Kara Sunwell (she/her)

AMFT #149166, Supervised by Ellen Ottman, LMFT #124702

Person wearing a sleeveless top and pants, standing in front of a large green bush, smiling, with hands in pockets.

I approach therapy with a creative and open-minded perspective. My practice is shaped by a commitment to exploring unique and unconventional paths, guided by your individual needs and experiences. I am trauma-informed with a systemic and multicultural perspective. In our sessions, I serve as a guide, supporting you as you navigate the journey of self-realization and healing. I create a warm and supportive space where we can safely tackle challenging topics and inspire personal growth.

I blend Humanistic, Existential, Depth, Ecotherapy, Art, and Hakomi (Mindfulness and Somatics) modalities to address core issues, while also integrating practical solution-focused and CBT techniques to keep us focused and grounded. My passion extends beyond individual therapy to include community mental health, as I believe that healing is most profound when experienced collectively.

I warmly welcome all individuals, those with diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQIA, POC, neurodivergent, and anyone who feels ‘different.’ I look forward to partnering with you on your journey towards healing and growth.

I offer Individual Therapy, Couples Therapy, and Ketamine-Assisted Therapy in California.

Schedule a Consultation With Kara

People I Work With Could Be Described As:

Practices I Use:

FAQs

  • Individual Therapy $160/session

    Couples Therapy $175/session

    I’m out-of-network and can provide superbills for possible reimbursement. I keep a limited number of sliding-scale spots based on need and availability.

  • I support adults and couples navigating anxiety, trauma, life transitions, identity exploration, relationship stress, creativity blocks, burnout, eco-grief, and feeling “different” or out of place. My practice is LGBTQIA-affirming, neurodiversity-affirming, and culturally responsive.

  • I’m trauma-informed with a systemic and multicultural lens. I blend Humanistic, Existential, Depth, Hakomi (mindfulness + somatics), Ecotherapy, and Creative Arts with practical tools from solution-focused therapy and CBT. I’m a collaborative guide—warm, curious, and direct—so the work stays both meaningful and doable.

  • Hakomi is a mindful, body-oriented approach. We use gentle awareness to notice beliefs and patterns as they arise in the present moment, then create new experiences that support healing. It’s collaborative, experiential, and guided by your consent and pace.

  • When feasible, yes. We’ll choose a location together, consider privacy and accessibility, and create a plan for weather and comfort. If outdoor sessions aren’t possible, we can still weave nature-based practices into telehealth.

  • Yes. I offer secure telehealth anywhere in California. When appropriate and accessible, I may also offer Ecotherapy (nature-immersed sessions) in Los Angeles; we’ll discuss logistics, access needs, privacy, and comfort.

  • Book a free 15-minute consult. We’ll talk about your goals, fit, and schedule, and outline a starting plan. If I’m not the best match, I’m happy to offer thoughtful referrals.

Learn more about Kara

  • “Kara is truly a gift to anyone who has the pleasure of working with her. Her warm, compassionate approach and creative techniques make therapy a transformative experience. She's a therapist who supports each soul's unique journey with curiosity and grace.”

    - Leigh

  • “Kara has a delightful and considerate presence. She has an innate wisdom to her that is brave and supportive. Kara does beautiful work incorporating eco-therapy and mindfulness into her practice with clients. Consider yourself lucky to work with her.”

    - Shelly

  • “Kara has a finesse that goes beyond good training alone. Her talent for making clients feel deeply seen and accepted in all their multitudes springs from a blend of curiosity, care, and creativity that is as unique to her as it is effective for others.”

    - John

  • “Kara is a light. Guided by a deep connection to nature, her Clients are wrapped in a holistic approach to psychotherapy that creates safety and enduring growth and change. She is kind, warm, and intelligent and a fantastic therapist and human being.”

    - Erin

  • “Kara's presence is simultaneously reassuring and inspiring. She is a seeker with a verve for life. Kara guides you to brave the dark places inside you and embark on more expansive, emboldened path. Mindfulness, Hakomi, Somatics, Ecotherapy and much more!”

    - Tina

  • “Kara Sonwell is a grounded, compassionate clinician with a gentle presence and a gift for integrating nature-based and trauma-informed practices to support meaningful, embodied healing.”

    - Megan

  • “Kara's grounding, joyful presence makes it easy to feel at ease. She brings profound depth, playful energy, and exceptional clinical skill to her work. I feel truly fortunate to walk alongside her as a colleague on my psychotherapy journey.”

    - Calleen