― Viktor E. Frankl
About Kristian – Anxiety Therapist in California
Hi, I’m Kristian Brenes, LMFT an anxiety therapist in California, millennial, wife, mom of three, and coffee enthusiast. I’m passionate about helping millennials find relief from spiraling anxiety, constant self-doubt, and the weight of carrying it all. I believe therapy should feel human, hopeful, and modern: a space where you can feel safe enough to be real and supported enough to grow.
My passion is helping women who feel anxious, overwhelmed, and weighed down by self-doubt finally find relief and confidence again. I know how heavy it feels when anxiety is running the show and I also know how life-changing it is when you start to trust yourself, feel calmer, and breathe again. That’s why I love this work so much. When someone comes into therapy saying they feel stuck in spirals or exhausted from carrying it all, I can already see the transformation that’s possible for them and I can’t wait to help them get there.
I also practice what I teach. I believe in self-care, in finding little “joy moments,” and in taking care of yourself so you can show up fully for others. For me, that looks like family time with my husband and kids, laughter with my closest friends, a good workout, catching up on my favorite shows, and always, always coffee. Those small moments of joy are what refill us, and they’re just as important as the big breakthroughs.
One of my favorite lifelong coping tools is journaling. It’s where I’ve always turned to process overwhelming thoughts and find clarity, and it’s something I still recommend to my clients. That love for journaling even inspired me to create a line of guided journals to help women work through spirals, self-doubt, and stress with more intention and self-compassion.
My passion for this work runs even deeper than what I can do in the therapy room, and that’s what inspired me to begin writing my first book, Aligned: A Therapist’s Guide to Getting Over the Sh*t That’s Been Holding You Back. It’s my way of reaching more people who are struggling with anxiety, self-doubt, and the weight of past wounds and offering them hope, tools, and encouragement for healing, even if they never sit across from me in session. I’m so excited for readers everywhere to experience what it feels like to quiet their spirals, feel in control of their anxiety, and step into more confidence, clarity, and self-love.
What Sets Me Apart
Therapy with me isn’t about sitting in silence while I nod and take notes. My clients describe me as modern, relatable, and easy to talk too: someone who makes the hard work of healing feel safe, human, and even, at times, fun. Yes, therapy with me involves tears and deep healing work, but it also involves laughter, joking around, and honest conversations where you can bring your whole self (receipts, spirals, and all).
With over 13 years of experience, I specialize in helping people untangle anxiety, stop spiraling, and rebuild their confidence. I’ve worked with countless clients who walked in overwhelmed, drained, and unsure of themselves and I’ve seen them walk out lighter, calmer, and more sure of who they are. What sets me apart is the balance I bring: the clinical expertise of EMDR, solution-focused, and interpersonal therapy combined with the warmth of someone who genuinely cares about your healing.
When you work with me, you’ll get both hope and tools, the encouragement to know you’re not alone and the strategies to help you make real changes. I don’t just help you talk about your anxiety; I help you take control of it. My goal is always to help you leave each session feeling understood, supported, and more equipped to handle life outside the therapy room.
If you’re ready to invest in yourself, to quiet the spirals and finally feel like yourself again, I’d be honored to walk with you through the journey.
My Approach as a Therapist
I combine evidence-based approaches like Solution-Focused Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) with a modern, practical style that fits real life. That means:
Coping skills you can actually use in the moment.
Tools to help you manage spiraling thoughts and anxiety triggers.
Space to explore how past experiences still show up today.
Hope, accountability, and encouragement every step of the way.
I don’t believe therapy is “one size fits all.” Instead, I tailor our work to your needs so you feel supported, empowered, and capable of lasting change.
Why Work With Me?
Choosing a therapist is a big decision, and I know it’s also an investment. What sets our work apart is the balance I bring: the clinical expertise of over a decade in the field, blended with the humanity of someone who deeply cares about your healing.
I help my clients go beyond managing symptoms. Together, we get to the root of anxiety and self-doubt so you can feel calmer, more confident, and more connected to yourself and others. Therapy with me is about giving you both the tools and the confidence to use them, so you can stop spiraling and start living fully.
If you’re ready to invest in yourself, to find clarity, and to build the life you’ve been craving, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.
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I hold a Masters Degree in Psychology and have worked as a therapist for over 12 years specializing in trauma, attachment, anxiety, relationships, & more. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and I am trained in and implement Solution-Focused Therapy. I'm also trained in EMDR therapy and have an expertise in interpersonal & parent-child attachment.
I might be the right therapist for you if your goals are…
To go from anxiety & overthinking → to calm, clarity, & peace of mind
To go from self-doubt & insecurity → to self-confidence & self-worth
To go from feeling stuck → to finding direction & purpose
To go from negative, limiting beliefs → to an empowered, positive mindset
To go from people-pleasing → to asserting healthy boundaries
To go from trauma & unresolved emotional pain → to healing & emotional freedom
To go from struggles with relationships → to healthy, fulfilling connections
To go from constant worry about the future or regret about the past → to being present & focusing on what’s in your control
Getting started is simple. Whether you prefer texting, calling, or emailing, reach out in the way that feels most comfortable for you. Let’s begin your journey to feeling more confident and in control of your life.
