Meet Katie

Katie Sanford is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor offering trauma-informed and evidence-based therapy in Studio City, California.

Katie Sanford, LPCC

BBS #3627

I'm Katie, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor.  I love being a counselor because I get to be part of the healing process in so many people's lives. I consider it an honor that clients trust me to walk with them through some of the most difficult times in their lives. I have hope for the emotional healing of each and every one of my clients.

I have 12+ years of experience in the field of Professional Clinical Counseling. Much of my experience has been with individuals who have gone through traumatic events, are struggling with anxiety or depression, or have relationship concerns. I have worked extensively with adults, teenagers, and children over 5.

 
  • I mainly use Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) while providing therapy services. Basically, what that means is, we focus a lot on what you are thinking about yourself, others, and the world around you and relate those thoughts to how you are feeling and what you are doing.

    Sometimes this involves talking about your past and how it influences your current thinking and sometimes it doesn’t.

    For true and lasting change, it is helpful to determine what heart issues are going on behind your current concerns, that are causing you to believe things that aren't true. I like using CBT because there is a lot of research showing it works.

    Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy doesn't work nearly as well when people have gone through something traumatic. So, when I am working with clients who have experienced something traumatic, I usually use Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) instead. EMDR is a treatment modality that has helped a lot of my clients be able to heal from trauma so that whatever they have experienced is no longer nearly as triggering. I love using EMDR and would love to talk to you about it more if you have experienced something in the past that is still negatively impacting you emotionally, physiologically, or spiritually.

    But, all clients are different, and therefore, I do not have a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. Depending on the client, I also use Solution-Focused Therapy, Play Therapy, and some Art Therapy. I specialize in working with Christian clients looking to integrate their faith into the therapy process.

    • BA in Psychology from Central Michigan University

    • MA in Professional Counseling from Central Michigan University

    • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Certified (CBT)

    • Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)

    • Certified Clinical Partner Specialist Training

    • Managing and Adapting Practice Certified

    • Seeking Safety Certified

    • Crisis Oriented Recovery Services Certified

  • I think my therapist's superpower is my genuine care and desire to connect and support others.

    My friends would describe me as warm, loving, accepting, honest, fun, joyful, and encouraging.

    When I'm not working… you can find me at home with my husband playing with our three little girls. I love spending time with my family and friends, preferably outside.

    Some of my favorite activities are taking a light walk or a good hike, playing tennis, swimming, and kayaking.

    I've always been curious about the human mind! I always want to keep learning more.