Hi, I’m Kristi Starkey.

I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, but you might also call me a marriage counselor, couple’s counselor, psychotherapist or attachment specialist.

I would love to help you experience what it means to be known, loved, and accepted, and to feel worthy as you are—by working through fear, anxiety, guilt, and building healthy self-esteem. Together we will look at how your childhood relationships impact current relationships so that you have the opportunity to take risks and make new choices towards healthy relationships.  I use EMDR Therapy (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) to move you from debilitating impacts of trauma and pain to greater places of healing and emotional freedom. .

I have worked through my own childhood trauma, abandonment, and adult grief.  I have done the hard work myself and have learned to manage my own feelings of abandonment and gained insight into my own childhood trauma. I have first-hand experience balancing work and family and the challenges and blessings of being a step-mom to a step-son with autism and navigating blended family dynamics.

I would like to walk with you and help you gain the tools so that you will experience greater intimacy in your relationships.  I believe you will have control over your emotions, and will feel empowered in difficult situations.

I see clients in both Mission Viejo and Costa Mesa, CA, as well as virtually. I am also licensed in Utah. My credentials include:

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT 52051; 14241753-3902 (Utah)
Ordained Minister
EMDR Training Certificate of Completion