Life Transitions Therapists in Cardiff By The Sea, CA

John Joseph Tarsitano
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Online Only
I help adults navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, and a longing for deeper meaning.
You’ve taken a courageous step by exploring therapy, and I honor the path that has led you here. You might be feeling stuck, anxious, or overwhelmed by life’s challenges. Perhaps you’re navigating a major transition, experiencing a sense of loss, or longing for deeper meaning and connection. Whatever has brought you to this point, know that you don’t have to face it alone. I offer a compassionate, reflective space where you can slow down, listen inward, and reconnect with the parts of yourself that may have been neglected, forgotten, or left behind.
I help adults navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, and a longing for deeper meaning.
You’ve taken a courageous step by exploring therapy, and I honor the path that has led you here. You might be feeling stuck, anxious, or overwhelmed by life’s challenges. Perhaps you’re navigating a major transition, experiencing a sense of loss, or longing for deeper meaning and connection. Whatever has brought you to this point, know that you don’t have to face it alone. I offer a compassionate, reflective space where you can slow down, listen inward, and reconnect with the parts of yourself that may have been neglected, forgotten, or left behind.
(760) 971-7632 View (760) 971-7632
Jenna Suway
Psychologist, PhD
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
I help adolescents and adults navigate difficulties in their lives. Some of the treatment areas in which I work relate to identity (e.g., LGBTQ+ individuals), anxiety, transitions, values, trauma, and mood. My goal is to create an open and safe environment from which to explore, process, and learn. It is an honor to get to know you and to work collaboratively to address whatever brings you to therapy. I look forward to speaking with you.
I help adolescents and adults navigate difficulties in their lives. Some of the treatment areas in which I work relate to identity (e.g., LGBTQ+ individuals), anxiety, transitions, values, trauma, and mood. My goal is to create an open and safe environment from which to explore, process, and learn. It is an honor to get to know you and to work collaboratively to address whatever brings you to therapy. I look forward to speaking with you.
(442) 313-2372 View (442) 313-2372
Julie Badaracco
Psychologist, PsyD
8 Endorsed
Serves Area
Julie Badaracco and I work with adults on depression, anxiety, acculturation issues, identity development, trauma, time and stress management, and major life transitions.
I am trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy. However, I approach therapy in a more holistic manner as everyone is unique and may not benefit from a highly structured therapy environment. My hope is that we can work together effectively to address your concerns and meet your therapy goals.
Julie Badaracco and I work with adults on depression, anxiety, acculturation issues, identity development, trauma, time and stress management, and major life transitions.
I am trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy. However, I approach therapy in a more holistic manner as everyone is unique and may not benefit from a highly structured therapy environment. My hope is that we can work together effectively to address your concerns and meet your therapy goals.
(619) 292-0493 View (619) 292-0493
Eve Marie Colello Moltzen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Serves Area
I'm passionate about working with couples and individuals addressing life transitions, relationship discord, trauma, anxiety, and gender health.
I'm very interactive and engage you in establishing your own therapy goals. I often assign skills to practice and check in on progress each session. I find it useful when clients bring a list of topics they want to address, and I frequently ask what's helpful.
I'm passionate about working with couples and individuals addressing life transitions, relationship discord, trauma, anxiety, and gender health.
I'm very interactive and engage you in establishing your own therapy goals. I often assign skills to practice and check in on progress each session. I find it useful when clients bring a list of topics they want to address, and I frequently ask what's helpful.
(760) 383-8569 View (760) 383-8569
Sarah Rewers
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA , LMFT
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
I’m an experienced therapist who works well with individuals navigating relationship challenges, life transitions, and boundary setting.
Together, we will establish a supportive alliance so that you can make connections between past and present and identify obstacles that may be preventing you from living your life more fully. I incorporate Jungian therapy as well as mindfulness and body-centered techniques and work from a trauma-informed lens.
I’m an experienced therapist who works well with individuals navigating relationship challenges, life transitions, and boundary setting.
Together, we will establish a supportive alliance so that you can make connections between past and present and identify obstacles that may be preventing you from living your life more fully. I incorporate Jungian therapy as well as mindfulness and body-centered techniques and work from a trauma-informed lens.
(415) 594-4965 View (415) 594-4965
Shauna Oeth
Psychologist, PhD
Welcome! I've been helping people to understand themselves and navigate life's challenges for over 30 years. I always aim to be empathic, collaborative, productive and practical. My care and our conversations would be thorough, individualized and holistic, integrating multiple perspectives and strategies. I enjoy working with older teens through older adults, and have specialty interests in adolescence, relationships, women's issues, eating concerns, and parenting at all ages. Having raised two young adults, I understand the challenges of modern family life and staying balanced in our hectic world.
Welcome! I've been helping people to understand themselves and navigate life's challenges for over 30 years. I always aim to be empathic, collaborative, productive and practical. My care and our conversations would be thorough, individualized and holistic, integrating multiple perspectives and strategies. I enjoy working with older teens through older adults, and have specialty interests in adolescence, relationships, women's issues, eating concerns, and parenting at all ages. Having raised two young adults, I understand the challenges of modern family life and staying balanced in our hectic world.
(760) 496-5628 View (760) 496-5628
James Hanson
Marriage & Family Therapist, BA , MA, LMFT
James is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. James started his counseling career working with co-occurring mental health and addiction related issues. James has over five years of experience providing therapy services to adults, couples, and families to help them improve relationships, attain career satisfaction, enhance functioning, and promote connection and growth.
James is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. James started his counseling career working with co-occurring mental health and addiction related issues. James has over five years of experience providing therapy services to adults, couples, and families to help them improve relationships, attain career satisfaction, enhance functioning, and promote connection and growth.
(760) 227-5434 View (760) 227-5434
Hannah Nyznyk Christian
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
8 Endorsed
Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, trauma, or the challenges of fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, or parenthood? Do you find it hard to feel like yourself, support your child or teen, or move forward after difficult experiences?
Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, trauma, or the challenges of fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, or parenthood? Do you find it hard to feel like yourself, support your child or teen, or move forward after difficult experiences?
(760) 389-9375 View (760) 389-9375
Therapy for Teen Girls and Women Cathy Sharer LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
I offer a warm, supportive space for tweens, teens, and women navigating anxiety, self-doubt, perfectionism, relationships, grief, stress, and life transitions.
I help tweens, teens, and women navigate anxiety, self-doubt, perfectionism, relationship and family challenges, grief, stress, and life transitions. Through a warm, collaborative approach, I provide practical tools to build confidence, strengthen coping skills, improve relationships, and feel more grounded and in control.
I offer a warm, supportive space for tweens, teens, and women navigating anxiety, self-doubt, perfectionism, relationships, grief, stress, and life transitions.
I help tweens, teens, and women navigate anxiety, self-doubt, perfectionism, relationship and family challenges, grief, stress, and life transitions. Through a warm, collaborative approach, I provide practical tools to build confidence, strengthen coping skills, improve relationships, and feel more grounded and in control.
(760) 254-0262 View (760) 254-0262
Kimberly Nenemay
Psychologist, PsyD
1 Endorsed
As a psychologist, I believe that establishing a good working relationship with my client is first and foremost. I will support you to address your concerns, such as relationship difficulties, parenting concerns, work-life balance struggles, anxiety, depression, identity issues, just to name a few. In order to facilitate a meaningful change, my approach is specific to your needs and is based on over 20 years of experience in the mental health field. I offer virtual and in-person traditional talk therapy, integrated therapy, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP). We will collaborate together to decide which approach is best.
As a psychologist, I believe that establishing a good working relationship with my client is first and foremost. I will support you to address your concerns, such as relationship difficulties, parenting concerns, work-life balance struggles, anxiety, depression, identity issues, just to name a few. In order to facilitate a meaningful change, my approach is specific to your needs and is based on over 20 years of experience in the mental health field. I offer virtual and in-person traditional talk therapy, integrated therapy, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP). We will collaborate together to decide which approach is best.
(619) 345-6745 View (619) 345-6745
Dr. Lauren Wyatt - Trauma and Attachment Expert
Psychological Associate, Ph.D.
1 Endorsed
I specialize in helping clients heal from trauma and complex PTSD, understand attachment and relationship patterns, strengthen communication, and move through anxiety, depression, grief, identity concerns, life transitions, burnout, and emotional overwhelm.
You may appear to be holding everything together while privately feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or trapped in the same painful patterns. Trauma, relationship wounds, anxiety, depression, grief, or major life changes may be affecting how safe you feel, how you connect with others, and how you see yourself. Perhaps you understand why you struggle but still cannot seem to change it. Therapy can offer a place to slow down, feel genuinely understood, and begin making sense of what you have been carrying. You do not have to keep navigating it alone.
I specialize in helping clients heal from trauma and complex PTSD, understand attachment and relationship patterns, strengthen communication, and move through anxiety, depression, grief, identity concerns, life transitions, burnout, and emotional overwhelm.
You may appear to be holding everything together while privately feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or trapped in the same painful patterns. Trauma, relationship wounds, anxiety, depression, grief, or major life changes may be affecting how safe you feel, how you connect with others, and how you see yourself. Perhaps you understand why you struggle but still cannot seem to change it. Therapy can offer a place to slow down, feel genuinely understood, and begin making sense of what you have been carrying. You do not have to keep navigating it alone.
(619) 612-0857 View (619) 612-0857
Ellie Messinger-Adams
Counselor, LPCC, MA
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Lately, you’ve been reacting in ways that don’t feel like you. You're snapping faster, overthinking everything, struggling to relax even when you get a moment. You keep telling yourself you should be able to handle this, but something feels off. Whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, or deep in motherhood, things feel louder, harder, and more constant than they used to. You’re still showing up, but quietly wondering, "what is happening to me?" It's exhausting trying to keep up appearances when you feel this way inside. I help moms in this exact place slow things down, make sense of what’s underneath, and start feeling steady again.
Lately, you’ve been reacting in ways that don’t feel like you. You're snapping faster, overthinking everything, struggling to relax even when you get a moment. You keep telling yourself you should be able to handle this, but something feels off. Whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, or deep in motherhood, things feel louder, harder, and more constant than they used to. You’re still showing up, but quietly wondering, "what is happening to me?" It's exhausting trying to keep up appearances when you feel this way inside. I help moms in this exact place slow things down, make sense of what’s underneath, and start feeling steady again.
(442) 259-8061 View (442) 259-8061
Dr. Celeste Carlson
Psychological Associate, PsyD
5 Endorsed
Serves Area
I work with individuals who are carrying a great deal internally, even if others may not realize it. I have a special focus on working with emerging adults and student-athletes navigating identity shifts, burnout, and the transition into adulthood. This often includes feeling uncertain about who you are outside of achievement, sport, academics, or external expectations, especially when the structures that once defined you begin to change or fall away. As a former Division I collegiate athlete, I understand the intensity of performance-driven environments and how deeply they can shape identity, self-worth, and emotional experience.
I work with individuals who are carrying a great deal internally, even if others may not realize it. I have a special focus on working with emerging adults and student-athletes navigating identity shifts, burnout, and the transition into adulthood. This often includes feeling uncertain about who you are outside of achievement, sport, academics, or external expectations, especially when the structures that once defined you begin to change or fall away. As a former Division I collegiate athlete, I understand the intensity of performance-driven environments and how deeply they can shape identity, self-worth, and emotional experience.
(323) 529-6059 View (323) 529-6059
Elizabeth 'betsy' Hegardt
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
7 Endorsed
Serves Area
I support clients through life transitions, especially the journey into and through parenthood.
I'm glad you're here! If you've found yourself wondering, "Is this really all there is? Is this the life I imagined?" you're not alone. People describe coming to my office as feeling like a huge exhale to the heaviness of your week where time can slow down and you can redefine how you take care of yourself. I often support my clients in examining what matters most to them and figuring out how they are honoring those values within themselves as well as advocating for them in their relationships.
I support clients through life transitions, especially the journey into and through parenthood.
I'm glad you're here! If you've found yourself wondering, "Is this really all there is? Is this the life I imagined?" you're not alone. People describe coming to my office as feeling like a huge exhale to the heaviness of your week where time can slow down and you can redefine how you take care of yourself. I often support my clients in examining what matters most to them and figuring out how they are honoring those values within themselves as well as advocating for them in their relationships.
(619) 503-7562 View (619) 503-7562
Lori Shields
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Online Only
Hi there, I'm Lori! I'm glad you're here and taking the time to explore what your next steps might be. Reaching out for support is an important decision, and I want to personally Welcome YOU. My therapeutic approach is grounded in Attachment Theory and Trauma-Informed Care, recognizing how our relationships, experiences, and life events shape the way we view ourselves and connect with others. I believe healing occurs within a safe, trusting, and collaborative therapeutic relationship where clients feel supported while working together.
Hi there, I'm Lori! I'm glad you're here and taking the time to explore what your next steps might be. Reaching out for support is an important decision, and I want to personally Welcome YOU. My therapeutic approach is grounded in Attachment Theory and Trauma-Informed Care, recognizing how our relationships, experiences, and life events shape the way we view ourselves and connect with others. I believe healing occurs within a safe, trusting, and collaborative therapeutic relationship where clients feel supported while working together.
(760) 388-7768 View (760) 388-7768
Katherine Madsen
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Hi! Nice to meet you, I'm Katherine! I help teens and adults who feel weighed down by the past and are ready to feel more in control of their lives. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling anxious, stuck, or disconnected after difficult or traumatic experiences. You might notice certain memories, emotions, or body sensations that feel too big to handle on your own — or that no matter how hard you try, something keeps pulling you back to old pain.
Hi! Nice to meet you, I'm Katherine! I help teens and adults who feel weighed down by the past and are ready to feel more in control of their lives. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling anxious, stuck, or disconnected after difficult or traumatic experiences. You might notice certain memories, emotions, or body sensations that feel too big to handle on your own — or that no matter how hard you try, something keeps pulling you back to old pain.
(442) 379-0774 View (442) 379-0774
Narine Babanyan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Online Only
I have worked with Pregnant and postpartum women who have issues such as life transitions, grief, adjustment to medical conditions, and adults in general.
I have always lived helping people and even without my degree I had really good listening skills and have always been supportive to others. So, I have decided to continue doing it on a professional level. I approach goal setting by Collaboratively working with the client.
I have worked with Pregnant and postpartum women who have issues such as life transitions, grief, adjustment to medical conditions, and adults in general.
I have always lived helping people and even without my degree I had really good listening skills and have always been supportive to others. So, I have decided to continue doing it on a professional level. I approach goal setting by Collaboratively working with the client.
(424) 487-4335 View (424) 487-4335
Brielle Meskin
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Are your loved ones labeling you angry, controlling or abusive? What are these harsh labels and how can we uncover what leads one to becoming controlling? Could it be related to neurodivergence (ND)? Trust issues? You being abused yourself? We're all human and our behavior does not define us. I have a passion for supporting clients & families navigating abuse/control issues and ND/autism-related challenges. As a former special education teacher, I understand these complex dynamics and also work with couples navigating how ND can impact communication. I offer sliding-scale options- everyone deserves access to quality therapy.
Are your loved ones labeling you angry, controlling or abusive? What are these harsh labels and how can we uncover what leads one to becoming controlling? Could it be related to neurodivergence (ND)? Trust issues? You being abused yourself? We're all human and our behavior does not define us. I have a passion for supporting clients & families navigating abuse/control issues and ND/autism-related challenges. As a former special education teacher, I understand these complex dynamics and also work with couples navigating how ND can impact communication. I offer sliding-scale options- everyone deserves access to quality therapy.
(760) 642-5750 View (760) 642-5750
Jennifer Blum
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Online Only
Hello! I am Dr. Jen! I am a multi-state Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I believe in expansive social work practice by utilizing a poly-theoretical perspective using a variety of treatment modalities to address the specific needs and circumstances of the individual. I enjoy working with individuals through the lifespan from age 6 to geriatrics.
Hello! I am Dr. Jen! I am a multi-state Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I believe in expansive social work practice by utilizing a poly-theoretical perspective using a variety of treatment modalities to address the specific needs and circumstances of the individual. I enjoy working with individuals through the lifespan from age 6 to geriatrics.
(747) 277-3016 View (747) 277-3016
Deeana Robin Epstein
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, 145240
Serves Area
I strive to provide a space where you feel safe to fully explore all parts of your emotional life. My hope is that therapy gives you an opportunity to genuinely better understand yourself and those you are closest to. I offer a compassionate, down-to-earth, and direct perspective. My approach is integrative and I incorporate different methods from therapeutic approaches that I find most helpful. To me, my role as a therapist is to support you in whatever it is that challenges you and your relationships, and to offer you the tools and perspective to find healing in your life.
I strive to provide a space where you feel safe to fully explore all parts of your emotional life. My hope is that therapy gives you an opportunity to genuinely better understand yourself and those you are closest to. I offer a compassionate, down-to-earth, and direct perspective. My approach is integrative and I incorporate different methods from therapeutic approaches that I find most helpful. To me, my role as a therapist is to support you in whatever it is that challenges you and your relationships, and to offer you the tools and perspective to find healing in your life.
(760) 933-6897 View (760) 933-6897

See more therapy options for Cardiff By The Sea

FAQ - Life Transitions Counseling
What counts as a life transition?
A life transition is any change in life circumstances that requires a person to adapt, whether in their relationships, identity, responsibilities, or daily routine. Major life transitions may include getting married, starting a new career, becoming a parent, navigating the loss of a close loved one, retiring, experiencing a major change in health, or moving to a new area. Life transitions can also be smaller or more gradual, such as graduating to a new school, recovering from an injury, taking on more responsibility at work, or adjusting to a new phase of life. Both major and minor transitions can affect mental health, especially when they involve uncertainty, stress, grief, or changes in how a person sees themselves.

How do I know if I need therapy for a life transition?
Life transitions can bring up a wide range of emotions, and it is normal for someone to feel anxious, confused, stressed, sad, or emotionally unsteady. These reactions may be especially common in the weeks or months following a major change. However, if these feelings begin to interfere with daily life, relationships, sleep, work, or a person’s ability to care for themselves, it may be worth seeking support. A person does not need to wait until symptoms feel severe to ask for help; in fact, many people seek therapy proactively to prepare for a major life transition. For example, couples may see a therapist ahead of expecting their first child as a way to strengthen their relationship prior to becoming parents.

How can therapy help with life transitions?
Therapy can help you cope with both expected and unexpected life transitions by providing a space to process how a change is affecting your life, relationships, identity, or emotional well-being. For example, someone who has recently become a parent may use therapy to talk through changes in their identity, stress in their relationship, or feelings of overwhelm. A therapist can also help you make sense of what you are feeling, identify the root causes of stress, and develop coping strategies for managing the uncertainty that can come from major life changes.

What therapeutic approaches work best for life transitions?
The best therapeutic approach depends on what you are struggling with most. If intrusive thoughts or anxiety are the main concern, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help people identify painful thought patterns and develop coping strategies to manage them. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help people make space for painful emotions and accepting their circumstances while reconnecting with their values. For those navigating major relationship changes, couples or family counseling may be a good option. Lastly, for someone navigating career-related concerns, career counselors or coaches may be a good option. When considering what type of therapy may be best, consider the logistical components. For instance, CBT is often limited to a specified number of sessions, whereas more traditional talk therapy approaches can go on for years. In addition, consider whether you will be seeking online or in-person therapy; if you are in the process of moving or seeking a therapist for support around a topic that is not available in your immediate area, online therapy may be a good fit.

How do I find a therapist for life transition counseling?
The Psychology Today Therapist Directory allows people to search for therapists who specialize in life transitions. Use the “Specialties” filter and select “Life transitions” to find therapists who have indicated experience in life transitions. You may also select filters related to a specific transition, such as career counseling, divorce, grief, premarital counseling, or parenting. When comparing options, it is helpful to look for therapists whose profiles specifically mention experience with life transitions or specific types of transitions. Practical factors such as insurance, location, and online or in-person availability are also important. Once you have identified a few therapists who seem like a good fit, reach out to schedule an initial consultation.