Motivational Interviewing Therapists in Dana Point, CA

Are you struggling with anxiety/panic, depression, trauma, loss or grief? Are you using unhealthy or ineffective coping strategies to get through your day? You want to do better but you just aren't sure where to start? I can help. I specialize in working with adults, couples, teens, and families who are highly motivated & typically successful in school, at work, and at home but find themselves no longer able to cope with life's stressors on their own. Whether it is grief & loss, work stress, relationship issues, alcohol/substance use, depression or anxiety, I can help you get your life and relationships back on track.

Life can be a lot to handle sometimes and keeping it all together is hard. When you're feeling overwhelmed or need to work through a challenging time in your life, it’s important to have a space and time where the focus is on just you, and to have support in the process.

Change is an inevitable part of life. The lack of change or too much change can overwhelm us and derail our growth. No one escapes hardship and stress. During these times we need the trust, respect, and empathy of an impartial professional especially when family and friends are just too close to the matter. With more than 20 years of clinical practice, I've found that the healthier person reaches out for help beyond their immediate sphere. I see myself as a guide facilitating my patients' healthy risk taking and helping them manifest their visions for a better future.

Have you tried everything but feel like you are at the end of their rope? Are you feeling depressed, sleepless nights, irritability? Trouble staying free from addiction? Is it time for you to turn your life over, but feeling frustrated? I offer faith for the faithless, hope for the hopeless, and like working with individuals that are motivated to work on their issues. I believe in short term therapy. If you have an issue, we will find a solution so you can move on with your life.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist who has been providing assessment and therapy services for adults and adolescents for the past 10 years. I provide a warm, open, and non-judgmental therapeutic environment where you will feel safe and supported to explore your difficulties and develop the skills necessary to build the life you want to live. My approach to therapy is informed by research and I draw from various types of evidence-based treatments to create treatment plans that are tailored to each individual's unique and specific needs.

Growing into a better life is done one small step at a time. Change is always possible, and it does not have to be overwhelming. My private practice is focused on individuals and their families impacted by issues related to unique academic, social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. Most of my clients are children, teenagers, and adults. My clients commonly struggle to obtain maximum performance and may need a boost of motivation to make it to the finish line. I believe in a team approach and collaborate with other professionals and family members to participate when appropriate.

I am an LCSW with experience working with individuals, couples, and families from various cultural and socioeconomic groups. I have experience working with individuals with grief, loss, trauma, substance abuse, previous incarceration, chronic medical issues, and family relational issues. I also have knowledge and experience working with individuals to manage chronic mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. With empathy, compassion and 30 years of experience I am available to help guide you through this journey of healing and managing your current situation.

If you struggle with unwanted, upsetting thoughts and feelings, you’re not alone and you’re in the right place. The Center for the Obsessive Mind offers specialized care for those struggling with OCD, Anxiety, Eating Disorders and other mental health issues. When people come to see us, they are desperate to change their thoughts and feelings. While the fact that we have thoughts and feelings is a non-negotiable part of having a mind, we can help you to navigate your obsessive mind, live life on your own terms and reprioritize the things that matter most to you.

Currently Accepting New Clients > > > All too often, unfortunate life circumstances, difficult experiences and painful challenges lead to the belief of negative and untrue definitions of self. Do you struggle with negative self-talk? Poor self-image or poor body image? Do you feel at times that you are not deserving of good things? Perhaps you are struggling with motivation to follow through with goals you have set for yourself, and the stress just continues to pile up? If any of this sounds like you, you aren’t alone, and there is hope.

In the midst of the storm, I will join you as you walk in the rain. Clients are the authors of their lives and need assistance solving problems in ways that fit who they are. My goal is to offer individuals the support they need to successfully address life challenges to help them find their strengths and personal solutions to lead a happy and fulfilled life. Recognizing and capitalizing on strengths is imperative for personal growth.

We believe people today are reacting to an existential emptiness in our culture with negative coping behaviors such as over use of social media, substance addictions, mental health crises, eating disorders, relational failures, even suicides. Treating the cause of these issues as well as symptoms requires a psychological, mental, and spiritual approach in order for us to thrive and attain lasting transformation into wholeness. Encompass takes such an approach, sensitive to the unique needs of our attempts to thrive, and overcome with resilience, hope and optimism for our futures.

Have you been feeling like you need a change in your life, but are not sure how to go about making that happen? With my emphasis in Marriage & Family Therapy, the focus of my work includes life transitions, whether it is adjusting to parenthood, considering a change within the family system, or preparing for a career move. Learning methods to make even small changes can lead to positive improvements. I am passionate about helping individuals identify their values so they can move intentionally in a direction that inspires them. In my work with couples, I promote collaboration between them that aligns with their personal values.

Do you feel out of balance in your life? Having conflicts with important relationships; anxiety about the future; regrets about the past? Feeling as though life is passing you by and the joy you once felt isn't there anymore? Let me help you restore balance and happiness in your life and relationships. I am an experienced, skilled licensed counselor and psychology educator and want to help you regain your life, and live it to the fullest. If you are looking for a better life, or just want to resolve a problem that has you stumped, I can help.

I love helping people get healthy and successful through coaching, counseling and interventions, and I truly care about my clients. I am well known for getting results, that's why many of my clients include therapists, physicians, CEO's, attorneys, and dentists. I will guide you or your loved one to achieve major breakthroughs in relationships, career, finances, spiritual life, emotional life and health and wellness. And, if you have a loved one affected by addiction or mental health issues, I would be honored to do an intervention to get them into treatment, and provide counseling services to help prevent relapse after treatment.

Now offering telehealth services for children, adolescents, and adults. We live in a fast-paced society that fosters stress, anxiety, and perfectionism, often at the expense of balance and well-being. As a psychologist, I work with clients to help them increase healthy functioning and create the balance they are seeking in their lives, behaviors and relationships. Unfortunately, many of the stressors of modern life begin to be felt early. I work with not only adults, but children and adolescents to help them learn healthy ways of managing the demands they face.

Congratulations on taking a step closer to a solution and a life you love. I'd be happy to help you or your loved ones discover and practice more effective ways to experience and express. You'll learn to honor yourself, live your truth, and enjoy fulfilling relationships. Of course, making that happen requires your commitment and effort. I'll provide safe, non-judgmental listening and proven tools; you bring willingness and commitment to inquire, experiment and practice. As an expert in human behavior, I am a gender-affirming advocate for LGBTQ+ people and families. Sessions can be conducted via telehealth, in-person or by phone.

My name is Karen Smith, and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT138686), who is passionate about helping clients discover, or rediscover, their inner strength, and heal anything that is unresolved. My approach to providing therapy is taking a look at the whole picture, including the client's childhood, worldview, and current problem areas, and clearing out anything that could be holding them back from happiness and peace. I use EMDR, CBT, DBT, Psychoanalysis, and more, to uncover what led to the current undesirable thoughts and behaviors.

Life can be challenging, painful, frustrating, and uncertain at times. Through therapeutic means, we can work together to explore meaningful and creative ways to break down barriers and find the appropriate means for you to feel good in your skin. There are no guarantees in what life throws our way. There are however, beautiful opportunities in every situation we encompass, to respond effectively and empower ourselves to live the best life possible. I welcome the opportunity to journey through this process with you.

As a therapist, I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and teens that struggle with anxiety issues, anger, attachment repairs and struggles dealing with learning disabilities associated with school, sports and home life. I also work with individuals, couples and families that struggle with marital issues as well as family struggles. I utilize a Client-Centered approach as well as Emotionally Focused Therapy that can help to uncover the disconnect and struggles in relationships.