Christopher Koelln

You want to make a change. You are tired of that little voice inside your head that tells you you're not good enough even though you try so hard. You no longer want to wake up in the morning dreading the day or go to bed with so many thoughts racing that you can't sleep. Or maybe it is the opposite and you feel like you want to sleep all the time. You have been dealing with high anxiety, depression, difficulties in your personal relationships, or traumatic experiences, that have affected your well-being and way of life. And most of all, you just want to be happy, joyous, and free. If you relate to any of the statements above, it is time to make a change and the time is now! And it is easier than ever because I provide online therapy appointments where you can participate in therapy from the comfort of your own home. In addition, I can be reached either by phone or email with a quick turnaround for replies. Who am I? I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with a master's degree in social work and have over 7 years of experience working as a Mental Health Therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, and trauma. I also have experience and training working with individuals with substance use disorders. I personally have served in the military and have seen first-hand the difficulties that come with trauma, depression, anxiety, and substance use.

My approach

My approach combines cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance & commitment therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR). I tailor your goals and objectives in therapy to meet your specific needs. But also - I'm here to listen.

My focus

I work with individual adults dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use.

My communication style

My counseling style is guided by four core principles - empathy, acceptance, compassion, and kindness.

My journey to mental healthcare

I was not one of those children who knew he was going to become a therapist when he grew up. I was always fascinated with learning about the mind, but I always knew I was going to join the military, which is where I found my love for therapy. I was an exemplary student in school, serving as president of the student council, making good grades, and winning what was called the “Hope of America” award from a rotary club. I grew up in a military family and moved throughout childhood and landed in California during high school. I joined the US Army when I was 18 and was in Iraq for my 19th birthday. I lost some close friends in Iraq and hit a lot of roadside bombs as well. But what became the most difficult to deal with was when a close friend of mine took my spot on a mission and did not make it back from that mission. After coming home from Iraq, I realized that I needed to ask for help, and so I did. This is a big step – for a person to ask for help. I processed this experience through a therapy model called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and learned coping skills from a therapy model called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I am now trained in EMDR and CBT and have vast knowledge and experience in these therapy models. I also have training and experience in Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). Today I am happy, useful, and full of hope. I’m excited to wake up in the morning and able to go to sleep when I put my head on the pillow. I have found purpose, peace, and passion in life and I know you can too. When obstacles arise, I now have the coping skills I need to navigate those obstacles. I really do feel I have found my purpose in life. I have personally seen the devastation that trauma, anxiety, depression, and substance use can cause in a person’s life. It was through these experiences that I realized that what I really wanted to do was help individuals overcome struggles with trauma, anxiety, and depression. If it worked for me it can work for you too. You are not alone. I am here to help.

My goals for you

I want to help you accomplish your goals in life including developing coping skills, decreasing mental health symptoms, improving relationships, processing trauma, and/or reducing/stopping substance use. You deserve to find happiness. You deserve to feel joy. You deserve to be free. You are not alone.