Hi there, I'm Katie
I'm Katie Hara, a couples therapist serving the Bay Area. In my practice, I specialize in emotionally focused therapy, a deeply relational approach aimed at fostering secure bonds and emotional connections between partners. My goal is not to 'fix' you or your relationship, but rather to facilitate a journey where both of you can feel safe to show up authentically. Together, we create a nurturing container for exploration and growth, where each of you can express yourselves fully and experience moments of profound connection.
My approach
Couples therapy with me is experiential and intimate, requiring a willingness from both partners to engage deeply. It's about more than just talking; it's about feeling and experiencing together. While the work can be challenging, the progress made is transformative. I believe in a holistic approach to therapy, considering the mind, body, and spirit, with a strong emphasis on trauma-informed care to support healing and growth.
My focus
Rather than simply addressing surface-level issues, I strive to create a safe and nurturing environment where both partners can authentically express themselves and cultivate profound moments of connection.
My communication style
I am warm, relationally-centered, and couples-focused. I believe in creating a safe and nurturing space for couples to authentically express themselves and engage deeply in the transformative journey.
My journey to mental healthcare
My journey to this work began with the realization that my relationship struggles were not simply a matter of lacking communication skills or knowledge. Instead, I recognized that the challenges my partner and I faced stemmed from deep-rooted internal patterns, tracing back to our childhood experiences. It became clear that we needed more than just educational material or communication handouts; we required a profound intervention that addressed the core of our disconnection.
Through therapy, we embarked on a journey of reconnecting with each other, guided by a therapist who helped us delve into our individual and shared experiences. This work wasn't about fixing situational conflicts; it was about understanding and healing the underlying issues that hindered our connection. I believe wholeheartedly in this process because not only do I facilitate it for others, but I also internalize it for myself, experiencing firsthand the transformative power of therapy.
My goal for you
My sole goal is for you to connect deeply with your partner. While seemingly simple, it's one of the most challenging and rewarding endeavors in life. Together, we'll uncover the patterns hindering your bond, facilitating transformative healing and growth. With experiential therapy sessions, I encourage deep engagement to cultivate renewed understanding and closeness.
My first session with you
During our first session, we'll explore whether we're a good fit to embark on this journey together. Think of it as a "dating" phase where we both get to understand each other's needs and expectations. I'll provide a glimpse into my approach, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe and nurturing environment for you both to authentically express yourselves. Together, we'll discuss your goals and concerns, and I'll offer insights into how we can work collaboratively to foster deep connection and growth in your relationship. It's important to recognize that I may not be the perfect fit for every couple, and that's okay. The most crucial aspect is finding a therapist who resonates with you and your needs, and I'm here to support you in making that decision.
Specialties
Couples Therapy
Anxiety
Depression
Panic Attacks
Women's Issues
Methods
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Strength-Based
Experiential Interventions
Accepted insurance providers
None - currently only accepting
out-of-pocket
Languages spoken
English
Allyship
LGBTQIA+ aligned
Experience
13 years of experience
Education
Master of Arts in Counseling
Session Information
Video session
60 minutes