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Call or text: (858) 833‑1634

In-person in San Diego • Online across California

EMDR & Therapy for Anxiety, Overthinking & Perfectionism

Feel calmer, clearer, and more in control—without having to power through alone.

If your mind won’t shut off, your nervous system feels stuck on “high alert,” or you’re exhausted from holding it all together, therapy can help you find real relief and lasting change.

» Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

» Adults (18+)

» Trauma-informed care + EMDR available

» In-person San Diego + Telehealth across CA

*By submitting, you agree to be contacted to schedule your consultation. Not for emergencies.

If this sounds like you, you’re in the right place

You might be:

  • Constantly overthinking or “future-tripping”

  • Stuck in rumination, self-criticism, or mental noise

  • Holding yourself to impossibly high standards

  • Feeling wired but tired (or anxious + numb)

  • Trying to look “fine” on the outside while feeling overwhelmed inside

  • Avoiding things you care about because anxiety feels paralyzing

  • Ready for something that helps you feel better and creates real change

Call or text: (858) 833‑1634
A photograph of a woman's legs as she sits on a pile of rocks near the sea shore.

A steadier nervous system changes everything

Therapy here is focused on helping you:

  1. Quiet the noise and feel less reactive

  2. Build practical tools that work in real life (not just in session)

  3. Understand what’s driving the patterns — and shift them

  4. Feel more grounded in relationships and in your body

  5. Move from “managing symptoms” to lasting progress

You don’t have to be in crisis to start. You just have to be tired of staying stuck.

What it’s like to work together

A big part of healing is feeling heard, seen, and supported — not judged or rushed.

Many clients find that having a consistent, calming space each week helps their system settle so they can think more clearly, feel more steady, and make meaningful changes.

You can expect a collaborative approach — we’ll identify goals, build skills, and work at a pace that feels doable.

Book a free consultation

About Kate

I provide a steady, supportive space for adults who feel overwhelmed by anxiety, perfectionism, and the pressure to hold everything together. My approach is trauma-informed, practical, and grounded in nervous-system regulation — so you can feel real change, not just temporary relief.

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

  • Trauma-informed care + EMDR available

  • In-person in San Diego + Telehealth across California

Call or text: (858) 833‑1634

Process

How we’ll get started

1

Free Consultation

Ask questions, get a feel for my style, and decide if this feels right.

2

Clarify what you want to change

We’ll identify patterns, triggers, goals — and what’s keeping things stuck.

3

Build tools + create real movement

This may include nervous-system skills, insight work, and (if appropriate) EMDR.

EMDR 

EMDR is available when you want deeper, faster relief.

For some people, talk therapy alone isn’t enough—especially when anxiety is tied to past experiences, fear responses, or stuck emotional patterns.

  • Reduce the emotional charge of distressing memories

  • Shift how your brain and body respond to triggers

  • Create new, healthier pathways for safety and confidence

  • Make progress that you can actually feel

We’ll only use EMDR if it’s a good fit for your goals and you feel ready.

Book a free consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — online sessions are available across California. Many clients choose virtual for convenience, while others prefer in-person.

Not necessarily. EMDR can help with anxiety, fears, and stuck patterns — we’ll decide together what fits.

Rapport matters. The free consultation is a chance to see if you feel comfortable, heard, and supported — and if my approach matches what you’re looking for.

Yes. I work with adults navigating eating disorder recovery. Because eating disorders affect mind and body, I typically recommend a team approach (medical support + dietitian when appropriate).

I don’t accept insurance directly, but many clients use out-of-network benefits. I can provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.

Areas I commonly help with

  • Anxiety & chronic overthinking

  • Perfectionism / high-pressure standards

  • Stress, burnout, and emotional overload

  • Trauma and PTSD symptoms

  • Depression related to anxiety or overwhelm

  • Grief and life transitions

  • Eating disorder recovery support (as part of a coordinated care team)

Client Testimonials

“Choosing to work with Kate Smiley was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for myself. From our very first session, I felt like I was talking to someone who not only listened but truly understood me. It’s like she has this innate ability to see through the layers and get to the heart of what’s really going on. With Kate, I’ve laughed, I’ve cried, and I’ve had those ‘aha’ moments that have shifted my perspective in profound ways. She has this way of gently nudging me out of my comfort zone while still making me feel completely supported and accepted. What I love most about Kate is that she’s not just there to nod and agree with me. She challenges me, she pushes me, and she holds me accountable in the most loving way possible. It’s like having a cheerleader, a coach, and a trusted confidant all rolled into one. I’ve grown so much since starting therapy with Kate, and I’m grateful every day for her guidance. She has helped me navigate some of life’s toughest moments with grace and courage, and I can’t imagine where I’d be without her.”
C.L.G
“As a former firefighter who currently works in the film industry, I was carrying around a lot of trauma that was leaking not only into my work life but also into personal relationships. Smiley has not only taught me how to manage my anxiety but has also helped release trauma and overall have a better outlook on life. She was an immediate safe place whom I wish I had met much earlier!”
J.A.
“The moment I met Kate during our first session, I immediately knew that she was going to be the person for me. She is so warm and her presence makes you feel safe. Her energy brings so much light to difficult times. Her drive, excitement, and overall love for her clients are just a few qualities that make Kate an incredible therapist”.
M.P.
“Kate Smiley is such a gift in my life, she is sunshine personified. Kate is compassionate, thoughtful, understanding, and knowledgeable. She always makes me feel safe, comfortable, and heard/understood. Kate provides me with strategies and so much guidance in many different aspects of my life. She has already made such a positive impact on my life and I am very fortunate to work with her.”
N.R.M

Ready for a calmer, more grounded life?

If you’ve been carrying a lot for a long time, you don’t have to keep doing it alone. A free consultation is a low-pressure way to take the first step.

If you’re in immediate danger or crisis, call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or 911. This page is not monitored for emergencies.

Kate Smiley, LCSW • Re-Imagine • Therapy In-person: San Diego, CA • Telehealth: California