Karina Barretto, LPCC
(she/her/hers)
About Me
I work with people who have experienced trauma in many forms, including abusive relationships and high-control or coercive religious groups. These experiences often involve a loss of autonomy, confusion around identity, and difficulty trusting your own thoughts and instincts. My perspective is shaped by my own story of growing up in a non-traditional environment and feeling unsure where I belonged as a young adult. Therapy helped me build a stronger sense of identity and direction, and that experience continues to inform how I show up for my clients.
In our work together, I focus on helping you rebuild trust in yourself, process the impact of control or indoctrination, and reconnect to the world around you. Whether you’re navigating life after leaving a high-control group or working through the lasting effects of trauma, I offer a space that is steady, nonjudgmental, and grounded in respect.
I believe trauma recovery isn’t about “fixing” who you are but about understanding what you’ve been through and reclaiming your sense of self. If this sounds like a helpful approach, please contact me for a complimentary consultation.
More information about me can be found at my website, bluetansytherapy.com.
Education & Experience
I have over a decade of experience in the mental health field. Previous settings I have trained or worked in include a help line, a domestic violence shelter, and a residential treatment program.
I completed my Bachelor of Science in Psychology at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (2017) and my Master of Science in Counseling at Mount Mary University (2020).
Professional & Volunteer Affiliations
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists- San Francisco Chapter
Specialty Area
- Abuse/Neglect
- Anxiety/Panic Attacks
- Family Issues
- Marriage/Relationship Issues
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Sexual Abuse
- Stress Management
- Survivor's Guilt
- Traumatic Incident
Population Served
- Adults
- Expats
- Immigrants
- LGBTQ+
- Seniors
Language
- English
Insurance
- Aetna
- Sliding Scale
- UnitedHealth