DESIGN
SHRINK STUDIOS
Design psychology for spaces that support emotional regulation and well-being.
About the Studio
Design Shrink Studios is grounded in the belief that spaces shape how we feel, think, and function.
While traditional interior design often prioritizes aesthetics alone, our work integrates design psychology to create environments that support emotional regulation, identity, and well-being.
Through a trauma-informed, psychology-led approach, we consider how space impacts the nervous system, influences behavior, and reflects personal meaning. The result is design that is not only beautiful, but deeply supportive of real life.
Every project begins with understanding the individual — their preferences, sensitivities, and lived experience — so the space feels grounding, intentional, and genuinely aligned with who they are.
Where Creativity Meets Precision
At Design Shrink Studios, we specialize in transforming your concepts into beautifully refined designs that make a lasting impression. Precision, creativity, and innovation are our core.
Design Shrink Studios Framework
A design psychology approach to emotionally supportive interior design.
At Design Shrink Studios, our work is guided by a design psychology framework that explores how interior environments influence the nervous system, emotional well-being, and everyday behavior.
Instead of beginning with aesthetics alone, we start with how a space feels in the body, what it communicates psychologically, and how it supports real life. This approach allows us to design interiors that feel grounding, intentional, and aligned with the people who live and work in them.
The Four Layers
Nervous System
How a space supports regulation, sensory balance, and a sense of safety.
Psychology
How space reflects emotional needs, identity, and lived experience.
Environment
How layout, light, sound, and materials translate insight into design decisions.
Behavior
How space influences daily habits, routines, and well-being.
Meet Dr. Klarissa
Design Therapist
I’m Dr. Klarissa Castro, a therapist with over a decade of experience in psychotherapy. As a design therapist, I combine my clinical experience with a focus in designing spaces that truly nurture well-being. With a background in positive psychology and humanistic approach and 14 years of experience in construction, interior design and staging, I bring a unique perspective to each project.
Credentials
Design Psychology Certification
Toby Isreal, Ph.D. (2025)
Psy.D., Clinical Psychology – The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles, CA (2014)
M.A., Clinical Psychology – The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles, CA (2010)
B.S., Psychology, Minor in Criminal Justice – Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL (2008)
Testimonials
“I was feeling stuck and so I called Klarissa and she guided me through this whole process of getting to know my likes and what I don' I like some of my past experiences, it was such a good holistic approach that I really enjoyed… The results were phenomenal. I got to know myself more in the process, and at the same time, I love the end result. Thank you, Klarissa, for working with me and for being so thoughtful in your process.”
Valerie Fishbain
Owner & Founder of Spread the Love
“I’m a psychologist and co founder of Mind in Motion Psychological Services, based out of New York City. I just really wanted to tell everybody how amazed we've been with Klarissa's Design Psychology Services. She transformed our therapy space, but she didn't just create a beautiful environment. She understood the psychological needs of both the therapists who work with us and the clients who seek our services. So she made our office feel both welcoming and therapeutic. The design has enhanced our ability to provide care, and my partner and I could not be happier with the results. Most was how every design choice she made was through a psychological lens. We see our services an investment in creating spaces that truly support mental health and mental well-being.”
Dr. Damien Tiliman
Co-founder of Mind in Motion Psychological Services
“Hi, everybody. My name is Andrea Rosen, and I'm a clinical psychologist. I am also somebody who has never spent a lot of time, energy, or money on decorating out my home space. And the negative impact that this can have on my emotional well-being became very apparent to me during COVID when I was just stuck at home. She designed my space in a way that was beautiful and thoughtful and artful, but also very clinical and strategic. And it made me realize how much psychological energy we carry with us and how that gets reflected into our environment and then back at us and how that impacts us.”
Andrea Rosen
Clinical Psychologist
“Before working with Klarissa, I felt like my home had a lot of inconsistency, and that it is a small home and a small space. And I felt like I wasn't able to maximize the space to make it look bigger with the decor.The meetings that I had with Klarissa, the assessment process, was eye-opening in a way that I didn't even expect. She didn't just ask about my taste or my style. Every corner of the space that she designed represent me and tell the story about something that I mentioned to her. She provided even my own healing sanctuary for me to be able to have a space for myself to meditate and to go through my healing journey as a recent cancer survivor.”
Aida Danielle
Founder of Aida Cosmetics
Ready to Start Your Design Project?
From conceptualizing to constructing, we’re ready to bring your vision to life. Please fill out my inquiry form to get started.