Therapy that is holistic, culturally attuned & trauma conscious
A therapeutic journey for those caught between cultural expectations and personal needs. I offer a compassionate space where high-achievers, caregivers, and individuals navigating cultural complexity can find both validation and transformation.
Thanks for being here!
I’m Caitlin Blair, LCSW
I support people who are thoughtful, high-achieving, and often harder on themselves than anyone else is. Folks who look like they’re doing fine from the outside but feel overwhelmed, stuck, or like they’ve lost touch with who they are. I’m multiethnic Chinese American and many of my clients are AAPI, mixed-race, or multicultural, and I also work with college students, young professionals, and couples navigating identity, stress, and big life shifts.
Before I was a therapist, I was the “go-to” person for a lot of people. I even wrote my college essays about being the “mom” of my friend group. I demonstrated how capable, responsible, and good at reading the room I was all the time. But under the surface, I often felt anxious, overwhelmed, and unsure how to make space for myself without over-analyzing after the fact. Starting my own mental health journey gave me language for what I was experiencing, and space to figure out what I actually wanted—without the full weight of everyone else’s needs and expectations.That’s a big part of why I do this work now.
I want you to realize that your crazy busy schedule, plethora of activities, and over-giving behaviors aren’t necessary for keeping anxiety at bay. There are other ways and I’m happy to help you discover them. Most of my clients come to therapy feeling tired, unsure where to start, and like something needs to shift. Over time, they usually begin to feel more clear, more connected, and more like themselves again. They discover a sense of personal balance that feels in line with themselves, their culture, and their family.
My Philosophy
Mind-Body-Spirit Alignment & Restoring Balance
My therapeutic approach weaves together evidence-based practices with cultural attunement, creating a unique way of healing that respects where you come from while supporting where you want to go. By integrating somatic techniques, trauma-conscious methodologies, and Eastern philosophical wisdom, we create a holistic path that addresses both mind and body. In our work together, you'll discover practical tools to navigate anxiety, set healthier boundaries, and find sustainable ways to honor both your responsibilities to others and your commitment to yourself.
My Approach
A Collaborative, Grounded & Inclusive Process
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We will look at your life as a whole—your mind, body, relationships, culture, and environment. We’ll explore how everything from family or school to your home & community impacts what you’re feeling now. This helps us identify stressors, but also supports systems.
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Stress, anxiety, trauma often live in the body, not just in thoughts. I offer mindful awareness and body-based tools (grounding, breathing, noticing tension, etc) to help calm the nervous system, feel safer, and reconnect with your own sense of being.
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I believe we all carry different “parts” of ourselves—inner critics, protectors, hurt places—that affect how we navigate life. Using internal family systems + narrative work, we’ll help those parts feel seen, heard, and aligned so that your internal landscape feels more peaceful and coherent.
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Your background, culture, and all the pieces of your identity matter deeply. I use curiosity and respect to learn the wisdom you and your ancestors already carry. We will explore what your culture means to you, not what I think or what other people think it should mean. We will work together to figure out how cultural values, goals, and expectations influence your life.
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The greatest indicator of success in therapy is the relationship with your therapist. Our work is collaborative, and I’ll bring presence, curiosity, and care, while integrating different approaches to fit your needs. I have training in a variety of modalities including: motivational interviewing, trauma informed care, and cognitive behavioral therapy. I incorporate these modalities so that sessions feel personal and supportive to you.
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I know that psychotherapy can’t fix everything. Sometimes you need concrete or additional support to help your situation whether it be support groups, financial assistance, or other tangible resources. I keep up to date on local resources to make referrals that meet your needs so that our sessions can be most effective.
Education & Credentials
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (#128351) in California
Master’s in Social Welfare with a focus on Adult Health and Well-being Across the Lifespan, University of California, Berkeley
Certificate in Aging, University of California, Berkeley
Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations with a Minor in Social Work, Pepperdine University
Certificate in the Trauma Conscious Yoga Method
Certificate in the IFS in Action Master Class by Richard Schwartz
Certificate in the Peter Levine's Somatic Experiencing®Trauma Master Class
What Therapy Looks Like Together
A warm, conversational, & somatic experience.
We start by getting curious—about what you’re struggling with right now, what your biggest worries are, and how to help with immediate stress. I bring a holistic lens—paying attention to not just your thoughts, but your body, environment, and lifestyle. Together, we explore what practical shifts we can make to reduce the things you can control, so then I can help you deal with the things you cannot.
We then explore your story, your patterns, and what actually feels meaningful to you. I bring clinical tools and perspective, and you bring deep insight into your own experience. We work together to untangle the "shoulds" from what’s actually true for you, and make space for your own needs, values, and voice. We might explore early experiences, cultural influences, or long-standing roles you've taken on, and how they show up in your present life.
Ultimately, my goal is to help you feel more connected to yourself and your life—clearer, calmer, and more aligned with what actually matters to you. I want therapy to feel useful not just in the room, but out in the real world too.
Outside of Sessions
When I’m not working, I love spending time with my dog and husband, going on hikes, and enjoying naps on the beach. I also have a passion for curating playlists for even the smallest of occasions, embracing seasonal activities, and discovering new boba spots. I love “grandma” hobbies like knitting, reading, and crafting— and am usually down to binge a comfort show on Netflix. I enjoy traveling and have spent time living abroad.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Schedule a Free 15-Minute Consultation
I offer a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to discuss your needs and see if we're a good fit for working together. This brief call gives you a chance to ask questions and get a feel for my therapy approach without any obligation.
What to expect during our consultation:
A brief discussion about what brings you to therapy
An overview of how I might support your specific needs
Answers to your questions about the therapy process
Information about session rates and scheduling
Taking the first step toward therapy can feel vulnerable, I'm here to make the process as comfortable as possible