Karrie Pehle

Hello! My name is Karrie Pehle and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Modesto, California I work with clients statewide via telehealth. I have a Masters degree in Integral Counseling Psychology and have been working as a therapist since 1998. I work with adults and specialize in anxiety, stress, trauma, depression, relational issues, and relational trauma.

My approach

I practice a client-centered integrated approach that blends cognitive-behavioral, emotional and stress regulation, somatic and mindfulness techniques with a humanistic grounding in Gestalt and Existential Therapy. My strongest intention is to provide a safe space for clients to turn towards themselves while in a supportive therapeutic relationship to recognize, allow, accept, and explore their inner world including thoughts, feelings, body sensations, and spirit, as well as needs, wants, goals, and life purpose. In session I teach and support the practice of self-awareness, self-regulation, self-contact, and response skills to promote discovery and development of inner resources. With increased self-contact/self-awareness (presence), it is then possible to deepen understanding of how one comes into relationship with others and the world they live in. Clients are then in a position to create change in their lives.

My focus

I work with adults who are struggling with anxiety, overwhelm and stress, or depression, or are looking for support around life transitions, loss and grief issues, family stress and parenting challenges, relational issues, or relational trauma.

My communication style

It is my intention to respond to each of my clients with warmth and openness. I believe that my clients are the experts on themselves and that I serve as a catalyst, assistance, or guide to support them in working through and integrating unresolved issues. I am dedicated to deepening my understanding of others and practicing compassionate listening with non-judgmental, clear, and direct communication.

My journey to mental healthcare

I discovered I wanted to become a therapist after being in therapy myself following an identity crisis that emerged in my early 20s. I was terrified to see a therapist, expected to be evaluated, judged, labeled, and told what I was doing wrong and what I needed to do to be a better person. This is not what happened at all! I am grateful that I faced those fears and took the risk of opening up to someone who told me she was just a little farther on the path of life than I was. My life changed for the better and ongoing personal development became essential to me. My time as a client has greatly impacted the way I work as a therapist. I am deeply honored by those I work with who are willing to share their authentic selves.

My first session with you

I like to start by hearing from you what led you to seek therapy and get a good sense of what your life is like and what you are wanting to work on. I will ask a range of questions and give space for you to ask me questions also. I do not expect that you will trust me immediately and instead need time to open up. Therapy is a process and as we get to know each other, our work together will begin to unfold and take shape. Though we work as a team, you have the right to end services at any time.