Dr. Peter Karinen

I believe therapy works best when it feels collaborative, supportive, and tailored to your unique needs. My approach is grounded in the understanding that you are the expert on your own life, while my role is to help you gain insight, develop new skills, and create meaningful change.

I specialize in helping adults navigate anxiety, depression, OCD, panic, stress, life transitions, grief, trauma, relationship challenges, and career concerns. I also have extensive experience working with artists, creatives, and professionals in demanding industries who may be struggling with perfectionism, burnout, or uncertainty about their next steps.

I earned my PsyD in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology and currently serve as a supervisor at the UCLA Anxiety Disorders Clinic. Before becoming a psychologist, I spent more than a decade working in entertainment and media, giving me firsthand insight into the pressures many professionals face while balancing personal and professional demands.

My approach is integrative, meaning I draw from several evidence-based therapies depending on your goals, strengths, and circumstances. I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness-based techniques, and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for anxiety and OCD-related concerns.

I strive to create a space where clients feel both supported and challenged. Together, we'll explore patterns that may be keeping you stuck, build greater self-awareness, and develop practical strategies for navigating life's difficulties. I believe lasting change happens when insight is paired with action, and therapy can be a powerful opportunity to strengthen both.

During our first session, we'll spend time getting to know one another and discussing what brings you to therapy. I'll ask questions about your current concerns, personal history, relationships, and goals so I can better understand your experiences and what you'd like to accomplish.

We'll also talk about what has and hasn't worked for you in the past, identify areas you'd like to focus on, and begin creating a plan that feels realistic and meaningful. My goal is for you to leave our first session feeling heard, understood, and with a clearer sense of how we can work together moving forward.