About Karen Redding, Ph.D.

I hope that this site will give you a felt experience of how I think, work, and relate in my psychotherapy practice as a mental health professional and in my contemplative meditation practice as a group facilitator and teacher. I have been in private practice as a psychotherapist/ psychoanalyst for more than 25 years, and currently practice in Laguna Beach, CA.

I am licensed as a clinical social worker and completed post-graduate training as a psychoanalyst with a relational and contemplative focus. I work with individuals; provide clinical consultation & supervision; and facilitate psychoanalytic and social work oriented seminars for mental health professionals. Additionally, I have been involved in Facilitator and Teacher training for dharma and mindfulness based meditation instruction in the American Buddhist Vipassana tradition. I  teach a variety of Mindfulness based meditation classes for small groups, that allow for deeper intimacy and group process and facilitate Mindfulness based meditation Sitting Groups for the general public.

My practice as a mindfully oriented psychotherapist is informed by a variety of influences, including (but not limited to) a contemporary and relational psychoanalytic and psychodynamic perspective; a dedicated meditation practice that has been enriched by deeper courses of study and silent retreat experience; and my work as an artist and fine art photographer.

Given these influences, my work embraces both the world of the mind and  psyche as well as the larger world of social and existential issues and inquires. I think of it as an exploration and integration of ‘how the inside gets out and the outside gets in,’ such that we can carry more ease, authenticity, and freedom from unnecessary suffering.

If you are interested in meeting me for a consultation please contact me here.