Therapists in Sacramento, CA

Hello! I am Stephen Taft, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. We all reach points in our life when we need some additional support to break out of problem patterns or to manage difficult issues. If you have been experiencing trouble in your relationships, anxiety, depression or have been feeling overwhelmed; it may be a good time to start therapy. Together we can work to build upon your personal strengths to support your growth in order to create a happier and healthier life.

Hello, I specialize in working with the following: Teen/Young Adult Issues- I help teens/young adults learn valuable skills that help them make sense of their thoughts, feelings, and values; this helps them be better equipped and empowered to make better decisions in their relationships, school, and work. Counseling with me can help teens and young adults build their confidence, bounce back from setbacks, focus on their goals, manage stress, and have healthy relationships.

Ask yourself, why did you choose now to seek help/therapy? Is it because you thought to yourself “I think I need to talk to someone?” My motivation to be a therapist is to be that anchor or sounding board to help you through life’s stressors. I enjoy empowering individuals with the necessary tools and resources that will allow them to engage in a healthy and self-sufficient lifestyle. I hope to be an ongoing advocate for the importance of therapy whether it is for short-term goals or for on-going support.

My approach to therapy is based on integrating theories from a family systems perspective, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, & Attachment Theory. While I enjoy working with all client populations my specialties are LGBTQ issues, relationship issues, chronic illness and pain, terminal illness, grief and loss. I see each client as uniquely special, and deserving of life's best. My goal is to help each client discover who they are meant to be regardless of their experience. I especially like coaching individuals in the corporate setting, helping them to achieve their personal best in the office and at home.

Are you open to trying new ways of gaining an understanding of yourself to feel empowered with making positive changes in your life? Each of us have our own unique story in life and at times, we can be challenged with how we deal with the ups and downs of life. Sometimes life events can have an impact on how we relate with others, view the world and ourselves. Sometimes these ups and downs can bring on feelings of sadness, confusion and frustration - when this happens, the expertise of a Marriage and Family Therapist can help.

Do you having feelings that have been held inside you and are stopping you from achieving your goals? Do you want to change the way you feel but have difficulty talking or identifying what may be contributing to feelings of worry, doubt, anger, fear, disappointment and sadness. Research has proven that stress, worry and fear adversely effect our emotional, mental and physical health. Prolonged stress can lead to depression and anxiety which can negatively impact our creativity, relationships and enjoyment of life. Covid-19, Injustice and exposure to Violence are additional layers of stress impacting our wellness. Help is here.

Professional and affordable counseling for individuals, couples and families . . . Your life counts, and when times are hard, you owe it to yourself to take constructive action. You may find the most valuable action will be your decision to pursue counseling. I offer a telephone consultation at no cost to help you with that decision. In addition, I offer expertise in helping individuals and couples who are experiencing reproductive loss, such as infertility and miscarriage.

As a therapist my ultimate goal is to provide a space for people within BIPOC and LGBTQIA2S+ community to grow and thrive into the people they desire to be. Living in a world apart of historically oppressed and marginalized communities can impact the way we view ourselves as apart of this world and provide unique challenges that can be hard to process and unpack . As humans we desire to connect and align with our true selves and I am committed to providing a space where folks can be who they are, explore their identity, and work through difficult emotions and life experiences.

Are you feeling ready to make changes in your life? I believe in your ability to heal by opening up and work on what is present. By creating a safe environment and attuning to you, I provide talk therapy or a drama therapy and expressive arts approach. Making changes in our lives can be challenging and having support through that can be a vital component to our growth. My personal approach is client-centered and strength-based. My goal is to assist you to discover your authentic self.

My style as a therapist is both affirmative and challenging. I seek to support and understand you so that we may together identify the obstacles that keep you from living a more fulfilling and creative life. Therapy often involves the following processes: Changing reactive patterns of behavior, like compulsive eating or the destructive use of anger. Learning about your "filters," which are habitual ways of interpreting life events that stem from your unique conditioning. Developing skills to modulate uncomfortable feelings, such as anxiety or sadness. Strengthening your core sense of self and values.

As a millenial, you’re likely feeling the heightened pressure of adulthood weighing on your shoulders as you decide what’s next. Maybe you’ve just transitioned into a role as a parent, and you’re dealing with the anxiety & uncertainty that brings. Maybe you recognize that while your parents did their best, some harmful patterns have affected your worldview. Decisions about what career opportunities to pursue are likely at the forefront of your mind, as is wondering if you’re falling short or falling behind your friends. Or maybe you’re questioning the faith you were brought up in and deciding whether it aligns with who you are now.

I have been working in mental health as a social worker for over 30 years; working with individuals from all walks of life, with a variety of challenging issues. Often times we can face our problems on our own, but sometimes it helps to have someone to listen and process the challenges we are facing. As a therapist, my philosophy is to listen to your story and meet you where you are at.

I’m a true believer that we all are faced with trials and tribulations throughout our lives that test and challenge our mental well-being. No matter your ethnicity, age, sexuality, or social status your mental health is a continuous work in progress. My goal in treatment is to work collaboratively with you to create an environment that helps you to gain insight, strength, balance, and overall growth. I have 5 years of experience working with individuals and families who have dealt with trauma within their lives.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by depression, anxiety or struggling to maintain a healthy relationship? Let us provide you with compassionate support and guidance that you need. As an experienced therapist, I specialize in helping individuals find relief from their mental health challenges and work collaboratively with couples to enhance their connection and understanding. Together, we can navigate the complexities of your emotions and relationships, empower you to lead a happier and more fulfilling life. Take the first step towards healing and reach out today.

I value my clients as individuals, and know that at some time or other most people need a little assistance to overcome life's challenges. I recognize that no single therapeutic approach is effective for everyone, and I have learned to tailor techniques to match my clients' personal goals. Over the years, I have learned that making even small changes in the way we think and behave can dramatically improve the quality of our lives.

I am passionate about helping individuals achieve their best selves and find fulfillment in life. Sometimes, we are held back by past hurts, low self esteem, anxiety, loss, or other life challenges. If you want to find ways to overcome life challenges, feel more confident, and have better relationships, I am here to help! I also love working with couples. Relationships, especially those with our spouse or partner are the most important thing in life. Often couples find themselves struggling to communicate and feel disconnected from one another. I would love to help you and your partner feel more connected!

I believe in creating partnerships with my clients and my approach is client centered. I have worked with various populations, including symptoms of depression, anxiety, self-esteem, relational issues and trauma. I use a variety of therapeutic modalities as listed but aware not one model fits all. I am reality-based and aware you cannot change the past but can heal to move forward in a safe and a healing space. Partnering with a therapist provides the opportunity to share the burden and learn ways to cope while creating solutions.