Gregory Koch, Psy.D.

Gregory E. Koch, Psy.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in California providing safe, non-judgmental, and empathetic care to both individuals and couples. Dr. Koch is devoted to helping clients feel safe in their relationships after experiencing abuse and trauma. He believes deeply in the power of positive human connection and that everyone deserves equal rights and opportunities. This is reflected in the honesty, respect, and trust that he provides for each person he serves.

Dr. Koch provides in-office and teletherapy services for adults, couples, emerging adults, and adolescents.

Areas of Specialization

• Anxiety
• Abuse & neglect
• Generational trauma
• Life transitions & change
• Relationships
• Trauma & post-traumatic stress

My Philosophy and Approach

The ability to feel safe is one of the most important aspects of mental health. When we grow up with family dynamics that make us feel unsafe or invalidated, we can struggle to feel accepted and understood. I am committed to helping stop emotional wounds from being passed down through generations by teaching strategies to move from blame and reactivity to empathy and connection. My goal is for you to feel seen, heard, and valued.

My approach to therapy is caring, collaborative and action oriented in a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) framework. I utilize an integrative approach that includes Prolonged Exposure (PE) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), which are both evidence-based practices that can help reduce trauma-related symptoms.

An area that is very close to my heart is working with clients from culturally diverse backgrounds and the LGBTQ+/GSRD communities. Clients of all genders, sexual orientations, and relationships are warmly invited to explore these identities in my practice.

I also have extensive background related to the developmental tasks of early adulthood. I am passionate about helping emerging adults and adolescents develop confidence and lead fulfilling and meaningful lives.

What You Will Experience Working With Me

When we experience any kind of trauma, we have both emotional and physical reactions. This can look like anxiety, trouble sleeping, feeling disconnected, having intrusive thoughts, or withdrawing from others. We will work together to develop practical tools and strategies to address these problem areas and help you navigate through even the most challenging life circumstances.

Clients that I work with appreciate my integrative approach, which is a whole-person perspective that treats both the mind and body. For example, I emphasize practices that draw attention to your breath and body to promote relaxation and teach you techniques for quieting the mind and calming the body. Integrated therapy has been found to be particularly helpful for anyone who has experienced trauma, as well as anxiety, stress, and challenges with work-life balance.

My Work With Couples

One of my strengths as a therapist is to guide people to improve their relationships. We can learn the most about ourselves in the context of meaningful relationships and I view conflict in romantic relationships as an opportunity for profound and powerful growth, learning, and healing.

I provide couples therapy that is accessible for all partners in romantic relationships. This means that I welcome clients of all genders, sexualities, and relationship diversity. You might ask, “What is ‘relationship diversity’?” It can mean many things, such as polyamorous couples, non-monogamy, and different types of kink relationships.

I specialize in Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT), an evidence-based, interactive, and action-oriented approach. In IRT, you will learn a new way of talking to your partner to improve your communication and help you understand them on a deeper, more empathetic level. I am also trained in the Gottman Method of couples therapy, which I integrate with IRT.

Education and Training

• Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Gender and Human Sexualities, California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University, San Diego, California

Professional Affiliations & Duties

• Member, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee for UCSD Student Health and Wellbeing Cluster
• Member, UCSD’s Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Issues
• Member, University of California-wide Transgender Care Team
• Adjunct Professor, California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University
• Invited presenter to community and university-based groups and organizations on a variety of topics

Professional Memberships

• California Psychological Association (CPA)
• San Diego Psychological Association (SDPA)
• Imago Relationships North America (IRNA)

For a copy of Dr. Koch’s Curriculum Vitae, click here.

To view blog articles written by Dr. Koch, click here.