Your therapeutic relationship is one of the most important factors of change in the therapy process. It matters who you work with in therapy, so I'd like to tell you a little bit about who I am.
I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Chandler, Arizona. I’m a first-generation American with deep Slavic roots. Russian was my first language, and yes, I still speak it. I grew up in a big, lively family in the East Bay, the third of six children—which, trust me, explains a lot about me. I was raised in a subculture where relationships were everything, but connection often came at the expense of emotional safety. I became attuned to relational pain early and saw how often people were left without the tools or space to work through it. Since I was 14, I’ve known I wanted to be a therapist because I wanted to help people feel less alone in their relationships and more equipped to create meaningful change. That drive has shaped everything that I do.
Meet Kathy
kathy gusenkov, LMFT
Founder and Owner of Serendipity Psychotherapy
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
AZ LMFT-16187
chandler, Arizona therapist
Are We a Good Match?
I’m especially passionate about helping people reconnect with the parts of themselves that got buried by trauma, systems, or survival mode. I’m honored to work with folks who want to strengthen their relationships, heal longstanding wounds, and find ways to live more honestly and more fully. As part of the LGBTQIA+ community, I’m committed to making sure every client feels safe, affirmed, and welcomed in our work together.
If you’re thinking we might be a good fit, I’d love to talk. I always recommend that folks shop for their therapist, so reach out for a free consultation. You deserve to feel confident in the person you’re choosing to walk with you through this.
I earned my Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller Theological Seminary, where I received both excellent clinical training and an education rooted in cultural humility. Whether I’m sitting with a couple at a breaking point or someone processing the weight of complex trauma, I bring my full presence into the room. My work is grounded in empathy and clinical expertise, and I adapt it to who’s sitting in front of me. I care deeply about my clients, and they know it.
Clients often tell me they feel safe, seen, and challenged in the best ways. I’m warm and engaged, but I’m also clear and direct. I don’t waste time or energy, and I don’t rely on fluff. I will laugh with you, be in the hard stuff with you, and track your progress with clarity. Therapy with me is about figuring out what matters and creating a real plan to move toward it. Real change happens when we bring both our strengths into the room—your expertise in yourself, and mine in guiding the therapeutic process.
- google review
I highly recommend Kathy! She is not only well trained and skilled as a provider, but also truly cares and invests in the growth and healing of others. Kathy is one of my go to people when recommending a therapist!
What Therapy With Me Feels Like
Whether I’m working with a couple stuck in recurring conflict or someone carrying trauma from years past, my approach is relational, grounded, and designed for change. I draw from models based in neuroscience, attachment theory, and nervous system regulation, but I always adapt my tools to meet you where you are.
In session, I don’t just sit back and nod. I stay actively engaged. You might hear me say, “Did you catch that shift?” or “Let’s slow that down for a second.” I’ll offer education as we go, break down what’s happening in real time, and coach you toward new ways of thinking and relating. I help clients unpack reactions, practice new skills, and take home strategies that actually work.
I believe that therapy should feel both safe and productive. You need a space where you can be fully yourself, but also a space that moves you toward growth. That’s the balance I aim to create—warmth, structure, clarity, and transformation. This is not surface-level work. It’s the kind of change that makes things better in a real way, and I’ll be with you through every part of it.
My Approach
who I work with
Who This Is Not For
The lingering effects of childhood trauma often emerge in marriage, shaping how individuals experience love, safety, and connection. These symptoms of childhood trauma in marriage influence the ways partners interact, sometimes creating challenges in intimacy, trust, and emotional stability. Without awareness and healing, survival strategies developed in childhood can disrupt the natural flow of a […]
Childhood trauma leaves deep imprints on the way we engage in relationships, particularly in marriage, where intimacy and vulnerability are central. Many who experienced emotional neglect, inconsistent caregiving, or early exposure to fear and chaos unknowingly carry these patterns into their adult partnerships. Below, we explore several ways childhood trauma manifests in marriage, often in […]
If you're feeling ready to reach out — or even just testing the waters — you're welcome here. Whether you're nervous, curious, or somewhere in between, I’d love to connect.
Use the form below to schedule your free 15-minute consultation. We’ll take a few minutes to talk about what’s been going on, what kind of support you’re looking for, and whether working together feels like a good fit. I can even get you scheduled over this brief call.
You don’t need to have perfect words or a polished plan. You just need a little willingness to take the next step. I personally respond to every contact form — no answering service, no middle person. Just me, here to say hi and help you get started.
