Kathleen Kawamura, PhD Clinical Psychologist
Kathleen Kawamura, PhDClinical Psychologist 

COVID UPDATE: I have found telehealth services to be an effective and convenient option, and therefore, I have transitioned to offering telehealth sessions only.

 

 

Welcome!  I am a clinical psychologist with 25 years of experience helping individuals work through anxiety, depression, and more general life issues. My services may be of help to you if you find yourself struggling with:

  • Anxiety
    • Unwanted, intrusive thoughts
    • Panic attacks
    • Chronic worrying
    • Social anxiety
  • Self-esteem
  • Depression
  • Adjustment difficulties (e.g., graduation, job search, pregnancy, relocating)
  • Unhealthy relationship patterns or difficulties developing social relationships
  • Issues related to race, ethnicity, and culture, particularly for Asian Americans and those who grew up overseas (Third Culture Kids)
  • Issues related to identity (Who am I?), values and goals (What will give my life meaning and purpose?), death (What happens when I die and how does that affect how I live my life?), and general personal growth

 

I work with adults 18 and over. 

 

I find that most people come into therapy hoping to alleviate intense emotional distress, and for this, I look to cognitive behavioral and mindfulness strategies that have been found to be highly effective in the treatment of anxiety and depression. These strategies focus on the thoughts, physical feelings, and behaviors that can feed into emotional distress.  

 

I have found, though, that therapy is often about more than just symptom relief. Therapy is also about finding ways to sit with, work through, or face uncomfortable emotions as they come up because often attempts to resist these emotions leads to more suffering. Leaning into painful emotions with curiosity and compassion can be a challenging experience, and therefore, I try to foster a relationship that is supportive, empathic, and encouraging.

 

I also try to help my clients become more aware of their beliefs, emotional needs, values, behavior patterns, and the ways in which they have been influenced by the world around them. Understanding, grieving, and healing from painful experiences from the past can also be an important part of therapy.

 

I hope to help you uncover your strengths while making peace with your vulnerabilities so that you may live what you consider to be a full and meaningful life. To do this, I will work with you to develop a plan based on your own unique circumstance, goals, and values.

 

You will find that I am thoroughly invested in our work together and am committed to offering high quality, individualized care to each person. This means working with you to find an effective and efficient approach tailored to your needs. 

 

Take a look at my website to learn more about me and my approach, then email, call, or fill out the form below to schedule a free 30-minute phone consultation. The phone consultation will help us determine whether what I have to offer is a good fit for you and your needs.

 

***I am committed to providing an environment that supports, appreciates, and respects the race, color, culture, religion, spiritual practices, sex, age, socioeconomic status, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, relationship status or configuration, national origin, and physical and mental abilities of all person. I recognize that my understanding of inclusiveness and social justice is an ongoing endeavor that requires continued training, professional development, and action on my part.*** 

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Kathleen Kawamura, PhD

Clinical Psychologist

PSY 19507

(949) 422-7185

 

2604-B El Camino Real

#405

Carlsbad, CA 92008

 

Local to Carlsbad, Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, Escondido, and Encinitas but serving all of California via telehealth