Katherine O’Blennis Yvanovich
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
AMFT #142635
Supervised by Lisa Macias, PhD Psy #32178
katie@mcaft.com
650-297-3400 x 7
Locations: San Jose
Fee: $170
Areas of Focus:
For Adults:
- Trauma & Attachment Healing
- LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy
- Anxiety, Stress & Depression
- Grief & Loss
- Life Transitions & Personal Growth
- Parenting Support (including supporting parents of anxious children)
- Adjustment to Parenthood & New Moms
- Women’s Issues
- Perfectionism, Self-Esteem & Self-Confidence
For Children & Teens:
- Trauma & Emotional Regulation
- Anxiety & Depression
- ADHD & Learning Challenges
- Peer & Friendship Struggles
- School-Based Stress
- Identity Formation & LGBTQ+ Affirming Support
- Grief & Loss
- Building Confidence, Resilience & Self-Esteem
For Families & Parents:
- Strengthening Parent-Child Relationships
- Supporting Parents of Anxious or Struggling Children
- Adjustment to Parenthood (including postpartum challenges)
- Parenting Teens & Young Adults
- Creating Safe & Affirming Homes for LGBTQ+ Youth
Modalities:
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) – Level 1 trained through IFS-I
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Attachment-Based Therapy
- Family Systems
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Existential Therapy
- Play Therapy
- Sand Tray Therapy
Background and Experience:
I believe therapy is a place to pause, breathe, and begin to make sense of our stories. My hope is to create a space that feels safe, welcoming, and supportive, where children, teens, adults, new parents, and families can show up as their authentic selves. I love walking alongside my clients through life’s ups and downs, bringing warmth, curiosity, and compassion so they feel truly seen and supported.
I work with people facing a wide range of experiences, including trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, self-esteem challenges, and major life transitions. I have a special passion for supporting new moms and parents as they adjust to parenthood. Becoming a parent can be both joyful and overwhelming, and I help parents navigate identity shifts, changes in relationships, and the emotional challenges that often come with this stage of life. My goal is to help parents feel grounded, understood, and more confident as they move through these transitions.
I also enjoy working with children and teens who may be struggling with school stress, ADHD, peer challenges, or questions of identity. With a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, two California teaching credentials, and years of classroom experience, I bring a deep understanding of child development and the challenges families face in school settings. I often work closely with parents to strengthen communication, build connection at home, and find practical strategies that support their child’s confidence and resilience.
I am deeply committed to creating an inclusive and affirming space for LGBTQ+ individuals and families. During my graduate training at Santa Clara University, I completed an LGBTQ+ emphasis and have received additional training in supporting LGBTQ+ clients across the lifespan. In my practice, I have supported youth exploring identity, adults navigating relationships and transitions, and parents seeking to better understand and support their LGBTQ+ children. This background allows me to hold space with compassion, cultural humility, and a deep respect for each person’s unique story.
In sessions, I draw from Internal Family Systems (IFS), psychodynamic, and attachment-based approaches, and I often bring in creativity through play therapy and sand tray when it fits. At the heart of my work is the belief that every person has the capacity for healing and growth when they feel safe, supported, and understood.
Before becoming a therapist, I was a Peace Corps Volunteer and a classroom teacher. Both roles deeply shaped how I see the world and how I show up with clients today. My time in the Peace Corps gave me a global perspective, cultural humility, and a lasting appreciation for resilience and connection. Teaching taught me patience, creativity, and a deep understanding of child development, as well as the joy of learning from kids themselves.
These experiences eventually led me to pursue my degree in Counseling Psychology and follow my passion for walking alongside people in their healing and growth. Now, as a therapist and a mom of three, I bring together professional training and lived experience. I understand the joys and complexities of family life, the challenges that come with parenting, and the strength it takes to navigate transitions. My experiences in teaching, service, parenthood, and clinical training all come together to shape the warm, grounded way I support children, teens, parents, and families in therapy.
Education:
M.A. Counseling Psychology, LGBTQ+ Emphasis Santa Clara University
B.A. American Multicultural Studies, Sonoma State University
M.A. Educational Leadership, San Jose State University
CA State Administrative Services Credential
CA State Professional Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
Additional Training:
Internal Family Systems (Level 1 trained thru IFS-I)
LGBTQ+ Emphasis from Santa Clara University