Meet Our Therapists
Kathryn de Bruin
Born and raised in South Africa a number of my first milestones were achieved in this beautiful, dynamic country.
Amongst these were completing my schooling, a Bachelors of Arts in Social Work, as well beginning my work experience in a private practice in South Africa’s capital city Pretoria. It was there that I facilitated preventative programmes in schools and practiced child therapy.
Alongside my husband, we moved to Aachen, Germany, for two years, an experience which enabled me to explore the human psyche in terms of environment adjustments and change management. It was after this two year period that my husband and I moved to San Diego, USA. Having lived in various countries, experiencing and working with different ethnic groups, I have become better equipped to relate to and counsel individuals dealing with life changes and challenges.
In 2004, having lived in San Diego for four years, I attained my Masters of Arts at Bethel Seminary, graduating Summa Cum Laude. It was during my training and internship that I was able to work in a variety of settings to gain the experience and expertise required for effective psychotherapy.
I have a passion to empower individuals and families to attain a higher standard of functioning. I am therefore licensed in California as a Marriage and Family Therapist, a registered Play Therapist Supervisor and an Emotionally Focused Therapy Supervisor. I am also passionate about supervising and consulting other professionals who work with children, families and couples. This includes weekly individual and group supervision to trainees and interns of the non-profit Alliant Couple and Family Clinic.
I am a wife and a mother of three children. This experience has enabled me to reflect on the significance of Child Therapy as well as Marital Therapy and given me the life experience necessary to interact with clients and professionals alike, ensuring a meaningful, sustainable connection.
Kimberly Sandstrom
“After growing up in Northern California, Kimberly, completed her B.S. Psychobiology degree at the University of California, Davis. After a short career in pharmaceutical sales, Kimberly stayed home to raise her children until finishing her M.A. in Marriage & Family Therapy at Bethel Seminary, San Diego, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Kimberly worked in the field of alcohol and drug addiction, with families, as a volunteer, and completed her internship with the Center for Grief & Care at San Diego Hospice.
Kimberly has served in various ministries and held leadership positions through her church and integrates biblical principles into her practice with faith-based clients. For non-faith based clients, Kimberly’s clinical training and clinical background provide a safe & calm environment in which to explore even the most troubling issues.
Kimberly is passionate about reconnecting couples in distress, especially after infidelity. Her training in Emotionally Focused Therapy & EMDR, grief counseling, and special clinical training in treating couples after infidelity provide her with a basis in which to understand couples special needs during difficult times.
Personally, Kimberly has been married for 25+ years and with her husband has raised three daughters, who are now adults. She is familiar with and understands the challenges marriages face in raising a family and navigating daily life while staying connected with each other over time.
“I’m hopeful and handy when it comes to matters of the heart. My own heart is for relationships–reflection, restoration & repair. I work with individuals, couples & families to create emotionally safe and enduring connections in your most cherished relationships. It is my honor to be invited into this intimate space with you.” ~Kimberly
Education:
University of California, Davis B. S. Psychobiology
Bethel Seminary, San Diego, Masters in Marriage & Family Therapy
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist MFC #80011
Additional Training:
Emotionally Focused Therapy: Core Skills, Advanced Core Skills, First Sessions, EFT&Affairs
EMDR: Level 1 & 2 Training
Torn Asunder: Dave Carder, Healing Affairs Workshop
Prepare/Enrich: Certified P/E Facilitator, Pre-Marital Counseling
www.kimberlysandstrom.com
Alair Olson
Here’s a little bit about my journey…
I grew up in San Diego, finished high school in Pasadena and went to college in Santa Barbara. Somewhere along the way, I realized that I love hearing other people’s stories and walking alongside them as they grow, struggle, fight and transform. I moved back to San Diego and shortly thereafter began attending Bethel Seminary to pursue a career in marriage and family therapy.
Since that time, I gained extensive experience working with grief and loss at San Diego Hospice and the Institute for Palliative Medicine. I also spent two years at Alvarado Parkway Institute Outpatient Services, working alongside men and women with chronic mental illness. I have always dreamed of transitioning into private practice and am excited and grateful for the opportunity to work for Kathryn. My areas of interest include using Emotionally Focused Therapy with couples and families, play therapy, trauma, and the integration of faith and therapy.
Personally, I am a happily and newly married wife to my incredible husband. I am a lover of all things wilderness and outdoors. I value my friendships, my garden, and my rest. Excited for this next step in my journey!
Education:
Play Therapy Certificate (in progress), UCSD
Completion of EFT Externship
Leadership Certification, Theodyssey Spiritual Formation
Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy, Bethel Seminary San Diego
Certified PREPARE-ENRICH Instructor
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, Westmont College
Marriage & Family Therapist Registered Intern #64736
Experience:
Treatment Coordinator, Alvarado Parkway Institute Outpatient Services
Counselor, Point Loma Nazarene University
Counselor, San Diego Hospice & The Institute for Palliative Medicine
Intern Chaplain, San Francisco General Hospital
Workshops & Groups:
Grief and Loss
Family of Origin
EFT, Attachment Theory & Faith
www.alairolson.com
Mariah McQueen
“I grew up in a very creative home which had a hand in inspiring my degree in Art History from SDSU. However, after graduating, I realized that a career in the art world was not relational enough for me. After seeing a Spiritual Director and experiencing the acceptance, understanding and empathy that comes from a therapeutic relationship, I realized that what really brings me fulfillment is the ability to offer those things to others. I attended Bethel Seminary, receiving a Masters in Marital and Family Therapy, so that I could gain the skills and knowledge to have a tangible, positive impact on the lives of others. In therapy, I have a heart for creating inviting spaces where my clients feel safe and affirmed in being where they are – and exploring together the possibilities for growth and healing.
In practice, I come from an Emotionally Focused Therapy perspective. I believe that all people were created with the need to know and be known by others. I am passionate about working with clients to help them understand their emotional needs for closeness and connection, how unmet needs cause disconnection, and how more helpful ways of connection are possible. My hope for all my clients is that they would experience connection and healing, and I believe this comes from feeling the safety and freedom to share what is really going on inside. My job as a therapist is to create that sacred space and offer support through the uncharted waters of pain and disconnection.
Being involved in my church community is a love of mine and I have held various leadership and mentor positions over the years. I came to faith later in life and am very familiar with issues that arise in the exploration process when it comes to spirituality. My hope is that, regardless of where my clients are in their faith process or background, they would feel that that piece of them is welcome and honored in therapy.
On a personal note, I live in San Diego with my husband and we love taking advantage of all that this great city has to offer. Adventures outdoors, walks to a coffee shop, and spending some quality time with family and friends are how I keep myself physically, mentally and spiritually tuned up. I also enjoy being creative – dancing, crochet, and (more recently) gardening are my main outlets.
Looking forward to hearing how I can support you on your journey!”
Education:
B.A. in Art History – SDSU
M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy – Bethel Seminary
Additional Trainings:
HAP EMDR Training Workshop – Part 1 2014
PREPARE ENRICH Certified
Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference 2013
Christian Association of Psychological Studies (CAPS) 2011 – 2014
Member of CAMFT
Books that have changed me:
Compassion – Henri J.M. Nouwen, Donald P. Mcneill, & Douglas A. Morrison
Wounded Healer – Henri J.M. Nouwen
The Gift of Being Yourself – David Benner
Daring Greatly – Brené Brown
Jenny Mehrer
During my senior year of high school I was assigned a project to research careers I was interested in. At that time I had two areas of interest: psychology and physical therapy. Both were disciplines where I got to help people but in very different ways. I entered into college on a path to pursue Kinesiology and to become a Physical Therapist. My path changed after completing an introductory psychology class my first semester of college. I discovered that I love listening to others, thinking about their issues, and teaming with them to enhance their journey of life. I have been passionate about learning and understanding people, relationships and society’s impact on others ever since.
In graduate school I was placed at Rady Children’s Hospital for my training. I gained invaluable experience and training while working there. This lead me to become a school based therapist for the YMCA of San Diego, where I was able to see how the school environment impacts child and family functioning. I returned to Rady Children’s to work in the Chadwick Center and Outpatient Psychiatry, receiving training in working with trauma, anxiety, depression, eating disorders and mindfulness
I have lived in San Diego for the past 12 years. I am a wife and a new mom. This allows me understand some of challenges that come along with marriage, merging families and parenthood. I enjoy spending time at the beach, going on walks with our dog, baking and practicing yoga.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #91003
Education and Affiliations:
Play Therapy Certificate (in progress), UCSD
DBT and Eating Disorders, UCSD
Certified in PREPARE-ENRICH
Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy, Alliant International University
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Point Loma Nazarene University
CAMFT member
Experience:
Therapist, Rady Children’s Outpatient Psychiatry
Therapist, YMCA of San Diego County
Case Manager, Jewish Family Services of San Diego
