Therapists in Ventura, CA

Struggling with addiction and feel rehab isn’t an option? Leaving your family, job, school and responsibilities for an extended period of time is not always needed to get yourself healthy and on track. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, I know the challenges of this lifestyle. Being caught in the cycle of addiction is hard--feelings of fear, failure, guilt, and shame. You may have tried stopping on your own, only to find yourself engaging in the same unhelpful behavior. Breaking this cycle alone is tough! Counseling may be more effective for you than rehab. I specialize in moderation & abstinence based approaches.

Through play and music therapy, we can devise plans, which help one find their calm, and recognize worn patterns, allowing one to initiate positive change. Play and music therapy works whether you are young, transitional age, or a mature adult finding your way through changes in life. Music therapy has positive impacts reconnecting our mind, and emotions to our body through the discovery of underlying patterns and deeper psychology. These patterns sometimes cause negativity or depressive behaviors. Individuals who become aware of these patterns are better able to free their self from well-worn paths no longer serving positive ways.

My goal for therapy is to provide the immediate relief of symptoms as well as building long lasting strategies and coping skills to deal with life's challenges.

For 16 years (8 years licensed) it has been my honor working with children, teens and adults (individually) who have experienced depression, anxiety, trauma, suffered from low self-esteem, lack of confidence, struggle with emotional disturbance, and difficulty managing everyday life. Together, we will create obtainable goals, identify your expectations and work through negative patterns and barriers that repeat themselves in your relationships, work life and school.

I am Cheryl Girder, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I have been in this field for 15 years. My approach to therapy is to assist clients to see themselves and others with a better understanding which will provide a positive outlook on themselves and their surroundings. I am open to working with clients that have personal conflicts, relationship, or family troubles, including working with couples, or conditions such as depression, stress, or anxiety. Those mentioned are what I typically work with and the conditions I'm most comfortable with.

Hello, and welcome to a clear path to healing. It is my pleasure to encourage the following positive coping skills: physical activity, good sleep habits, avoidance of alcohol and recreational drugs, healthy eating habits, time out from the identified stressor(s), laughter, positive thinking, positive self-talk, good social skills, stress management and relaxation techniques, artistic expression, self-compassion, listening or playing music, reframing, and mindful/wise behavior. Primarily I assist my patients in developing a sense of wellness in the here and now. In my care, you will be able to bounce back from any hardship in life.

Wilshire Valley Therapy offers state-of-the-art mental health services in person or via Telemedicine in LA, Burbank, Santa Clarita, Encino & Ventura, & Telemed in both SoCal & Northern Calif. Our highly qualified therapists engage & collaborate with clients whose goals & treatment directions seek to achieve more authentic, productive lives. A safe space created where clients personal & professional relationships are strengthened & a range of phase of life issues are explored in a supportive setting. We assist clients in discovering their unique value & strengths, creating a solid foundation, for a better life & a hopeful future.

Engaging in any form of psychotherapy involves entering into a new relationship. The relationship you develop with your therapist plays a major role in everything that will take place in the treatment process. My work typically begins with actively listening to the stories and problems of my clients, assisting them in organizing their goals and desired areas of change. I like to help clients explore the underlying root causes contributing to the distress, whilst equipping them with alternative coping skills and strategies to implement.

Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.

As a Specialist with over 28 years experience, I am and expert in treating adults experiencing anxiety, depression, and relational challenges. I was a guest expert on Oprah and Dr. Phil. You will learn new skills and workable solutions for handling conflict. My goal is to help you focus on your present journey and where you would like your journey to lead. I have the vital experience working with adults and children who are in family law cases. I own Cornerstone Counseling. We treat depression, anxiety, and a wide variety of mental health challenges. Experience Counts!

True humility is to understand oneself as capable of every other person's weakness.-Anonymous. Hello, my name is Mary Weck and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT50530). I believe this quote embodies the correct attitude necessary for a healthy therapeutic relationship. I actually admire clients who show the courage to open up difficult areas of their lives to a complete stranger since we all need another perspective from time to time. May I be found worthy of your trust?

George was raised in Southern California and began his path to becoming a therapist while attending UCLA where he earned his Baccalaureate and Master’s Degrees. As a therapist in the field of behavioral health, George sought out a variety of clinical experiences that included the latest state-of-the-art, evidence-based practices. These included learning from the very best in the field who specialized in treating mood, anxiety and behavioral disorders. George has received training in Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Seeking Safety, and Psychodynamic theories.

Pat Stepler believes healing occurs through supportive and nurturing relationships. She has provided mental health counseling in community-based, educational, and private practice settings for over 20 years. She is passionate about working with teens, families, and individuals. She successfully supports people through life transitions during adolescence, parenting, and loss. She joins with clients on their journey to healing. Her approach incorporates mindfulness, problem-solving, creative expression, and play to discover strength, increase hope, and conquer challenges.

Did growing up in a wounding family cause trauma that is still affecting you? Did you experience trauma at the hands of another that left you with feelings of being unsafe, insecure and unlovable? Guilt and shame? Imagine waking up peaceful and optimistic about your Life and future. Imagine having relationships that are loving and full of grace and building a family that is one that you would have loved to grow up in. If you can see it you can be it…lets work through old trauma so that you can see and be the “you” that you have always wanted to be! Helping people work through trauma is what I love to do!

Are you currently navigating the depths of depression? Does anxiety grip you tightly amidst a world of constant change and division? Perhaps your faith or belief system is undergoing profound questioning, and you long for a space to openly explore your thoughts and emotions. Alternatively, you might be trapped in a difficult relationship, feeling powerless and uncertain about the path forward. No matter what brings you here, I want you to know I'm glad you've taken this important step.

My name is Rachel Douglas. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. I approach therapy in a way that focuses on building a safe space for you to be acknowledged, heard, understood and validated appropriately. My areas of practice are working with individuals, couples, adolescents, and families. I enjoy working with adolescents, individuals, couples, and families. I am comfortable working with all types of disorders and mental health issues.

Have you been struggling with an alcohol or substance use disorder? Are you looking for someone who understands the struggles you are facing based on personal experience? My doctoral dissertation on substance abuse has provided me with broad knowledge of evidenced based strategies used to treat addiction. I have experience supporting my clients that seek help in the following areas, relationships, spirituality, stress, depression, and anxiety. The use of inspiration and humor are common in session. Please contact me to schedule a free consultation. I'm looking forward to hearing about how I may be of assistance to you.

Is anxiety, depression, or trauma holding you back from being your true self? Do you feel stuck in managing difficult life transitions? Now, every little thing becomes super overwhelming. Those negative experiences reopen old wounds and cause new ones. You tried burying your pain hoping it would go away. You feel lonely and tormented. You feel exhausted, stressed, and angry all the time. You wonder how much more you can take. You are unsure of who or where to turn for help. In the midst of this painful journey, you do not have to go through it alone.

I feel honored to work with families and couples seeking to reduce conflict and increase relational intimacy through improved trust and communication as well as helping parents build positive parenting skills. I also assist individual adults and preteens/adolescents struggling with anxiety, depression, problematic behaviors, and negative relationship patterns and to aid them in finding life-affirming ways to cope with challenges. I am happy to offer therapy from a Christian framework, if desired. I believe that empathy and respect for others is profoundly important and feel blessed to walk alongside those seeking emotional healing.