About Kiersten
Kiersten Kotaka (She/Her)
LMFT #121908
About Kiersten
Kiersten Kotaka
(She/Her)
LMFT #121908
Greetings,
My name is Kiersten Kotaka and I am the therapist/owner of Marin Youth Therapy in Corte Madera. I believe that therapy is about relationship, and I create a safe, nonjudgmental space to process reactivity and shutting down, while helping kids and parents learn critical skills for better coping with the inherent challenges of family life. I am a strengths-based, solution-focused therapist who uses a systems-based approach that encourages parents/caretakers to participate in the therapy of their child, adolescent or teen. As a mother of three, I recognize the emotional vulnerability triggered by childhood experiences, emotional sensitivities, and current stress.
My training and experience includes:
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a PPS-credentialed School Counselor
I have 13 years of experience in pre-k to 12th grade educational settings, supporting students who are in crisis, who have behavioral challenges, and/or who struggle with their mental health. I have advanced training and supervision in play therapy, and. I am comprehensively trained in dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and DBT for Adolescents and Families by Behavioral Tech. and I have also provided adherent DBT therapy, and have led skills groups in a group private practice.
I enjoy working with people who have disabilities, as well as their families, and provide neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ affirming care.
BA in Child Development and an MA in Counseling Psychology
I have created in-services and trained educational leaders on trauma-informed practices, suicide prevention and intervention, child abuse, and how to have compassionate, effective responses with kids exhibiting challenging behavior.
Certified UCLArts Social-emotional Arts Facilitator
I encounter and facilitate mindfulness with drumming, art, poetry and movement, and have led expressive art therapy groups for two years in a non-profit organization.
Volunteering
- I’m a board member of InSpirit Marin, a non-profit organization that supports people with quadriplegia, as well as their caregivers.
- I’m a member of the trauma-response team for Marin Medical Reserve Corp and provide crisis intervention.