My education, therapy approach and specialties:

While completing a graduate degree in sports kinesiology in Germany (M.S.), I gained more understanding of the connection between a healthy mind and body. This led me to continue with a masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (M.A.).

After graduating from Hope International University I gained experience working with various populations. I helped clients manage their anxious and depressive symptoms, increase communication plus parenting skills, process traumatic experiences and much more. 

Furthermore, I grew my therapeutic skills through qualified education and practice in: EMDR therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Parent Child Interaction Therapy.

My specialties are trauma related disturbances, anxiety and depression. I am an EMDR trained therapist and honorable member of the Francine Shapiro EMDR library since 2010 plus have been mentioned in the Journal: EMDRIA Newsletter, Vol 15, Issue 2. Furthermore, I have been a clinical member of the EMDR International Association and also have had the chance to work with Dr. Deborah Courtney, in providing EMDR for traumatized children by translating the EMDR Journey Game from English to German. 

Besides my experience with trauma, anxiety and depression, I also have vast insight in the psychological demands that are put on athletes in their sports. I have been a high performance athlete since the age of 10, with experience in playing for the youth volleyball national team of Germany, college as well as professional indoor and beach volleyball competitions nationally and internationally. My early introduction to sports including the accompanied psychological struggles caused me to write my M.S. thesis in a sports psychology related subject. As of today I am still involved in sports by volunteering my time in coaching young upcoming talents, being a member of the California Beach Volleyball Association plus the AVP and competing in local and national beach volleyball events. 

I am passionate about people receiving good therapy. In order to further that, I am teaching undergrad and graduate students about counseling at Hope International University. I am working on becoming an EMDR certified therapist plus continue to educate myself on the newest developments in the field. My goal is to be as helpful as possible for the people who decide to work with me.

Kathrin Winkler, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (Lic # 84283)