WRITER AND THERAPIST
Meet Anna-Karin
Hi! I’m Anna-Karin.
I’m a heart-centered therapist in Newport Beach. I specialize in helping professionals, moms, and creatives struggling with low confidence and not feeling good enough rebuild inner trust, cultivate self-worth, and remember their authentic self.
My therapeutic approach is grounded in humanistic, person-centered therapy, and I also integrate EMDR, mindfulness and psychodynamic dreamwork. Experiencing self-doubt and low self-worth often comes from underlying anxiety, stressful experiences, and unprocessed trauma.
Through EMDR, mindfulness, and dream analysis, I support you in identifying unconscious patterns and processing traumatic and stressful memories, while working through limiting beliefs that may be keeping you stuck. I strive to provide a warm and heart-centered space where you feel seen, heard, understood, and inspired to tap into your inner wisdom.
I gently support you as you reconnect with your inner strength and wisdom and move toward a more authentic and fulfilling life. I help clients like you rebuild inner trust, cultivate self-worth, and develop tools for regulating the nervous system, so you can feel more grounded, confident, and deepen your inner connection. I bring authenticity and self-compassion into the heart of my work—in how I show up in life, and in how I support my clients.
I love doing deep work together including dreamwork and inner exploration. By bringing awareness to unconscious patterns and limiting beliefs, you create space for greater clarity and a deeper connection with your authentic self.
I hold speaking events and workshops for women’s groups, corporate events, educational organizations, churches, and local libraries.
I am also the author of two books on dreams and soul growth and have appeared on television, radio, podcasts, and in print as a dream specialist. In my spare time, I find joy in reading, writing, spending time with loving family and friends, walking by the ocean, visiting cute cafes, and traveling near and far.
I invite you to schedule a free consultation call where we can have a heart-centered conversation and explore if we are a good fit, and if therapy feels right for you.
“It is in the groundless moments we grow the most, if we are brave enough to stay aware, experience, and allow for what is emerging to unfold and evolve.”
Anna-Karin Bjorklund
Bio
A well-known dream specialist and the author of two books on dreams and soul growth, she previously served as Board Chair of the International Association for the Study of Dreams and as a Dream Specialist at Miraval Life in Balance Spa.
She holds a master’s degree in counseling psychology from Argosy University in Orange, California, and a bachelor’s degree in tourism management from the University of Technology, Sydney, Australia. She is a specialist in dream therapy, an EMDR-trained therapist, a certified Heartmath provider, and a certified yoga teacher. She has also completed Level 2 Training in the Gottman Method Couples Therapy.
She draws inspiration from the connection and compassion of humanistic therapy, the depth of psychodynamic therapy and dream exploration, the transformational healing of EMDR, and the grounding presence of mindfulness.
Within a warm and heart-centered space, you are met with compassion and nonjudgment. She invites you to embrace your inner wisdom, whether it emerges through dreams, inner reflections, or deep self-explorations, gently guiding you to cultivate a deeper connection with your authentic self.
She has experience working in substance use treatment centers (RTC, PHP, IOP), first responder healing centers, mental health programs, and holistic wellness centers.
She has lived in five countries and brings a broad international background as a former aviation executive and journalist. After nearly two decades of experience in the personal growth field - as a dream specialist, therapist, life coach, and meditation teacher – she has developed a deep appreciation for inner connection, higher awareness, authentic living, and dream explorations. She also offers inspirational talks and workshops, inviting participants on illuminating inner explorations.
An author of two books on dreams and soul growth, she is also a member of the Authors Guild. Often featured in the media, she has appeared on Steve Harvey (NBC), Face the Truth (CBS), and Fox & Friends Weekend (Fox), and has been featured on goop and mindbodygreen, as well as in magazines such as Orange Coast, Marie Claire UK, Money, Women’s Running, Dreamtime, and Yours.
She has a private practice in Newport Beach, Orange County, and also meets with clients virtually throughout California.
She is the author of the following books:
Dream and Believe: The Celestial Art of Creating in Soul Alignment (Sunbury Press/Ars Metaphysica, 2020)
Dream Guidance: Interpret Your Dreams and Create the Life You Desire (2012 Crystal Souls /2021 Sunbury Press/Ars Metaphysica).
Credentials
Master of arts degree in counseling psychology from Argosy University, Orange, CA.
Bachelor of arts degree in tourism management from University of Technology, Sydney, Australia
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT #134309 with Board of Behavioral Sciences, California
EMDR Trained (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, EMDR)
Completed Level 2 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy
Certified Trauma-Sensitive HeartMath Practitioner
Certified Yoga Teacher
Certified Usui Reiki Master
Certificate in Neurobiology of Attachment with the National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine
Experience working in substance use and mental health treatment centers, RTC, PHP, IOP
Experience working with first responders
