Kristen Hornung (No pronouns, just say my name & She/Her)
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, PhD, LPCC2071, EMDR Certified Therapist™ by EMDRIA

Do you feel like you’re drained, burned out, stuck in your thoughts, or held back by the past? Have you been experiencing numbness, shutting down, feeling overwhelmed, or finding it difficult to relax and be present? Do you notice patterns of overthinking, perfectionism, or working hard to please others—yet still feeling like it’s never enough? Maybe you feel anxious in your relationships, struggle to set boundaries, or wish you could freely explore and express your identity without fear or judgment. If any of this resonates with you, I want you to know that you’re not alone. Therapy may be able to help you build resilience and coping strategies, heal from past wounds, and create a life that feels more authentic and fulfilling.
As a secular, queer therapist with a Ph.D. in Depth Psychology and certification in EMDR (an evidence-based trauma therapy), I specialize in working with individuals who may identify as intelligent, nerdy, creative, high-performing, or driven. I am passionate about helping people with histories of complex trauma, parent-child relationship problems, dissociation, over-thinking, over-functioning, people-pleasing, anxious attachment, and perfectionism.
Why I became a therapist:
My own recovery journey has helped me build a life worth living. I love to learn and I have a background in science (I earned my BA in Chemistry). I enjoy creative writing and finding joy in the little things—whether it’s spending time with my family, enjoying nature, or diving into a good book.
Client Focus
Session Format: Couple, Family, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Teen, Young Adult
Demographic Expertise: Asian, Hispanic / Latino, LGBTQ+, Men, Women clients.
Languages: English
Treatment Approach
- Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
- EMDR
- Family Systems
- Psychodynamic
Approach Description: My approach integrates evidence-based methods like EMDR, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills, and attachment theory, tailoring the process to your unique needs and goals. Whether you’re an anxious engineer, a deep thinker, or someone simply looking to better understand themselves, therapy is a space for you to explore, grow, and heal.
Education & Credentials
Kristen Hornung MA, PhD, LPCC2071, EMDR Certified Therapist™ by EMDRIA
- Female, Gender Fluid
- License # LPCC 2071
- Licensed in California
- Practicing Since 2011
Education: I graduated with my BA in Chemistry from Brown University in 2008, my MA in Counseling from University of San Diego in 2012, my Ph.D. in Depth Psychology with an emphasis in Depth Psychotherapy in 2018. I am an EMDR certified therapist by EMDRIA.
Finances
Fees
- Average Session Fee $200 for an approximately 50 minute psychotherapy session
- Out of Network
- I am an out-of-network provider. I can provide superbills with prior notice so we can discuss the logistics (such as diagnosis).
Kristen Hornung Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available In-Person in Encinitas, CA 92024 and Encinitas, CA 92024
- Available Online for residents of California
- Online Therapy Details: HIPAA-compliant Google Meet
I offer in person therapy in Encinitas, California, and virtual therapy throughout California. I generally work Mondays through Fridays from 9am to 3pm. I provide sessions in person by appointment only on Tuesdays and Friday afternoons at my office.