MEET KARRIE

Hi, I’m Karrie. I am an experienced and passionate licensed psychotherapist.

My goal is to support the well-being of women and mothers as they try to find the joy of motherhood while also managing the complexities that come with it.

I specialize in working with women in the perinatal period. I help mamas transition from pre-pregnancy through pregnancy, postpartum, motherhood, and beyond.

In addition to working with mamas, I specialize in working with families with young children. I work with the littlest clients and their families struggling to express their “big feelings” and manage their “big behaviors.”

I have over fifteen years of clinical experience working with children and families, but nothing has taught me more than becoming a mother myself. I understand how unbelievably beautiful yet messy, exhausting, demanding, and isolating motherhood can be and the challenges parents, especially mothers, face trying to hold on to their former selves as they transition to motherhood.

Becoming a mother has made my work with families personal and more meaningful. Experiencing the challenging transition to motherhood firsthand forever changed me. My journey of healing following the birth of both of my babies continues to influence my approach as a psychotherapist today. I see my role as walking with you on your journey to emotional well-being.

MY APPROACH

In my therapeutic approach, I prioritize the relationship between therapist and client as paramount. I strive to create a warm, inviting, and collaborative environment where you feel safe to share openly and honestly. My approach to treatment is rooted in compassion, devoid of judgment, and focused on the process. In treatment, I aim to balance reflection and skill-building. My goal is to help you feel better and give you tools to handle life’s challenges, improve your emotional health, and make lasting positive changes. We focus on your strengths and, together, identify areas where you believe you need extra support.

MY EDUCATION AND TRAINING

I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Communications from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from California State University, Fullerton.

I worked for many years in community mental health in some of Los Angeles’s most disadvantaged neighborhoods before starting my private practice, where I worked with children of all ages and their families.

I have extensive training in infant-toddler mental health, play therapy, and perinatal mental health.

• I am endorsed as an Infant-Family Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist, Reflective Practice Facilitator II (IFECMHS-RPF-II) through the California Center for Infant-Family and Early Childhood Mental Health,
• I am a Registered Play Therapist™ (RPT™) through the Association for Play Therapy (APT).
• I am certified as a Perinatal Mental Health Specialist (PMH-C) through Postpartum Support International (PSI).
• I am certified as an educator of infant massage (CEIM) through Infant Massage USA.

I am trained and certified in several evidence-based practices, including Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Positive Parenting Practice (PPP), and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT).