Kate Stahl-Kovell, AMFT, PhD

Nearly 1 in 10 pregnancies result in trauma, but finding a therapist who truly understands how to support birth parents and their families can feel incredibly difficult.

I’ve walked through the darkness myself, both as a parent and a clinician, and have recovered from symptoms of trauma. That lived experience informs the deep empathy and clarity I bring to every session.

I specialize in supporting birth parents and families healing from birth trauma, postpartum depression (PPD), and postpartum anxiety (PPA). My approach is compassionate, grounded, and trauma-informed. I aim to create a space where you feel deeply seen, safe, and supported as you reconnect with your strength and self-trust.

In addition to supporting birth parents, I also work with clients navigating chronic illness, miscarriage and infant loss, gender identity exploration, and relationship challenges, including polyamory and consensual non-monogamy (CNM).

With advanced training in trauma therapy and maternal mental health, I draw from the Comprehensive Resource Model (CRM) and Systemic Therapy to help clients process their experiences in a way that feels steady and empowering. Many people I work with share that they feel “so held” in our sessions, which is exactly what I hope for: therapy that restores connection to yourself, to your body, and to the people you love.

Imagine one hour a week where you get to make a hot cup of tea, get your feet up, and exhale. One hour where you get to feel your feet on solid ground and unload all that you’ve been carrying on your own.

You deserve to be heard. You deserve to feel good in your body. You deserve to feel safe. You deserve to be here.

My fees for therapy are $175 for individual therapy and $200 for couples and family therapy. I offer virtual therapy throughout California, Click here to read more about our rates and other frequently asked questions..

Click below to schedule a consultation, call me directly at 562-548-7639 or email kate@empowertherapyandcoaching.com

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Education & Training

Kate holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Syracuse University and became a registered clinician in California in 2022. She formerly served as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology and Health (JOPPPAH), and has published work on birth, trauma, and maternal mental health. She is a passionate advocate for trauma-informed maternal care and for equity and safety within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Credentials

Registered Member, British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, UK (MBACP #01038631)

Member, Association for Family Therapy and Systemic Practice, UK (#75385748)

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, California (#147810) under the supervision of Sam Weiss Licensed Clinical Social Worker, #86590.