ABOUT YOUR THERAPIST
Hi, I’m Caitlin Blair.
I know how hard it is to ask for help when you’ve always been the helper.
I’m mixed race Chinese American woman, and the daughter and granddaughter of immigrants. I grew up primarily in the Midwest before moving to the West Coast as a teenager. I deeply understand what it's like to feel caught between multiple worlds and identities—wondering if you’ll ever feel comfortable in your own skin. You might look totally fine on the outside, high-achieving and successful at work and school, while hiding the overwhelm within and the conflict within your relationships. You’d love to have a better understanding of what you’re dealing with, why, and how to move forward.
My own story is why I do this work
Before I became a therapist, I was the "go-to" person for a lot of people in a lot of circles. I often felt like I was the one who was expected to constantly have it all together, take care of everyone else’s needs above my own, and smile through it all. I felt anxious, consumed by overthinking, and unsure how to make space for my own needs without feeling guilty.
My own therapy changed all that. It helped me reconnect with what I truly wanted, understand the cultural nuances I had been carrying, and build a life that felt like mine. My own experience as a therapy client is what drives every session I’m in with my clients.
For over a decade, I have worked with teens, adults, and couples, many from AAPI, mixed-race, or multicultural backgrounds, navigating anxiety, burnout, perfectionism, and cultural identity. More than that though, I bring in authentic lived experience that helps me be more understanding and curious of what you’re going through.
“You shouldn’t have to choose between being capable and being cared for.”
WHAT TO EXPECT
What our work together looks like
We go at your own pace
While, I can help guide you and set goals. I’m not coming in with my own agenda to push on you. Our sessions together follow you and your comfort level when it comes to sharing your story.
Your culture is part of the room
As humans, we don’t live in a vacuum. Our lives are impacted by the communities, families, and cultures we are a part of. I help you understand the roles they play on your experiences.
Real tools, not just talk
Body-based techniques, practical habits, and evidence-based methods that you can use inside and outside of our sessions together.
I show up as a real person
I’m not a blank-slate therapist who just stares straight-faced at you as pour out your stories. I’ll have reactions, joke with you and gently challenge you as need. You’ll find that I genuinely want to know who you are as a whole person.
HOW IT WORKS
Three simple steps
to becoming the version of yourself
you were always meant to be.
Telehealth · California & Washington · Accepting new clients now
MY THERAPEUTIC APPROACH
Holistic, Somatic, & Culturally Attuned
Every method of therapy here honors multiple identities, roles, and sides that make up who you are and want to be.
These are evidence-based and ancestral tools that help you understand what is happening in your body and your mind, not just manage symptoms on the surface. I integrate them based on what is showing up for you, and I will always explain what we are doing and why.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Informed Therapy
I use Internal Family Systems (IFS) informed therapy to help clients understand the different “parts” of themselves. Rather than trying to get rid of these parts, IFS helps us approach them with curiosity and compassion, so healing can happen from within. This gentle, evidence-based approach supports deeper self-understanding, emotional regulation, and lasting change.
Learn more about IFS
Somatic Therapy and Trauma-Conscious Yoga Method®
Somatic therapy helps you understand how stress, anxiety, or past experiences show up in your body. This approach blends trauma-informed movement, mindful breathwork, and somatic awareness to help you reconnect your body and nervous system with emotional regulation and calm. TCYM is Rooted in safety, choice, and present-moment awareness. It supports grounding, stress reduction, and a deeper sense of embodiment as a companion to talk therapy.
Learn more about Somatic Therapy and TCYM.
EMDR & Brainspotting
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured form of psychotherapy that uses bilateral stimulation to help reprocess memories in a way that reduces their emotional charge.
Brainspotting is a brain‑body–focused therapeutic method that uses specific eye positions to help the nervous system reprocess and release distress.
Learn more about EMDR and Brainspotting
Education, Credentials, & Training
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (#128351) in California
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (#LW70057720) in Washington
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
Training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Trauma-Informed Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, 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 Peter Levine's Somatic Experiencing®Trauma Master Class
Certificate in the Internal Family Systems in Action Master Class by Richard Schwartz
Internal Family Systems Online Circle Certificate
Year-Long Clinical Supervision with IFS-Certified Licensed Therapist
Gottman Method Couples Therapy - Level 1 Training Completed
Brainspotting Trained - Emphasis on BIPOC
EMDR Trained
THE PERSON BEHIND THE PRACTICE
I have fun too!
I currently live in California with my husband and dog. I love hiking, boba, knitting, curating playlists for every occasion, and binge-watching comfort shows. I have lived abroad and travelled extensively. I believe the greatest joys can often happen in the quietest, smallest moments, which is exactly how I approach therapy.
READY WHEN YOU ARE
You've been just getting through it for long enough. You deserve to actually feel good, and that starts with one conversation.
A free 15-minute consultation is your next step. No pressure, no paperwork, just a conversation to see if this feels like a good fit.
Telehealth · Accepting new clients in California & Washington · caitlin@tinycottagetherapy.com