〰️ This is a place to exhale 〰️
Because you've spent so long focused on everyone else. Wanting to communicate your needs but not sure what they are, because somewhere along the way you've lost sight of yourself.
Hi, I'm Ariel — an EMDR & anxiety therapist for high-achieving women, helping you navigate people-pleasing, build stronger communication and boundaries, and reconnect with yourself.
Based in Carlsbad, CA · in-person & virtual anywhere in California
My approach
I specialize in working with high-achieving women navigating people-pleasing, communication struggles, and poor boundaries. Together, we slow things down to understand what's underneath these patterns, and find new ways to reconnect with what your body is trying to tell you.
Through our work, you'll build the confidence to communicate your needs, strengthen your boundaries, and develop a relationship with yourself built on trust — not just short-term coping.
My approach is warm, relational, and individualized. I believe meaningful change means sometimes sitting with discomfort. I work alongside you to navigate that process with the intention of helping you feel grounded, supported, and more connected to yourself.
Specialties
I help high-achieving women break free from cycles of people-pleasing, anxiety, burnout, and unresolved trauma by building boundaries, processing the past, and creating more sustainable ways of living.
A calm, confidential space where we slow down — and not only talk about your experience, but learn how to feel emotions rather than solely intellectualize them.
Book a free consult →EMDR helps reduce the emotional intensity of past experiences — chronic stress, relational wounds, or early experiences that still shape how you respond today.
Many clients integrate EMDR once a foundation of safety and self-awareness is established, moving beyond symptom management into lasting healing.
Book a free consult →Years of leading groups in residential facilities and outpatient clinics — process groups, conflict resolution, life skills, mindfulness and CBT.
Available to speak at conferences and to run webinars and workshops.
Get in touch →"Therapy isn't about fixing you. It's about helping you feel more grounded, present, and whole."
Ariel Klassen, LPCCMeet Ariel
I'm an LPCC in Carlsbad, CA, and I specialize in supporting high-achieving, anxious women who are juggling a lot on the outside while quietly feeling overwhelmed on the inside. Whether you're navigating a life transition, carrying old stress or trauma, or just tired of always being the one who says "I've got it," I'm here to help.
In our work together, you get a warm, grounded space to slow down, breathe, and actually understand what you're feeling — not just push through it. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and judgment-free.
Before becoming a therapist, I earned my B.S. in Dietetics and Chemistry from the University of Arizona. It wasn't until I returned to California that I realized my true passion: walking alongside others on their healing journey. I went on to complete my M.S. in Psychology in Fullerton, and now bring over 6 years of experience to my work.
My clinical background includes working with adolescents in residential treatment and adults in intensive outpatient care, focusing on both mental health and substance use. I'm EMDR trained, and continue to grow my expertise in trauma-informed approaches.
As both a clinician and a human — mother, wife, friend — I understand the courage it takes to begin this process.
— Ariel Klassen, LPCC
Rates
Paying out-of-pocket is a great option for people who want maximum privacy, confidentiality, and flexibility. I offer a free intro call before therapy, to answer questions and make sure we're a good fit.
Individual counseling — weekly or as agreed together.
Deeper, more focused trauma processing in a single extended session — ideal for moving through a specific memory, reducing distress more efficiently, or building momentum without the stop-and-start of shorter sessions.
FAQ
Yes, of course. If you have out-of-network insurance benefits, you're welcome to use them. Ariel is happy to submit claims on your behalf via Thrizer, or to provide a monthly superbill so you can coordinate with your insurance company directly.
Insurance typically reimburses 60–80% of the cost of each session once your deductible is met. Ariel is happy to check your benefits for you — just have your insurance card and Member ID handy during the free intro call.
That's what the free intro call is for. Ariel will ask why you're seeking therapy, tell you about her approach, answer anything not covered, and talk through rates, insurance and availability.
If you both decide it's a fit, you'll schedule a first appointment — a couple of quick forms to complete beforehand, plus a video link you can use every week.
Both. In-person work offers a grounded, relational space in Carlsbad; telehealth lets you attend from home with a stable connection and a phone, laptop or tablet — no commuting, no rushing, and sessions that can fit a lunch break.
Whether in person or online, the focus is the same: a supportive, grounded space where meaningful change can happen.
For therapists
The associate years are an exciting — and sometimes overwhelming — part of becoming a therapist. As you find your voice, navigate complex cases, and uncover the clinician you want to be, I'm here to walk alongside you.
A collaborative, relational style rooted in trust, respect, and curiosity. Trauma-informed guidance — especially for complex cases, young adults, and transitional life stages.
Case conceptualization, treatment planning and clinical documentation support, plus space to explore your therapist identity, style and voice.
Individual clinical supervision for AMFTs and APCCs working toward licensure in California, from an LPCC with 6+ years of experience in trauma, addiction, anxiety and life transitions.
Virtual or in-person, located in North County San Diego. Insight into residential treatment, outpatient settings and private practice. Supervision agreements and rates provided upon inquiry.
Contact
A free intro call, no commitment — just a conversation to see whether this feels like the right fit.
Schedule directly through the practice's booking calendar
Call or text to ask a question
1241 Carlsbad Village Dr #203, Carlsbad, CA 92011 · virtual anywhere in CA
Anxiety & trauma therapy, boundaries and people-pleasing
Together, we'll create space to reconnect with yourself, your goals, and what truly matters.
Book a free intro call