Dr. Klarissa Castro is a trained therapist and interior designer whose work bridges the clinical and creative, transforming how people experience space. With a doctorate in Clinical Psychology and a certification in Design Psychology, Klarissa brings a deeply informed, trauma-aware lens to the environments she shapes.

Her practice is grounded in the belief that space is never neutral. Klarissa uses research-backed principles to create environments that support safety, emotional regulation, and well-being, from lighting and acoustics to materiality and spatial flow. She has led the design and execution of therapeutic and residential interiors, translating psychological insights into tangible design solutions. Her firm, Design Shrink Studios, specializes in trauma-informed and human-centered design, integrating architecture and behavioral health to create spaces that feel as good as they look.

Earlier in her career, Klarissa worked as a Registered Psychological Associate, providing therapy and psychological assessments to hundreds of clients. Her time in clinical practice sharpened her understanding of the environments people navigate while in recovery, and what it takes to design those spaces with care and intention.

She has managed end-to-end design and construction projects across residential, commercial, and studio settings. She previously served as Creative Director of KMae Jewelry, leading product development, brand strategy, and global vendor coordination. Her background in entrepreneurship, design, and clinical care gives her a uniquely interdisciplinary perspective that blends aesthetics with purpose.

Klarissa holds a Psy.D. and M.A. in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and a B.S. in Psychology from Loyola University Chicago. She is an active Women in Healthcare and NAWBO member and hosts the Lattes n’ Littles podcast, exploring the intersections of motherhood, design, and mental health.

Whether reimagining a room or consulting on strategy, Klarissa designs with one intention: to create spaces that restore, regulate, and reflect the people who live in them.