Mindfulness-Based (MBCT) Therapists in Monterey, CA

I do video/online counseling. My experience has included work with individuals, couples and families in a clinic setting I have experience working with issues such as depression, anxiety, stress management, trauma, relationship issues, infidelity, anger management, ADHD, and PTSD.

Most people are afraid of suffering. But suffering is a kind of mud to help the lotus flower of happiness grow. There can be no lotus flower without the mud." -Thich Nhat Hanh. We all have moments of feeling stuck and scared. Life brings us countless challenges and obstacles and sometimes we need support from others to help us get through difficult times. Seeking therapy is the beginning of you blooming into a lotus flower and rising from the ashes. You have the answers within you and the capacity to heal.

Supporting women of all ages develop and cultivate their own innate awareness is my passion. I support preteens, teens, young women & women personally & professionally in finding their voice and learning to trust their intuition. My speciality is helping women navigate anxiety and find ways to cultivate more inner peace.

I have been in this field supporting individuals for 10 years through different agencies within Monterey County. I am a Dually Licensed Therapist with extensive experiences with mental health and substance use disorders. I am also a trained EMDR practioner and use EMDR modality in my private practice. I was trained in AF-EMDR through the "Pranell Institute".

Life is wonderfully perfect, until we feel it has come to an end. When that dark path presents itself, it is time to take a challenge that perhaps we have avoided for a very long time. A challenge could be perceived as a change which could bring new beginnings or a change, we may fear the most. The question we should be asking ourselves is, “Am I ready to take that challenge?” Mental Health is a part of the human anatomy that is needed for an individual to have the best quality of life. Individuals feelings and emotions are crucial to be validated for individuals to have that best quality of life.

One of my greatest rewards as a therapist is helping clients explore ways to make changes in their lives that will allow them to look forward to the future with hope and live fully in the present. I believe we all need someone to talk with, who will really listen and accept us as we are, without judgement. I provide clients with a warm, non-judgmental environment; a safe place to explore the issues that may be preventing them from living the life they want. I have a heart for helping others find deeper meaning and a sense of purpose.

My ideal client has some insight and understands that therapy is work. It's not just about having me (or anyone else) solve their problems -- it's something that has to be done jointly. They also need to be willing to listen and change.

When people first present to my office, they have a range of significant concerns. It might be medical, school or work related or family dynamics, and, of course, life stressors. Through our work together you will build new awareness and tools. Human beings naturally trend toward health when they are able to build self inquiry, self awareness, and compassionate connection. The goal is to thrive.

Have you ever heard of the term Tabula Rasa? The term Tabula Rasa explains that we as individuals are born as a “blank slate” and the people, relationships, and experiences around us paint the experiences that shape who we become. The beauty of this theory is that negative and traumatic experiences can be painted over with new insights, personal growth, and emotional development. I have a deep passion of providing psycho education, insights, and learning about your personal story in therapy. Due to the type of therapy I provide, I work with adults only.

Hola, It is very normal to feel fear and anxiety when seeking help, but if you take the next step we can work collaboratively to help promote growth and healing moving forward. I utilize a strength based approach and a solution focused model to help strengthen the skills you already have while developing more effective tools to manage current stressors. Throughout my career, I have learned the importance of self-determination, meeting clients where they are and providing a safe space to process emotions and unresolved issues.

Do you want to stop feeling stuck? Are you at a loss of what to do next? Asking for help or support in these parts of our lives is courageous enough. Being overwhelmed, facing burnout, struggling with a phase of life or relationship issue... we often can't do it alone. I have been blessed to work with clients who decide they want to see change, growth, or greater ease in their life.

I look forward to connecting with you in a safe and healthy way. I believe you have everything within you to heal and will assist in exploring how trauma shaped your world through attachment or otherwise. We are all wired for connection; together we will mindfully investigate how you join your world presently in order to choose who and how you want to be. I welcome reprocessing any trauma that continues to prevent you from fully living. I enjoy working with individuals (children, tweens, teens and adults), couples and families as needed in support of individuals or couples.

Founder and Director of the Intimacy, Sexuality & Gender Center of California, Stephen has been providing professional top of the field Sex Therapy and Gender Identity Therapy to the Central Coast for over 32 years! ISGC, extensively serves the needs of individuals with sexual dysfunctions, those who have been sexually abused, couples struggling with sexual and intimacy issues, the Transgender/Transsexual community, the LGBT communities and the communities of all other sexual and gender minorities. Stephen also serves Victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Compulsivity (Out of Control Sexual Behavior.)

Are you afraid, confused, or struggling with your relationships? I work with client(s) dealing with interpersonal issues and communication challenges. It may be a husband and wife re-defining their roles with life changes, or an individual considering a career change. The problem often reveals itself at the surface when arguing and verbal conflict ensue, but the source of the problem needs a deeper adjustment, such as adjusting roles or providing more support for a family member. Regardless, clear communication usually allows the individual, couple, or family to achieve the goal of collaboration and compromise.

Many clients come to work with me at a time in their lives when they feel disconnected from themselves, stuck in their relationships, or when they are experiencing a major life transition. During these times, people often believe something is wrong with them and fear that others will judge them if they open up about their true feelings. As a result, many people stay quiet about their pain and feel lonely. Being a therapist has taught me that the struggles we encounter in life are far more common than we realize and your healing can be possible with my support.

You or a loved one may be struggling with substance use, depression, anxiety, loss, or life transitions (emphasis on the life part). Maybe you just need someone to ask you how you are really doing and be able to hold space for that. You may try talking yourself out of your pain or experience by telling yourself “someone else has it worse” or “I don’t deserve to be happy after everything I’ve done”. We often tell ourselves that our feelings, conflicts, or stories must look a certain way for them to deserve attention. I am committed to allowing you to show up to therapy exactly as you are - no judgement!

The most important person in the therapy session is you. The most mysterious person in the therapy session is you. And the most powerful insight will eventually come from you. You may feel stuck, angry, lonely, confused, hopeless or numb. Maybe you feel too much? Perhaps you're losing hours on tik tok or porn sites? you dissociate, sleep too much; can't sleep. It's okay to reach out. Everyone wants connection, everyone needs connection. Therapy can help you find ways to connect.

I wholeheartedly welcome you to my practice! Many of us are currently experiencing significant changes and, at times, upheavals in our everyday life. Upon reflection, you may be asking: What happened? How do I respond? How do I heal? What do I want to enhance in my life? Whether you are seeking deeper meaning, feeling anxious or overwhelmed, turning to maladaptive behaviors, or navigating complex relationships, I am here to hold a safe space for you. With compassion and intention, we will co-create an environment of learning and growth, unlocking the potential for soul-enriching change in your life.

Are you looking for a place to explore your thoughts, feelings, and worries without shame or judgment? The decision to seek out therapy is a personal choice made by many teens and adults. Sometimes my clients choose to work on a long-standing mental health struggle such as depression, anxiety, or grief and loss issues. Therapy is useful during times of significant transition or stress such as loss of a loved one, launching into adulthood, bullying, or trauma. Therapy is right for anyone who has a desire to learn more about themselves and make positive changes in their overall wellness, relationships, or daily life.