Tina Karimi, LMFT
About Me
Hi! I’m Tina Karimi, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in San Diego, California. I am a first-generation Afghan-American woman with a passion for understanding human behavior and relationships. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been deeply curious about the “why” behind emotions and what triggers them. Over time, I came to understand that our emotions are highly influenced by the people around us—and it is so beautiful to know that we can care and love others so deeply that it can sometimes hurt. As human beings, we are wired for connection and naturally seek co-regulation with others, we just have to know the best ways to do it.
I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2015 and my Master’s degree in Psychology in 2019, with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. I have worked in the mental health field since 2015 and have extensive experience with a wide range of populations. My background includes working with all ages (elder adults, teenagers, children, adults) in various settings. I have provided care in outpatient settings for individuals with severe mental illness and substance use. I later expanded my work to include high achieving individuals who struggle with life skills surrounding stress management, anxiety, depression, grief, interpersonal relationship challenges, work stress, life skills, trauma, and intimacy concerns.
Throughout my journey, I was able to narrow down my ideal client as being primarily couples. My passion for working with couples deeply stems from my parents’ relationship, which began as an arranged marriage. As a teenager, I closely observed their dynamic and felt a strong desire to help them grow in comfort, intimacy, and vulnerability. Thirty-eight years later, they are still happily married and standing strong.
On a personal level, I am married as well—in an interracial marriage with a blended family. These lived experiences have deepened my relatability, empathy, and insight, and they meaningfully impact the way I support the couples I work with.
My goal as a couples therapist is to utilize research-based modalities to ensure that therapy is effective and leads to lasting change. My approach is warm, direct, culturally sensitive, and collaborative, with a strong emphasis on working together as a team! (P.S. I am not a passive therapist, I like to be direct and call things out as I see them in live time).
Evidence-Based Modalities I USE:
The Gottman Method: A highly practiced, research-based approach to couples therapy designed to help partners move from conflict to connection. Rooted in 50 years of research, this method focuses on building a strong foundation for relationships by strengthening three key areas: friendship, conflict management, and shared meaning. Clients are provided with practical tools to use both inside and outside of therapy sessions, ensuring that treatment remains hands-on and effective.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): A structured, evidence-based approach to individual psychotherapy that is effective in treating trauma and PTSD. In Cognitive Processing Therapy, we work collaboratively to understand how trauma has impacted your thoughts and emotions, identify beliefs that may be keeping you stuck, and develop healthier ways to relate to your experiences. This approach aims to reduce distressing symptoms such as anxiety, avoidance, and emotional numbness, making it a valuable option within marriage and family therapy.