KATHERINE BARNES

 

Dr. Barnes received her masters and doctorate from the Clinical Psy.D. Program at C.S.P.P. Los Angeles at Alliant International University after completing her undergraduate work in Psychology and Social Behavior at the University of California at Irvine. She is a warm and empathic clinician with intuitive and practical clinical skills.

A native Southern Californian, Katie transitioned out of an early career in the performing arts in the Los Angeles area. She was naturally drawn to the field of psychology to further understand the Human Condition, as well as a strong desire to help others live their most authentic lives while overcoming emotional and situational challenges.  

 

Dr. Barnes has a wide range of clinical interests and areas of expertise. Her clinical training has provided in-depth experience working with addiction recovery, eating disorders, emotionally disturbed youth, child victims of sexual abuse, adult survivors of trauma and abuse, families and parents. She has worked with college students, the LGBT population, and has much experience treating mood disorders such as anxiety, social anxiety and depression. Katie has lectured on the effects of exercise on mental health in adults, and published various articles on current issues in mental health.

 

Katie’s approach to therapy is primarily Humanistic/Existential although could be considered a "common sense approach", in which she utilizes proven and modern therapeutic techniques in assisting her patients achieve their full emotional and functional potential. Well aware of her clinical strengths and shortcomings, she firmly believes in the importance of being honest, open, and on the “same page” as her patients, so that she and they can work cohesively to achieve the clarity and change they are seeking.

 

Individual Psychotherapy Specialties

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Unstable mood

• Relationships

• Life transitions

• Young adults (college students, grad students)

• Addictions, substance abuse

• Self-esteem, identity issues

• Body image concerns and food issues

• LGBT orientation and/or identity issues

• Grief, healing past trauma

• Creative and performing artists

• Women’s and young women’s specific issues

• Performance anxiety and social anxiety

• Adolescents

 

Couples specialties:

• Infideltiy and repairing of trust

• Improving communication

• Improving family structure

• Relationship strengthening and growth

• Sex and intimacy issues