Kathleen Barker
(she/her)
I am an alternative, openminded, non-judgmental therapist for those folks who have felt marginalized, ostracized, bullied, and judged for expressing parts of themselves that may be deemed "weird" or misunderstood. I am educated and experienced in LGBTQIA+ issues, trauma recovery, grief, relationship issues in unconventional relationships (poly, kink, platonic, etc.) I seek to help clients explore their values that have likely been buried by trauma, shame, and people-pleasing, and help form a structure to living a life that feels more genuine.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In the first session I want to get to know you and what you are struggling with. I don't need you to go in any particular order or timeline. I feel like information is like a jigsaw puzzle, it can come from all over and I will put it together into a picture of you. I would like to then identify what your goals are so I can be sure we stay on track to achieve them.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I bring unique experiences, knowledge, and perspectives best to serve people who feel they don't fit in to the statistical norm of their peers. I am not shocked easily and want clients to feel there's a safe space for the things that make them feel strange and unusual. My method is to always keep you in the driver seat of your life.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I seek to help people who feel like the regular system of care would not understand them. I appreciate unique interests and hobbies and want to help people explore their true values and self expression in order to live a more genuine life outside of what systematic and societal stigma has taught us.
Specialties
Top specialtiesAnxiety
Grief
LGBTQ
Anger Management
Coping Skills
Couples Counseling
I identify as
Asian / Asian American
LGBTQ
White
Woman
Serves ages
Adults (18 to 64)
Licensed in
California
Accepts
Aetna
Location
Virtual
My treatment methods
Compassion Focused
Shifting past barriers of individual shame or shaming, I bring compassion into the forefront working mind in order to make changes from a place of support and comfort rather than shaming and pain.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Completed ACT training about 5 years ago and find its interventions integral in moving forward towards increased well-being and life satisfaction.
Couples Counseling
Experienced in couples and couples+(throuples, polycules, etc) therapy for 8 years. Understanding of different dynamics and structures as well as able to assist in forming healthier structures if necessary.
Humanistic
Identified early on as a Humanistic therapist- the client is the expert, I am but a guide.
Grief Therapy
Grief is a main focus I work with. I bring understanding and compassion for grief of all kinds- not just loss through death- breakups, friend loss, pet loss, dream loss, loss of abilities, loss of identity, etc.
12 ratings with written reviews
March 4, 2026
Kathleen is easily the best therapist I've worked with. She is insightful, authentic, and incredibly personable. She doesn't mince words, and helps me understand the many working parts of my ordeals. I cannot recommend a better option than Kathleen.
Verified client, age 35-44
March 2, 2026
I had a great first time session with Kathleen. She explained the process in depth and how we will be moving forward . Looking forward to my next session.
Verified client, age 55-64
June 6, 2025
Kathleen is so supportive and is truly an active listener. She has simple solutions that help me manage my anxiety which gives me hope for my continued growth and ability to find daily joy. Kathleen is a true gift as a therapist. I feel so lucky that I have been able to be seen by her. I have seen many therapists before and she has been by far one of the most helpful for this period in my life.