Katie O'Dowd, Ph.D.

Biography

Dr. O'Dowd is a licensed clinical psychologist and the founder of TrueLife Psychotherapy & Consultation, Inc., based in Southern California and serving clients throughout the state. As a coach in the collaborative process, she helps each spouse stay steady, communicate clearly, and make decisions grounded in their values during one of the hardest transitions of their lives. She has also been through a collaborative divorce herself, so she knows the process from the client's side of the table.

Katie brings more than 25 years of experience across psychology, education, and organizational leadership. Her clinical practice centers on adults navigating major life transitions, particularly divorce and coparenting. She also provides psychological assessment and organizational consulting, where she facilitates difficult conversations between people who see things very differently. That background makes her a natural fit on an interdisciplinary team- she keeps joint meetings productive, helps clients hear each other, and works closely with attorneys and financial specialists so the whole team can do its best work.

Her approach draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, cognitive behavioral theory, and mindfulness. Equally clients learn practical tools to manage strong emotions in joint sessions, lower conflict, and build a coparenting plan that keeps their children at the center.

Katie completed interdisciplinary collaborative divorce training in San Diego in 2026. She earned her PhD in educational psychology from the University of Southern California, holds master’s degrees in clinical psychology and educational counseling, and teaches at California State University, Long Beach. She meets with clients in-person and virtually throughout California.