Katie O'Dowd, Ph.D.

I take a holistic approach to working with clients that is informed by psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, relational, person-centered and mindfulness techniques. I also honor diversity as it relates to gender/sex, culture, socioeconomic status, age, disability and all other important identities. I believe that we all deserve therapy, and that it should be held in a space based on a strong therapeutic alliance, using empathy to ensure the client is heard, understood, and respected. Throughout the course of therapy, I help clients achieve balance across all areas of their personal, academic and professional lives.  The ultimate goals I work towards are determined by the client as the expert, and my job is to ensure that these goals are the means to achieving the health and prosperity that they deserve.

Background: I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Southern California, a Masters in School Counseling from Loyola Marymount University, another Masters in Clinical Psychology from CSU Dominguez Hills, and a PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of Southern California. I have worked for a public mental health program, an adult school, in the university setting as both an advisor and adjunct professor, and as a research psychologist for a psychological testing company. My varied personal and professional experiences allow me to focus my current practice on  aspects related to relationships, parenting, academics, occupational issues, health and trauma.  I enjoy working with women, parents, employees and college students, but can work with anyone who is looking for a change. I also do work in assessment and testing, and thus rely on multiple sources of data and tools to create the most accurate clinical picture to inform treatment.