CLIENT REVIEWS
“Ava helped me get through the most difficult time of my life. I was stuck, gripped with anxiety and depression, with no apparent way out. My life looks so different now than it did before therapy with Ava. I am so grateful - she is a God send.”
— KIM H.
“Knowing how to get at the heart of the matter is one of the things that makes Dr. Ava such a gem. She helped me with a plan that highlighted all the work I’d put into my life. Events that caused me to plunge into depression and paralyzed by anxiety interfered with my daily functioning, In the end, I was free from anxiety and depression, very satisfied and felt that I could move forward more easily.”
— H. S.
“Somehow, Dr. Ava manages to connect both as a compassionate confidante, and one who knows how to reframe my life with new meaning and purpose.”
— CHLOE T.
“Before Dr. Ava, I was a broken person - gripped with depression. I didn’t know what to do and how to carry on with the trauma and tragedy my family and I endured. It was the most painful experience yet, but Dr. Ava Kate was there with me every step to recovery. She listens, understands, and never over steps boundaries. Dr. Ava Kate gives educated thoughts and always makes sure you are comfortable hearing them. I can honestly say that because of her, I found life again and am at peace - free from anxiety. Losing my Dad in such a tragic way was a nightmare, but Dr. Ava Kate made sure she was there with me to help me cope and move forward. I highly recommend seeking counseling from Dr. Ava Kate and if I could give a thousand stars I would. Thank you, Ava for all that you’ve done and for all that you do. You are such an amazing person and am honored to have received assistance from you.”
— C.N.
Skilled Counseling Ensures Results
Dr. Ava is constantly improving herself, acquiring the most current certifications. She believes if you are paying for a service you should receive a skilled practitioner who uses evidence based practices and treatment. She is not simply a kind person. She equips you to think out of the box, problem solve, unearth options you you never thought of. She is equipped with interventions and treatment just talking with a friend, would not provide. She knows that when coping seems intolerable, and your emotions are raw ~ you’re feeling stuck - it is time to take action.
Education & Experience
Ava has a Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller Seminary's Graduate School of Psychology, and a Doctor of Leadership degree from Evangel University. Ava’s doctoral work focused on the psychological and characterological competencies that ensure long-term sustained impact for professional, goal oriented females in the 21st century. Dr. Ava specializes in anxiety, depression, and trauma related issues. She is trained in EMDR, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), has extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as well as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT.)
Building on over twenty-five years in mental health and leadership development for women, Ava has helped Orange County women successfully understand and master the ways in which the many currents of their lives interact and affect their emotional health.
Her capacity to believe in people after they’ve given up on themselves bears life transforming fruit. Her communication skills naturally opened opportunities to teach, write, and speak on mental health issues at the local, national, and international level. Her capable and compassionate care has taken her to various socioeconomic environments in other countries, providing diverse perspectives.
In addition to her thriving practice, she serves as Associate Professor on the faculty at Tyndale University training emerging therapists in their Graduate Clinical Counseling Program. She has taught at Vanguard University of Southern California, Evangel University, and Northwest University. She served as an MFT Intern at The Center for Family Therapy in Orange, CA, where she treated women crippled with trauma, anxiety and depression. Ava is a member of The California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists (CAMFT) and is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS.) She served as the Chairman of the board of directors for Adult & Teen Challenge USA & Canada, consisting of over 200 campuses. She is a Certified Life Mastery Coach with executive level training, where she studied with Olympic Gold Medalists and trained by the best in the industry, including Dr. Kirsten Wells, founding member of the Institute of Coaching at Harvard Medical School.
Your Story Is Unique
Are you a high level achiever, but feel you keep falling short? … fighting that inner critic ~ wondering if it is time to release an old dream to chase a new one? Or maybe life has thrown you a curve ball and you need new skills to transition to the next chapter. Whether it is the loss of a career, a relationship, death of a marriage, or any setback causing you anxiety or depression ~ remember, you are capable of being far more powerful than any condition, obstacle or challenge.
Your story matters - and I can help. I offer you a safe, quiet space in which you can find the answers. Life is too short to postpone a changed life, free of anxiety, depression and trauma. Renewal, a fresh perspective, with new results is possible. We will explore new skills and tools for a fresh start – one conversation at a time.
““You are capable of being far more powerful than any circumstance, condition, or obstacle!”
