Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Los Gatos, CA

I have always had a deeply empathetic nature, a curious spirit, and a lifelong desire to help others. I began my journey by earning a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy at Philip’s Graduate University. I completed my training in a variety of settings, including a community counseling center; a substance abuse treatment facility, treating a dual-diagnosis, forensic population; and a foster care placement facility.

Helping people find joy and meaning in their lives is my biggest passion in my work. However, life has its difficulties, including painful experiences, and when you need help solving what is in the way of getting from one day to the next or pursuing dreams, I want to help you figure out what is happening and help you develop tools to empower you to manage what seemed impossible and to create the life you desire.

I have been working in private practice for a few years and before that I worked in non-profits with a variety of individuals and groups. I am the parent of two adult sons and have three grandchildren that I thoroughly enjoy spending time with. I have an educational background in the study of philosophy, spirituality and counseling psychology. I have experience with helping people with histories of trauma, severe mental illness, as well as, symptoms of anxiety and depression. I also have experience and some expertise with clients struggling with substance use.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a master’s degree and over 20 years of experience working with a wide range of clients and concerns. Over the years, I’ve worked in clinics, run my own private practice, and provided therapy to enlisted Navy personnel and their spouses. For the past five years, I’ve primarily provided therapy through telehealth.

Therapy can sometimes feel unfamiliar or intimidating, especially when you’re meeting a new therapist, but I don’t believe it has to feel that way. I try to create a relaxed, comfortable environment where you can feel like yourself. I bring genuine curiosity, warmth, humor when appropriate, and most importantly, authenticity to my work. I want therapy to feel like a real conversation and a genuine human connection—not like you’re being analyzed or judged.

Hello! I'm Kris and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California and the founder of Village Wellness Center, a thriving group psychotherapy practice based in San Juan Capistrano. I have over 25 years of experience in the mental health field, and I specialize in maternal mental health, depression, anxiety, life transitions, relationship challenges, and the unique needs of women and mothers.

I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Sacramento State University and returned to school 15 years later to earn my Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from the American School of Professional Psychology.

The beginning of my career in mental health started in residential care helping at-risk youth, and over the course of 20 years, my work and experience evolved into leading and developing clinical programs for outpatient and court-mandated facilities while also building my specialty in perinatal mood disorders and maternal mental health in my private practice. Additionally over the past two decades, I was raising my family and actively contributing to the Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano communities.

Through my own struggles with postpartum depression and anxiety, I became a passionate advocate for maternal wellness and thriving families. This became the catalyst to opening Village Wellness Center, where the ability to serve entire families and promote holistic mental wellness with a team of therapists can be achieved.