Katie Aab , LMFT

Katie Aab is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Riverside, California, who brings nine years of clinical experience working in both community mental health settings and private practice. She earned a Master of Counseling Psychology from California Baptist University in 2013 and has supported people facing a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, bipolar disorder, substance use, obsessive compulsive behaviors, trauma and abuse, grief and loss, relationship and family difficulties, self-esteem and body image struggles, and challenges tied to life transitions.

Katie describes her approach as empathetic, goal oriented, and client centered, pairing warmth and nonjudgmental support with practical strategies. She draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to teach emotion regulation and distress tolerance skills, Solution-Focused Therapy to clarify goals and build on strengths, and Motivational Interviewing to support readiness for change. These methods are applied collaboratively to set clear objectives, process trauma when present, and help clients regain a sense of empowerment as they meet their goals.

Katie works with adults across a wide spectrum of concerns, including relationship and intimacy issues, addictions, caregiver stress, attachment difficulties, communication problems, and challenges related to midlife and life purpose. She offers a supportive environment designed to help individuals identify realistic steps forward and develop sustainable coping skills, guiding each person toward the outcomes they hope to achieve.

Approaches That Translate Well to Online Therapy

Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes an empathetic, nonjudgmental relationship where the therapist listens carefully and follows the client's pace, helping individuals feel heard while they explore values, goals, and personal strengths. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying unhelpful thought and behavior patterns and practicing practical strategies to change them - this approach is useful for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, DBT, teaches concrete skills for regulating emotions, tolerating distress, and improving interpersonal effectiveness, which can help with mood instability, intense emotions, and relationship challenges.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Katie works collaboratively with clients to assess needs, preferences, and goals, and then tailors interventions so the chosen methods fit the person rather than forcing a single model. This cooperative process is designed to adjust as progress unfolds.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, which allow for greater flexibility around work, family, and mobility constraints. These formats make it easier to access licensed professionals from home, maintain continuity of care during life transitions, and practice new skills in real time with support from a therapist.