(805) 882-2424 x 308
khyatt@ftisb.org
Education, Professional Training & Publications
B.A. in Social Ecology, Specialization in Psychology and Social Behavior, U.C. Irvine 1993
M.A. in Clinical Psychology, Healthy Aging Specialization, Antioch University 2014
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (97295, State of California)
Treatment Philosophy / Approach
I work with all ages across the lifespan, which encompasses individuals, teens, children, couples, and families. I believe therapy is a collaborative journey, and I feel honored to walk alongside my clients as they navigate life’s challenges and transitions. I provide a non-judgmental and empathic space to explore thoughts, feelings, and relationships. My approach is integrative, holistic, and comprehensive. I utilize concepts from Family Systems Theory, Psychodynamic Theory, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I view the therapeutic process as a tool to help my clients explore meaningful ways for strengthening their relationship to self and others, as well as increasing resiliency and improving functioning in all life domains.
Professional and Volunteer Experience
My clinical training and experience has included working with diverse client populations. I completed my clinical hours working as an MFT Intern at The Mental Wellness Center, Community Counseling & Education Center, Ellwood Elementary School, and Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital/Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine Unit. I joined the Family Therapy Institute in 2014. Additionally, I have taught master’s level clinical psychology courses at Antioch University Santa Barbara, as an Adjunct Faculty member. My clinical experience includes positions at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital as a Clinical Counselor on the unit for Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine, and Cottage Residential Center as an Admission’s Facilitator. In addition to my private practice, I also continue to work for Cottage Health in Employee Counseling Services. Additionally, I am a Clinical Supervisor for MFT Trainees/Associates completing hours for licensure.
I have greatly enjoyed being active in the community of Santa Barbara since 1993. My community involvement has included Starr King Parent-Child Workshop, Peabody Charter School, Girl Scouts of America, Santa Barbara Soccer Club, and National Charity League.
Professional Specialties/Expertise
Individual Therapy including issues related to anxiety, depression, bipolar, panic attacks, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, grief and loss, chronic health conditions, and substance use disorders, ADD/ADHD, and learning disabilities
Family Therapy including issues related to parenting, life stage transitions, blending families, school related issues, abuse in the family, extended family/ in-law conflicts, substance use disorders, court involved cases, and co-parenting
Couples Therapy including issues related to communication challenges, dating, premarital support, separation, divorce, intimacy, and sexual problems
Personal Life
Outside of my work as a therapist, I’m a proud mother to four amazing adult children—one son and three daughters—and a spirited chihuahua rescue mix who runs my household. I find joy in reading, listening to music, getting lost in a great movie, spending time with friends and family, tackling home projects, and walking in the beauty of nature. Yoga is one of my favorite ways to recharge and stay grounded. I try to approach life with curiosity, presence, and humor.