Therapists in Kern County, CA
Dr. Jeffrey W Cheney
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Areas of expertise include: Crisis Management, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Gottman Communication Skills, CBT therapy to reduce anger and address addictive behaviors, Love & Logic Parenting, ADHD testing, and extensive experience working with loss/trauma.
You're hurt and angry and thinking, 'Why do we argue about the same things over and over again I am so tired of fighting! What happened to the way we used to be?' I know you're frustrated. Couples tell me how lonely they feel. You and your partner can be happy again, you can learn to turn towards eachother, reconnect emotionally, and create a more caring and fulfilling relationship. For more than 20 years I've worked with couples and families helping them find a better way to live and love and work together.
Areas of expertise include: Crisis Management, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Gottman Communication Skills, CBT therapy to reduce anger and address addictive behaviors, Love & Logic Parenting, ADHD testing, and extensive experience working with loss/trauma.
You're hurt and angry and thinking, 'Why do we argue about the same things over and over again I am so tired of fighting! What happened to the way we used to be?' I know you're frustrated. Couples tell me how lonely they feel. You and your partner can be happy again, you can learn to turn towards eachother, reconnect emotionally, and create a more caring and fulfilling relationship. For more than 20 years I've worked with couples and families helping them find a better way to live and love and work together.
Drew Wiggins
Limited Licensed Psychologist, TLLP
Not Verified Not Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93312
My clinical interests and specialties include childhood/adult trauma, childhood sexual abuse, LGBTQ+ affirmative care, couples/relationship issues, identity and intersectionality, gender and sexuality, and grief/loss.
Seeking therapy for yourself can be complex and multi-layered. Finding a therapist you connect with is essential. I work interactively and collaboratively to support you at your pace while helping you move toward the fullest expression of the life you wish to lead. I value and utilize a trauma-informed lens wherein I aim to co-create a safe holding environment where the changes you hope for can occur. The therapeutic relationship is the backdrop for investigation, integration, and healing with openness, curiosity, self-compassion, and tenderness. I aim to embody authenticity, humor, and generosity throughout my work with clients.
My clinical interests and specialties include childhood/adult trauma, childhood sexual abuse, LGBTQ+ affirmative care, couples/relationship issues, identity and intersectionality, gender and sexuality, and grief/loss.
Seeking therapy for yourself can be complex and multi-layered. Finding a therapist you connect with is essential. I work interactively and collaboratively to support you at your pace while helping you move toward the fullest expression of the life you wish to lead. I value and utilize a trauma-informed lens wherein I aim to co-create a safe holding environment where the changes you hope for can occur. The therapeutic relationship is the backdrop for investigation, integration, and healing with openness, curiosity, self-compassion, and tenderness. I aim to embody authenticity, humor, and generosity throughout my work with clients.
William Shearer
Psychologist, LCP
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93304 (Online Only)
I am a California licensed psychologist with over four decades of experience. I specialize in anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and relationship issues. Most of my work is with couples and I have had extensive education, training and experience. To date I have worked with over a thousand couples. My work is with relationships that I work with couples, individuals, all ethnicities and cultures, and couples gay and straight. I work with premarital counseling, infidelity, divorce prevention, and couples who simply want more satisfaction in their relationship.
I am a California licensed psychologist with over four decades of experience. I specialize in anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and relationship issues. Most of my work is with couples and I have had extensive education, training and experience. To date I have worked with over a thousand couples. My work is with relationships that I work with couples, individuals, all ethnicities and cultures, and couples gay and straight. I work with premarital counseling, infidelity, divorce prevention, and couples who simply want more satisfaction in their relationship.
Robert Sperring
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93305
I work with individuals, families, and couples.
Hello. My therapeutic approach honors the past but points to now, and to the future. My goal for you is the, "restoration of self" before the pain, with more happiness, and higher functioning in all aspects of your life. Together we will walk through your struggles, and we will come to the other side back to who you are; stronger, happier, and better able to deal with this thing called life. whether is it for you, as a couple, or family. Give yourself a chance to reclaim who you are and want to be.
I work with individuals, families, and couples.
Hello. My therapeutic approach honors the past but points to now, and to the future. My goal for you is the, "restoration of self" before the pain, with more happiness, and higher functioning in all aspects of your life. Together we will walk through your struggles, and we will come to the other side back to who you are; stronger, happier, and better able to deal with this thing called life. whether is it for you, as a couple, or family. Give yourself a chance to reclaim who you are and want to be.
Daniel Fong
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93312
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in California with over 15 years of experience working as a psychotherapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship distress, parenting challenges, addiction struggles, and intimacy-related issues. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm, interactive, and culturally sensitive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels.
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in California with over 15 years of experience working as a psychotherapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship distress, parenting challenges, addiction struggles, and intimacy-related issues. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm, interactive, and culturally sensitive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels.
Gabriel Ruiz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PPSC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93313 (Online Only)
Hi there, my name is Gabriel Ruiz. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California. I completed both my bachelor's in psychology and my Master of Social Work (MSW) at California State University, Bakersfield. I am currently working on obtaining my Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) at Simmons University in Boston, Massachusetts. Our time together isn’t necessarily to rid ourselves of “bad” feelings but to gain the ability to experience a wider range of emotions. I work with children, adolescents, and adults who have various mental health needs. My approach to therapy is focused on creating a safe, brave, and affirming space.
Hi there, my name is Gabriel Ruiz. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California. I completed both my bachelor's in psychology and my Master of Social Work (MSW) at California State University, Bakersfield. I am currently working on obtaining my Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) at Simmons University in Boston, Massachusetts. Our time together isn’t necessarily to rid ourselves of “bad” feelings but to gain the ability to experience a wider range of emotions. I work with children, adolescents, and adults who have various mental health needs. My approach to therapy is focused on creating a safe, brave, and affirming space.
Douglas J Corrigan
Marriage & Family Therapist, EdD, LMFT, CHT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Rosamond, CA 93560
I offer straight forward individual, marriage, family and child therapy without the technical jargon. I'm into straight talk with people who are ready to make changes. I believe we all have the ability within us to change ourselves, so to me therapy is a collaborative effort. My therapeutic orientation is cognitive-behavioral as well as family systems, and I work from a spiritually-based approach for those who ask for it. I have special experience in a number of areas, such as military, trauma, domestic violence, and abuse. Ultimately, I provide the type of therapy that meets your needs.
I offer straight forward individual, marriage, family and child therapy without the technical jargon. I'm into straight talk with people who are ready to make changes. I believe we all have the ability within us to change ourselves, so to me therapy is a collaborative effort. My therapeutic orientation is cognitive-behavioral as well as family systems, and I work from a spiritually-based approach for those who ask for it. I have special experience in a number of areas, such as military, trauma, domestic violence, and abuse. Ultimately, I provide the type of therapy that meets your needs.
Antoine Heard
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93312
I believe that silence is a barrier to our healing. I have an eclectic approach. I will support you, challenge you, and accept who you are.
I believe that silence is a barrier to our healing. I have an eclectic approach. I will support you, challenge you, and accept who you are.
Online Therapists
Ted Williams
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
14 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90039
I work with individuals, couples, families and children, and believe that the relationship with the therapist is the single most important factor to a positive outcome in therapy.
I offer professional service, in a beautiful and calming environment for a fair rate. I've found that creating a supportive, safe and nurturing environment is essential to inspiring growth and I truly enjoy working with my clients on whatever troubles they are facing.
I work with individuals, couples, families and children, and believe that the relationship with the therapist is the single most important factor to a positive outcome in therapy.
I offer professional service, in a beautiful and calming environment for a fair rate. I've found that creating a supportive, safe and nurturing environment is essential to inspiring growth and I truly enjoy working with my clients on whatever troubles they are facing.
Seth Chapman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CSAT
Verified Verified
Studio City, CA 91604 (Online Only)
I help individuals and couples clarify and strengthen their relationship goals. Learning how to build more satisfying relationships leads to lasting change and empowerment. Old, less helpful ways of thinking are replaced with new, more realistic ideas of self-acceptance and how to rely on others. The result is a clearer picture of one's strengths, limitations, and belonging in the world.
I help individuals and couples clarify and strengthen their relationship goals. Learning how to build more satisfying relationships leads to lasting change and empowerment. Old, less helpful ways of thinking are replaced with new, more realistic ideas of self-acceptance and how to rely on others. The result is a clearer picture of one's strengths, limitations, and belonging in the world.
Keith Battista
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Do you feel stuck or uncertain about what's troubling you? Are relationship issues or stress impacting your well-being? You're not alone. I specialize in addressing anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges, offering a safe, non-judgmental space for exploration and support. I'm also passionate about guiding couples to thriving relationships, offering personalized support and evidence-based guidance to overcome obstacles and reignite the spark. With a deep understanding of relationship dynamics, I'm committed to helping you cultivate effective communication, rebuild trust, and rediscover joy together.
Do you feel stuck or uncertain about what's troubling you? Are relationship issues or stress impacting your well-being? You're not alone. I specialize in addressing anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges, offering a safe, non-judgmental space for exploration and support. I'm also passionate about guiding couples to thriving relationships, offering personalized support and evidence-based guidance to overcome obstacles and reignite the spark. With a deep understanding of relationship dynamics, I'm committed to helping you cultivate effective communication, rebuild trust, and rediscover joy together.
Tate Kim
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Burbank, CA 91503 (Online Only)
I consider it a privilege to work with my clients. I believe the client-therapist relationship is a sacred one where clients are able to examine aspects of themselves and their lives they may have never revealed to others that can be held respectfully and empathically in that relationship. In a safe space, we will explore and process the internal and external experiences and challenges keeping you from living in wholeness. Through this therapeutic relationship and space, healing from past and current pains and unhealthy cycles can occur and lead towards psychological, emotional, relational and spiritual health and resilience.
I consider it a privilege to work with my clients. I believe the client-therapist relationship is a sacred one where clients are able to examine aspects of themselves and their lives they may have never revealed to others that can be held respectfully and empathically in that relationship. In a safe space, we will explore and process the internal and external experiences and challenges keeping you from living in wholeness. Through this therapeutic relationship and space, healing from past and current pains and unhealthy cycles can occur and lead towards psychological, emotional, relational and spiritual health and resilience.
Brian Shin: Hope Therapy Group
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Encino, CA 91436
I am certified in PREPARE/ENRICH and Gottman Level 1, which are evidence-based therapy modalities for couples at any stage of their relationship.
From the unexpected challenges to finding fulfillment when overcoming a trial, every person deserves to be the hero of their own story. From trauma to mood disorders to relational issues, each challenge is not an isolated event, but a story that is connected to our past, present, and future. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about helping people work through these challenges to come out even stronger, emotionally and mentally. I work with youth, adults, couples, and families to identify how this connection can lead to overcoming challenges and finding healing.
I am certified in PREPARE/ENRICH and Gottman Level 1, which are evidence-based therapy modalities for couples at any stage of their relationship.
From the unexpected challenges to finding fulfillment when overcoming a trial, every person deserves to be the hero of their own story. From trauma to mood disorders to relational issues, each challenge is not an isolated event, but a story that is connected to our past, present, and future. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about helping people work through these challenges to come out even stronger, emotionally and mentally. I work with youth, adults, couples, and families to identify how this connection can lead to overcoming challenges and finding healing.
John Avitabile
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Panorama City, CA 91402
I typically treat all types of anxiety, depression, plus relationship problems, career guidance, and business-related issues.
Hello, I am John Avitabile, thank you for contacting me in your search for a mental health professional to help make your life a little bit more rewarding and enjoyable. I am licensed to practice in California as a Marriage and Family Therapist and have come to the practice of psychology late in life after four previous successful careers. This life journey has provided me with an unusually broad combination of formal education and real-life work experience that is quite unusual in this field.
I typically treat all types of anxiety, depression, plus relationship problems, career guidance, and business-related issues.
Hello, I am John Avitabile, thank you for contacting me in your search for a mental health professional to help make your life a little bit more rewarding and enjoyable. I am licensed to practice in California as a Marriage and Family Therapist and have come to the practice of psychology late in life after four previous successful careers. This life journey has provided me with an unusually broad combination of formal education and real-life work experience that is quite unusual in this field.
Tony Chavira
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90015 (Online Only)
Hi, I'm Tony and my couples therapy practice is a space of hope, clarity, and limitless compassion. Maybe you’re struggling. Maybe you’re in pain or a difficult place in your relationship. Or maybe you’re passing through complicated times. It's safe if your marriage feels this hard, whether you're going through a breakdown or just a rough patch. In therapy, I can journey with you to a place of discovery, curiosity, and refreshing connection. I’ll help you uncover new ways to open, empathize, communicate, and find comfort with one another. But most importantly, we will grow a new culture of freedom and understanding for your future.
Hi, I'm Tony and my couples therapy practice is a space of hope, clarity, and limitless compassion. Maybe you’re struggling. Maybe you’re in pain or a difficult place in your relationship. Or maybe you’re passing through complicated times. It's safe if your marriage feels this hard, whether you're going through a breakdown or just a rough patch. In therapy, I can journey with you to a place of discovery, curiosity, and refreshing connection. I’ll help you uncover new ways to open, empathize, communicate, and find comfort with one another. But most importantly, we will grow a new culture of freedom and understanding for your future.
Dr. John P Rogers
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, PsyD, LPCC
Verified Verified
Santa Clarita, CA 91321
I specialize in working with individuals with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and substance abuse.
In life's journey, issues, challenges, and hard decisions come up. Are you looking for a therapist who can help without judging, labeling, or making assumptions? As an experienced clinician, I recognize that if I am not grateful to help everyone, then I am not qualified to help anyone. I pride myself on creating a safe and supportive space to work collaboratively with my clients to overcome complex traumas, relational stressors, and barriers to their happiness and satisfaction with life.
I specialize in working with individuals with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and substance abuse.
In life's journey, issues, challenges, and hard decisions come up. Are you looking for a therapist who can help without judging, labeling, or making assumptions? As an experienced clinician, I recognize that if I am not grateful to help everyone, then I am not qualified to help anyone. I pride myself on creating a safe and supportive space to work collaboratively with my clients to overcome complex traumas, relational stressors, and barriers to their happiness and satisfaction with life.
Adam Luke
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Beverly Hills, CA 90211 (Online Only)
My strengths as a therapist are helping people who are processing, trauma, self worth, self-esteem issues, substance abuse/recovery, couples counseling, relational conflict, and mens issues.
One of the scariest parts of therapy is the unknown. Our fear of therapy focuses on what we will have to say, the things we will have to feel but rarely when we think of therapy do we focus on the things we may find within ourselves. Like the courage to speak power to our own voice. The reality that we are not the sum of the worst things that have happened to us. Hell, maybe that we have always been valuable and we never deserved the way we were treated, the hurt we were given or the hurt that is still present within us. It is through our therapeutic process that we are able to organize your thoughts and prioritize your voice.
My strengths as a therapist are helping people who are processing, trauma, self worth, self-esteem issues, substance abuse/recovery, couples counseling, relational conflict, and mens issues.
One of the scariest parts of therapy is the unknown. Our fear of therapy focuses on what we will have to say, the things we will have to feel but rarely when we think of therapy do we focus on the things we may find within ourselves. Like the courage to speak power to our own voice. The reality that we are not the sum of the worst things that have happened to us. Hell, maybe that we have always been valuable and we never deserved the way we were treated, the hurt we were given or the hurt that is still present within us. It is through our therapeutic process that we are able to organize your thoughts and prioritize your voice.
Alex Gallegos
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90006
Hello, my name is Alex Gallegos and I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist (Lic. 101393) in California. I have been providing treatment for 14 years in mental health. I have provided therapy for adults, children, families, couples, and support groups. Some of the areas related to mental health that I have addressed are depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, domestic violence, and parenting problems, and I work with fathers struggling to parent their children as a result of historical trauma.
Hello, my name is Alex Gallegos and I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist (Lic. 101393) in California. I have been providing treatment for 14 years in mental health. I have provided therapy for adults, children, families, couples, and support groups. Some of the areas related to mental health that I have addressed are depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, domestic violence, and parenting problems, and I work with fathers struggling to parent their children as a result of historical trauma.
Dennis Lucas
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, APCC, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
I extend a warm welcome to adults, couples, and adolescents seeking support.
Having worked across diverse mental health settings including community mental health and residential treatment facilities, I have cultivated an approach centered on creating a non-judgmental domain for clients to explore their aspirations and challenges. I believe in the power of authentic self-attunement and collaboration, guiding you to navigate life’s complexities while harnessing your inherent strengths and cultivating newfound areas of confidence. You may not know what to do or what you desire, but together we can collaboratively strategize to develop the tools to begin the proper journey towards your true goals.
I extend a warm welcome to adults, couples, and adolescents seeking support.
Having worked across diverse mental health settings including community mental health and residential treatment facilities, I have cultivated an approach centered on creating a non-judgmental domain for clients to explore their aspirations and challenges. I believe in the power of authentic self-attunement and collaboration, guiding you to navigate life’s complexities while harnessing your inherent strengths and cultivating newfound areas of confidence. You may not know what to do or what you desire, but together we can collaboratively strategize to develop the tools to begin the proper journey towards your true goals.
Alex Frank
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90401
During challenging times, a lot that we've taken for granted - health, finances, career, dating - may feel precarious, doomed even. I help people identify any "thinking" obstacles you may have, in order to push past limiting assumptions or sabotaging beliefs. In a therapeutic relationship, you and I work towards acceptance and empowered management of challenges, expanding your tools and freeing up space. Trained in Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Interpersonal Therapies (IPT) and IFS therapies, I also pull from traditional psychodynamic theory (including attachment) and mindfulness approaches to help facilitate your desired change.
During challenging times, a lot that we've taken for granted - health, finances, career, dating - may feel precarious, doomed even. I help people identify any "thinking" obstacles you may have, in order to push past limiting assumptions or sabotaging beliefs. In a therapeutic relationship, you and I work towards acceptance and empowered management of challenges, expanding your tools and freeing up space. Trained in Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Interpersonal Therapies (IPT) and IFS therapies, I also pull from traditional psychodynamic theory (including attachment) and mindfulness approaches to help facilitate your desired change.
See more therapy options for Kern County
Couples Counseling Therapists
Does couples counseling work?
Research shows that couples counseling is effective; it can reduce relationship distress and improve emotional awareness, communication, empathy, intimacy, and overall relationship satisfaction. For example, emotionally focused therapy was found to be effective for about 75 percent of couples, and those benefits lasted at least two years.
When should a couple seek counseling?
Couples can benefit from counseling if they consistently struggle in their relationship. They may have lost the ability to communicate effectively, become entrenched in harmful patterns, begun to fight more than usual, broken the other’s trust, suffered from a mental or physical illness, or faced any number of other challenges. Many therapists offer free consultations, so if a couple isn’t sure whether therapy is necessary, asking directly can provide clarity.
How can I get my partner to go to couples therapy?
The decision to seek couples therapy is often driven by one partner, who then convinces the other to participate. When discussing the idea, the initiator should be direct and assertive. They can state the problems they see and explain how the relationship would benefit from therapy. In more serious cases, they can also explain how their relationship may suffer without making any changes or seeking professional help.
How does a couple prepare for couples counseling?
The anticipation of beginning couples counseling can be difficult—sometimes more difficult than the first session itself. Taking a few moments to reflect can allay those concerns: What are the current challenges? When and how did they begin? What do they want the relationship to look like in the future? Reflecting on these questions can help individuals or couples articulate their goals. Of course, the therapist will also ask questions and guide couples through the process.