Kathryn Pazan, MDiv, MA, LMFT, LPCC

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a licensed Professional Clinical Counselor specializing in obsessive compulsive and related disorders, anxiety, trauma, and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I first became passionate about psychotherapy as an undergraduate psychology student where I had psychology professors and research mentors who were also private practice clinicians. I approach therapy through an interpersonal neurobiological lens with a deep sense of empathy and compassion shaped by my undergraduate experiences and my first calling as an ordained Presbyterian minister. My graduate seminary education, clinical pastoral training, hospital chaplaincy, and clergy work in various contexts gave me a profound understanding of the human experience and the healing nature of trusted relationships. These opportunities provided invaluable experience working with individuals and families in need of crisis and grief support, navigating loss, life transitions, relationships, trauma, and end-of-life concerns. The work and relationships formed along the way inform my practice as a compassion-focused psychotherapist.

My journey as a Marriage and Family Therapist and Clinical Counselor was driven by a passion to honor and support individuals through their unique internal experiences in a private practice setting. I founded my private practice with a clear purpose: to provide highly intentional, specialized care for individuals navigating the complexities of life and the challenges that can occur when experiencing symptoms of obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, anxiety, and trauma. My approach as a psychotherapist is also shaped by my diverse clinical background. I have supported clients across several therapeutic settings beginning with community counseling, where I provided affordable mental health services to individuals, families, youth, and couples. My experience also includes working as a mental health clinician within an elementary school district, as well as practicing within a group private practice.

Beyond my clinical work, my identity is shaped by 25 years as a partner and a mother to two wonderful children—roles that continually ground my values and commitment to lifelong learning. Outside of session, I practice my own balance and rejuvenation through hiking, skiing, beach walking, reading, and traveling with my family.

Pazan Integrative Family Therapy is guided by my values and a passion for lifelong learning. I am dedicated to offering specialized, neuro-affirming, culturally responsive therapy that meets clients exactly where they are, while honoring each client’s distinct background, identity, traditions, and lived experiences. I offer a safe, collaborative, and inclusive space where you can show up authentically as your whole self.

Certifications & Professional Training:

  • EMDRIA Certified EMDR Therapist

  • Certified in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

  • Trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Trained in SPACE: Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions

  • Trained in SPACE-ARFID: Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions adapted for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder

  • Trained in Playful EMDR: adapting EMDR protocols to be developmentally appropriate for children through play

  • Trained in Written Exposure Therapy (WET)

  • Trained in Developmental Needs Meeting Strategy (DNMS)

  • Trained in Early Trauma Protocol

  • Trained in Habit Reversal Training for skin picking and hair pulling

  • Trained in Emetophobia Assessment & Treatment

Professional Memberships

  • EMDRIA

  • CAMFT

  • SBCAMFT

  • IOCDF

  • CHADD

  • Southern California ACBS Chapter

  • Education

    BA Psychology

    Point Loma Nazarene University

    M.Div

    Princeton Theological Seminary

    MA Clinical Psychology

    Antioch University Santa Barbara