DR. KATIE ARFA
Evidence-based therapy specializing in health conditions and lifestyle medicine
DROWNING?
If you've found your way here, chances are that you or someone you love is feeling:
overwhelmed
hopeless
sick
exhausted
frustrated
numb
fearful
in pain
worthless
frantic
useless
lost
confused
powerless
stuck
It's not your fault.
Our schools don’t teach us how to have healthy bodies, minds, or relationships.
Our reactive healthcare system typically treats symptoms instead of looking for root causes.
Our government permits the use of foods and substances that are known to disrupt brain functioning and other aspects of health.
It’s like being thrown into rough water without any swimming lessons.
HOW THERAPY CAN HELP
trauma, stress,
relational & lifestyle toxicity
chronic
physical & mental "illness"
unhelpful coping & lifestyle habits
increased
inflammation, stress &
dysregulation
Traditional therapy works by identifying and adjusting the cognitive, behavioral, and emotional ways we react to uncomfortable experiences in our lives.
Unfortunately, most treatments ignore lifestyle factors like sleep, nutrition, and exercise that heavily influence our physical and mental health...even though chronic inflammation is now known to be a major factor in many mental health conditions.
My approach incorporates psychological and lifestyle functioning that helps reduce inflammation, re-tune the nervous system, balance the microbiome, and improve mind and body health in a comprehensive way.
What is Health Psychology?
"Health psychology examines how biological, social and psychological factors influence health and illness. Health psychologists use psychological science to promote health, prevent illness and improve health care systems."
~ American Psychological Association
WHAT TO EXPECT
We don’t always have the benefit of knowing what to expect in life.
However, when it's possible to set expectations it can make things a lot easier. Here's what you can expect if you choose to work with me.
WE'LL FOLLOW 4 SIMPLE STEPS:
Phone consult
It's important to me to hear what you're looking for and make sure I am the right person to help.
First Session
We have a conversation that introduces me to who you are and what has caused you to feel stuck.
Goal Setting
Collaboratively, we identify goals that will help you exit the feedback loop and start moving forward.
New Perspective
Start implementing changes that have the power to modify how you think and feel.
Areas of Specialty
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Anxiety & Depression
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Chronic & Complex illness (including Long COVID, ME/CFS, POTS, EDS, MCAS, Lyme, dysautonomia, etc.)
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Autoimmune disorders
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IBS, IBD, Gastrointestinal Disorders
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Chronic Pain
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Insomnia & Sleep Issues
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Gut/Brain Axis & Microbiome Health
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Diabetes
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Binge Eating & Weight Management
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Dementia & Caregiver Burnout
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Exercise & Cognitive Performance
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Smoking Cessation
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Post/Peripartum Depression & Anxiety
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Trauma-related Conditions
Treatment Modalities
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBTi)
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EMDR
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Polyvagal Theory
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Family Systems
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Lifestyle Medicine
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Mindfulness
My practice welcomes and supports all humans. This includes variations of age, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, financial means, education, and political perspective.
Humans are built to be resilient...
but our biology cannot thrive unless we have support from others.
If you’re tired of feeling overwhelmed, being at war with your body, or questioning which direction to go, I can help you develop tools and a new plan that will put you back in charge.
CHANGE YOUR PATH
Through therapy, I will help you:
-- recognize how your brain and body are designed to protect you --
-- identify the patterns and influences that are keeping you stuck --
-- gain a better understanding of how your body and mind influence each other --
-- develop tools that can make a difference in how your mind and body feel --
-- learn how your personal programming shapes your biological health and personal relationships --
-- experience relief by shifting patterns and implementing new ways of responding to stressors --
CONTACT ME
I encourage you to give me a call to schedule a complimentary consult. I would love to provide you with some clarity about where to go from here.
11500 W Olympic Blvd, Suite 460
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Parking is available via meters on the nearest streets, for free in
adjacent neighborhoods, and for a fee underneath the building.
The parking entrance is located off Colby Ave.
If I'm not the right person to help you out, I will connect you with someone who can.
"Your body is your most priceless possession.
Take care of it."