About:

Damon Karson is a Marriage and Family Therapist based in Encinitas, California. With a background in Biological Sciences and a minor in Spanish from UC Davis, he brings both curiosity and structure to his clinical work. He later earned his Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from National University, where he focused on deepening his understanding of relational and individual well-being.

​

Approach To Therapy:

Damon is certified in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy and takes an integrative approach to healing. He primarily draws from Narrative Therapy to explore how personal stories shape identity and influence behavior. He also uses Cognitive Behavioral interventions to help clients recognize the ongoing patterns of thought—what he calls the “background noise”—that affect their sense of self and the way they engage with the world.

​

Damon's Clients:

Damon works best with clients who are open-minded, reflective, and ready to explore their inner world. His clients often come to therapy wanting to better understand themselves, especially when that self-understanding is complex, uncomfortable, or evolving. He believes therapy should never be rushed or forced and sees it as a collaborative space where clients can safely work through challenges at their own pace.

​

Personal Life:

Outside of the therapy room, Damon stays active through sports like surfing, rugby, and basketball—activities that reinforce his belief in the connection between physical and mental health. He brings this same balance into his clinical work, emphasizing grounded self-awareness, consistent effort, and sustainable growth. Damon loves reading and enjoys bringing philosophical concepts from around the world into the therapeutic process, often engaging in lively discussion about these ideas.

​

Damon values working with individuals from all backgrounds and identities. He is continually inspired by the depth of the human experience and welcomes clients wherever they are in their process. His goal is to offer a space that is supportive, honest, and empowering.

Damon Karson, AMFT in CA #144177 is employed as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist at Leavitt Marriage and Family Therapy

Supervisor: Jean Hayes, LMFT in CA #5862