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A Little History about US:

Dr. Katherine Barnes Biography














My life experiences have left me somewhat with the soul of an artist, mind of a scientist, and intention of a healer. I grew up in a large family just outside Los Angeles, and dabbled in the performing arts for most of my life. Once introduced to psychology and philosophy in college, I fell in love with the field of studying human behavior, intuitively knowing that connecting with and understanding people was my greatest strength—and doing something with it was my calling. So, I got my undergraduate degree at UC Irvine in Psychology and Social Behavior, and went on to pursue my MA and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the California School for Professional Psychology in Los Angeles.

To put it in the broadest sense, my approach to therapy is that it consists of two major aspects: the first is that through awareness of our deepest desires, thoughts and fears, change occurs. I view my role as a therapist as helping to guide my patients into self-discovery and honest insight, while also giving my interpretations of what might be going on, usually unconsciously. Secondly, the relationship between patient and therapist should be one of mutual trust and openness, and once a strong relationship develops, that, in itself, is therapeutic and helps to create change. As a patient, you have someone in your court who sees your strengths and wants you to succeed at your every goal. As a therapist, someone beautifully unique has given me the honor of coming to me to help them, and I want to learn from and share my experiences with this person. It is an amazing dynamic, this relationship—and I feel everyone should have the chance to experience the growth and self-realization that comes from it.

Thus, to me, therapy is an art—of connection, investigation, and considering every small facet of a person’s life in determining what the best course of action is. Yes, I apply the learned science of human behavior, as well as my knowledge of prevention and well-being. However, it is my belief that the inquisitive mind of a “good” therapist is not something that can be acquired.

What are you doing to further your education/skill set?

One thing I love about his field is that it requires constant learning and keeping up with new therapy techniques and current issues in psychology. I attend seminars and conferences whenever possible, particularly about clinical areas in which I am green in or unfamiliar with. Currently, I am studying for my licensing exams, one of the final steps toward becoming licensed as a Clinical Psychologist, in addition to reading as needed about issues that may arise with my current patients. For example, I’ve always enjoyed reading about how small differences we can make with things like diet and exercise can enhance our mood and well-being, and have attended seminars on addiction, and on the “psychology” of diet and exercise relating to food addictions.

What kind of therapy do you focus on? Who you can best help, and how/why?

With all of my patients, I place emphasis on “making the unconscious conscious.” We focus on self-concept and their unique perspective of the world developed since childhood and on identifying patterns
of behavior and attachment to others. We focus on how those experiences affect them presently, and aim to find potential solutions to current struggles.

Because of my history in the performing arts and (well, let’s face it), being a woman in Los Angeles, I find I am particularly strong in working with people experiencing low self-esteem or self-worth, body image issues or eating disorders, food addictions or other substance use for coping, relationships and marital problems, anxiety, depression and perhaps phase of life or any of the above issues as they relate to creative professions. Gay relationships and LGBT individuals are also interests of mine. These are issues I’ve been exposed to all my life, so my expertise mainly comes from life experience and experience in treating these issues.

What are your goals in moving your career forward?

I am currently expanding my practice and taking new referrals in West Hollywood, and am able to see patients at a reduced fee. I offer free consultations, because I feel it is important for people to experience what it might be like to work with me, while not feeling pressured to come back unless it feels right for them. I also work on weekends, because I enjoy the convenience it provides for my patients with busy schedules during the week.