspective, reduction of symptoms, increase in understanding, and sustained growth.

Kara Petersen

Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (805) 514-1986

Kara Petersen

Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (805) 514-1986

4 Endorsements

Stephanie Bain

Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT

I strongly recommend Kara's clinical work for her humor, intelligence, resourcefulness, and compassion.

Ashleigh Lamberti

Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT

I wholeheartedly endorse Kara Petersen as an exceptional psychotherapist whose depth-oriented approach truly illuminates the path to healing and self-discovery. Kara's compassionate guidance transforms struggles into profound growth.

Collin Burnett

Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT

Kara creates a safe space while having a keen eye for depth and is a great person to process experience with. I recommend booking a session with Kara.

Mary Flocca

Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, C-RYT, ART

I strongly recommend Kara's clinical work. She is extremely intelligent, empathetic and masterful at helping children feel comfortable exploring their emotions.

Client Focus

Age

Children (6 to 10) ,

Preteen ,

Teen ,

Adults

Participants

Individuals ,

Family ,

Group

Communities

Gay Allied ,

Lesbian Allied ,

Non-Binary Allied ,

Queer Allied ,

Racial Justice Allied ,

Single Parent ,

Transgender Allied

Age

Children (6 to 10) ,

Preteen ,

Teen ,

Adults

Participants

Individuals ,

Family ,

Group

Communities

Gay Allied ,

Lesbian Allied ,

Non-Binary Allied ,

Queer Allied ,

Racial Justice Allied ,

Single Parent ,

Transgender Allied

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

Art Therapy
Attachment-based
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Culturally Sensitive
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Emotionally Focused
Family Systems
Jungian
Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
Person-Centered
Play Therapy
Psychodynamic
Sandplay
Somatic
Trauma Focused

Therapy is a unique experience. My style is a collaborative and eclectic combination of art and play, cognitive and dialectical behavior, eco and nature, psychodynamic and somatic therapies. This allows me to respond to your unique needs. We will work together to decide which practices will be most helpful for you, attuning and responding to what is present in the room and the moment.

Kara Petersen

Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (805) 514-1986

Kara Petersen

Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (805) 514-1986

Groups

Dream Group for Teens

Hosted by

Kara Petersen

Location

Kara Petersen Therapy

5565 Carpinteria Avenue

Suite #23

Carpinteria, CA 93013

Email Kara Petersen about this group or call - (805) 514-1986

Location

Primary Location

Kara Petersen MA, LMFT

5565 Carpinteria Avenue

Suite 23

Carpinteria, CA 93013

(805) 514-1986

Email Me

My website

Additional Location

629 State Street

Santa Barbara, CA 93101

(805) 514-1986

Nearby Areas

Cities

Counties

Zips

Neighborhoods

Downtown

In-person sessions in Carpinteria, walking and nature sessions on the nearby bluffs. Telehealth throughout California. Weekdays & Evenings.

Kara Petersen

Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT

Call for a free consultation now - (805) 514-1986

In-person sessions in Carpinteria, walking and nature sessions on the nearby bluffs. Telehealth throughout California. Weekdays & Evenings.

Kara Petersen

Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT

Call for a free consultation now - (805) 514-1986

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