Dr. Katie Erreca (PSY 25101)
Dr. Katie Erreca earned a doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) at Alliant International University. Dr. Erreca (PSY 25101) currently works in private practice in La Jolla, California. She works with teens, adults, and families to overcome challenges and assist with major life transitions. Her work focuses on several issues including: anxiety, depression, eating disorders, body image, parent coaching, teen concerns, technology/social media, family communication, fear/phobias, difficult life transitions, relationship troubles, grief/trauma, culture and adjustment issues, partner-relational problems, and parent-child issues. She often works from a Cognitive-Behavioral and Psychodynamic orientation. In addition, Dr. Erreca is certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). EFT is the most successful, evidence based, approach to couple therapy. Dr. Erreca also offers consulting services.
Background: Dr. Erreca has worked in a variety of settings including private practice, community centers, k-12 schools, universities, and recovery centers. At the Teen Recovery Center, she worked with adolescents struggling with addiction and emotional instability. At the Jary Barreto Crisis Center, a transitional facility for severe mentally disabled individuals, she provided individual case management, group psychotherapy, milieu therapy, and crisis intervention for adults in need. She also worked at the Parent Care Recovery Center where she assisted in the reunification of children with their parents. At Healthy Within, Dr. Erreca worked with teens and young adults struggling with eating disorders, self-harm, depression and anxiety, academic struggles, family conflict, and body-image issues.
Dr. Erreca completed her post-doctoral training in the Student Health and Counseling Center at California State University, San Marcos. During her time there, she performed psychological evaluations, academic coaching, provided transitional support for those with learning disabilities and special needs, and conducted short and long-term psychotherapy with individuals and couples. She worked with a diverse student population to overcome issues affecting their academic success. Prevalent issues included depression, anxiety, men’s issues, relationship conflict, disordered eating, life transitions, identity issues, impulse control disorders, and academic struggles. She led several trainings focusing on student leadership, communication styles, emotional well-being, and stress management. She also led clinical trainings on personality factors that impact body-image and the development of eating disorders.
Prior to opening her private practice, Dr. Erreca worked extensively with individuals managing the psychological factors associated with chronic pain and physical disabilities. She worked with the Workers’ Compensation system, providing psychotherapy to those who were coping with life-altering bodily injuries. Her work in this capacity helped her gain a unique understanding of the psychological connection to the physical body.
Dr. Erreca has been a contributing author to the School Nutrition Magazine and has presented at several national conferences and community events. She has served on the board for the San Diego Chapter of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP). She is also a member of APA (American Psychological Association), CPA (California Psychological Association), SDPA (San Diego Psychological Association), and NEDA (National Eating Disorder Association). She is a member of The International Centre of Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT) as well as The San Diego Chapter for Emotionally Focused Therapy.
