Couples Counseling Therapists in San Luis Obispo, CA

Photo of Matthew R Chirman, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Matthew R Chirman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
For the 22 last years I have worked successfully with adult clients dealing with a wide range of issues including marital and relationship problems, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, abuse issues, personality issues and mental health concerns. I believe a trusting relationship between the therapist and client is the foundation for all growth and change. However, the relationship itself is typically not sufficient. I will help you set goals for your therapy based upon what you would like to have different in your life, and together we will explore and change the blocks which have prevented you from achieving your goals.
For the 22 last years I have worked successfully with adult clients dealing with a wide range of issues including marital and relationship problems, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, abuse issues, personality issues and mental health concerns. I believe a trusting relationship between the therapist and client is the foundation for all growth and change. However, the relationship itself is typically not sufficient. I will help you set goals for your therapy based upon what you would like to have different in your life, and together we will explore and change the blocks which have prevented you from achieving your goals.
(805) 791-2566 View (805) 791-2566
Photo of Griff Jennings, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Luis Obispo, CA
Griff Jennings
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Griff offers individual therapy to adults, adolescents, and couples as they navigate relationship challenges and strengthen connections. His journey in the field began here in our Central Coast community with serving youth and families experiencing trauma. Beyond providing in-home behavioral services, past therapeutic roles also include case manager and social worker while clinical experience includes a focus on: self-esteem, parenting skills, life transitions, men’s issues, anxiety and depression. Griff's all about creating a trusting therapeutic space where you can feel understood.
Griff offers individual therapy to adults, adolescents, and couples as they navigate relationship challenges and strengthen connections. His journey in the field began here in our Central Coast community with serving youth and families experiencing trauma. Beyond providing in-home behavioral services, past therapeutic roles also include case manager and social worker while clinical experience includes a focus on: self-esteem, parenting skills, life transitions, men’s issues, anxiety and depression. Griff's all about creating a trusting therapeutic space where you can feel understood.
(805) 793-0590 View (805) 793-0590
Photo of Kris Roudebush, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Kris Roudebush
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Greetings! I'm Kris and I love facilitating therapeutic work with individuals and couples who are looking to explore, enhance, and heal various aspects of our complicated lives. My practice addresses life challenges using a holistic perspective, blending various treatment approaches. Primary approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, existential, mindfulness, and trauma focused. I am a Sex Therapist, and specialize in working with: clients with sexual traumas and PTSD, queer, trans and nonbinary folx, and those experiencing sexual difficulties, whether personally or in their relationship.
Greetings! I'm Kris and I love facilitating therapeutic work with individuals and couples who are looking to explore, enhance, and heal various aspects of our complicated lives. My practice addresses life challenges using a holistic perspective, blending various treatment approaches. Primary approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, existential, mindfulness, and trauma focused. I am a Sex Therapist, and specialize in working with: clients with sexual traumas and PTSD, queer, trans and nonbinary folx, and those experiencing sexual difficulties, whether personally or in their relationship.
(805) 973-0901 View (805) 973-0901
Photo of Mai Timberlake, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Mai Timberlake
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
I work with adults and teens struggling with depression, anxiety, substance dependence, life transitions, trauma, and relationship concerns. I have training in DBT and Somatic Psychotherapy. I enjoy working with LGBTQ+ and am passionate about viewing therapy through a cultural lens. As a Gottman trained couples therapist, I am skilled in conflict management and spend a lot of time teaching couples new tools to communicate more effectively. One of the most common relationship challenges are changes in intimacy, so I help many people, both individually and those in relationships, learn how to reconnect both physically and emotionally.
I work with adults and teens struggling with depression, anxiety, substance dependence, life transitions, trauma, and relationship concerns. I have training in DBT and Somatic Psychotherapy. I enjoy working with LGBTQ+ and am passionate about viewing therapy through a cultural lens. As a Gottman trained couples therapist, I am skilled in conflict management and spend a lot of time teaching couples new tools to communicate more effectively. One of the most common relationship challenges are changes in intimacy, so I help many people, both individually and those in relationships, learn how to reconnect both physically and emotionally.
(805) 301-6833 View (805) 301-6833
Photo of Lisa Connely, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Lisa Connely
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
I have experience working with individuals, couples and families. I believe therapy is a safe environment to promote change, healing and an opportunity to explore yourself and how you connect with others.
I have experience working with individuals, couples and families. I believe therapy is a safe environment to promote change, healing and an opportunity to explore yourself and how you connect with others.
(805) 467-6102 View (805) 467-6102
Photo of Melinda Marcelluskincaid, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Melinda Marcelluskincaid
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
I believe in the importance of establishing a therapeutic bond in the working relationship between client & therapist.
Do you seek more balance, understanding, connection and freedom in your relationships with yourself and others? I create a safe and supportive environment to help you through difficulties to become more positive and live with presence in acceptance and peace. Whether we work to create boundaries, increase self-esteem, decrease destructive patterns, or move through painful life experiences, together we will process what you are going through in order to obtain clarity, solutions, and personal growth. My hope is that we can find contentment in our present moment & live fully in that moment each day.
I believe in the importance of establishing a therapeutic bond in the working relationship between client & therapist.
Do you seek more balance, understanding, connection and freedom in your relationships with yourself and others? I create a safe and supportive environment to help you through difficulties to become more positive and live with presence in acceptance and peace. Whether we work to create boundaries, increase self-esteem, decrease destructive patterns, or move through painful life experiences, together we will process what you are going through in order to obtain clarity, solutions, and personal growth. My hope is that we can find contentment in our present moment & live fully in that moment each day.
(805) 367-5102 View (805) 367-5102
Photo of Kai Lillie, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Kai Lillie
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
I work with individuals, families, children, couples, and groups.
What brings you here? If you are scrolling through these pages, you are likely looking for support, either for yourself or someone you care about. While it is easier now to find psychological support, finding the right person to work with is as important as ever. While working with me you will be received in a warm, non-judgmental, and curiosity filled environment. While considering what brought you into therapy, we will reflect on the circumstances contributing to where you are today. Our focus will be on integrating what has been in order to develop into what can be.
I work with individuals, families, children, couples, and groups.
What brings you here? If you are scrolling through these pages, you are likely looking for support, either for yourself or someone you care about. While it is easier now to find psychological support, finding the right person to work with is as important as ever. While working with me you will be received in a warm, non-judgmental, and curiosity filled environment. While considering what brought you into therapy, we will reflect on the circumstances contributing to where you are today. Our focus will be on integrating what has been in order to develop into what can be.
(510) 990-9815 View (510) 990-9815
Photo of Summer Sessions Counseling, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in San Luis Obispo, CA
Summer Sessions Counseling
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LPCC, LCSW, LCMHC, ACSW, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
From EMDR, OCD treatment, addressing, anxiety, depression, life adjustment, couples and individuals needs, we're here to support it all!.
You made it here, and we are here to support and listen. The goal of our team is to support the your needs with our diverse backgrounds and specialties. Whether you are experiencing a life stressor, ongoing anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma or more, you deserve support and we can help. Desde luego que mis servicios terapéuticos están disponibles en el español. Con muchísimo gusto estoy aquí para apoyarte y ayudarte. Please see our website, www.SummerSessionsCounseling.org, for available providers and booking (www.therapyportal.com/p/summersessions/appointments/availability/)
From EMDR, OCD treatment, addressing, anxiety, depression, life adjustment, couples and individuals needs, we're here to support it all!.
You made it here, and we are here to support and listen. The goal of our team is to support the your needs with our diverse backgrounds and specialties. Whether you are experiencing a life stressor, ongoing anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma or more, you deserve support and we can help. Desde luego que mis servicios terapéuticos están disponibles en el español. Con muchísimo gusto estoy aquí para apoyarte y ayudarte. Please see our website, www.SummerSessionsCounseling.org, for available providers and booking (www.therapyportal.com/p/summersessions/appointments/availability/)
(805) 243-0739 View (805) 243-0739
Photo of Jayanta Hegde, Psychologist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Jayanta Hegde
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
I'm a clinical psychologist practicing with those who suffer from loneliness, anxiety, obsessions, trauma, anger, aloofness, issues of identity and intimacy, difficult life circumstances, and many other problems. While I value knowledge about psychopathology, I find a strictly diagnosis-based approach to be limiting. Instead, we might be curious together about the many aspects of life that bear on your particular suffering. This broad exploration and discovery can only happen in a safe and confidential relationship. I feel so privileged when someone chooses to reveal themselves to me on these deeply personal levels.
I'm a clinical psychologist practicing with those who suffer from loneliness, anxiety, obsessions, trauma, anger, aloofness, issues of identity and intimacy, difficult life circumstances, and many other problems. While I value knowledge about psychopathology, I find a strictly diagnosis-based approach to be limiting. Instead, we might be curious together about the many aspects of life that bear on your particular suffering. This broad exploration and discovery can only happen in a safe and confidential relationship. I feel so privileged when someone chooses to reveal themselves to me on these deeply personal levels.
(805) 242-1260 View (805) 242-1260
Photo of Ellen Morgan Jones, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Ellen Morgan Jones
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
I am a passionate nature enthusiast and Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and families who are interested in furthering their development and reaching a deeper understanding of their own, authentic being. I believe that we are more than our emotions and behaviors–we are complex people that require introspection and the honor of a unique and individualized path to healing. Through the exploration of stories and patterns (both current and past), I assist clients in coming into a deeper understanding and ease with the self.
I am a passionate nature enthusiast and Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and families who are interested in furthering their development and reaching a deeper understanding of their own, authentic being. I believe that we are more than our emotions and behaviors–we are complex people that require introspection and the honor of a unique and individualized path to healing. Through the exploration of stories and patterns (both current and past), I assist clients in coming into a deeper understanding and ease with the self.
(805) 303-5480 View (805) 303-5480
Photo of Robert E Clayton, Psychologist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Robert E Clayton
Psychologist
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
I believe that our most profound feelings contain the seeds of our transformation and growth. Working together in a warm, supportive, and connected relationship, we can gain access to these deep, transformative emotions to find healing, strength, and unimagined new vitality. I enjoy working with students and young adults, those in mid-life, and elders.
I believe that our most profound feelings contain the seeds of our transformation and growth. Working together in a warm, supportive, and connected relationship, we can gain access to these deep, transformative emotions to find healing, strength, and unimagined new vitality. I enjoy working with students and young adults, those in mid-life, and elders.
(805) 250-4535 View (805) 250-4535
Photo of Tim Parker, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Luis Obispo, CA
Tim Parker
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
My approach offers a validating, emotionally-attuned relationship within which you can safely explore what has happened to you, resolve distressing challenges, and clarify the actions you want to take to create healing in your life.
We never have to be stuck in distress. A greater sense of peace and control is possible for each of us to obtain within a supportive therapeutic environment. By examining our values and aligning our actions to them, we can create meaningful change. My role is to join you in working through depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship distress, unresolved emotional burdens, substance abuse, or other major life events, in order to move away from the challenges you feel are holding you back, and move towards the life you want to live.
My approach offers a validating, emotionally-attuned relationship within which you can safely explore what has happened to you, resolve distressing challenges, and clarify the actions you want to take to create healing in your life.
We never have to be stuck in distress. A greater sense of peace and control is possible for each of us to obtain within a supportive therapeutic environment. By examining our values and aligning our actions to them, we can create meaningful change. My role is to join you in working through depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship distress, unresolved emotional burdens, substance abuse, or other major life events, in order to move away from the challenges you feel are holding you back, and move towards the life you want to live.
(805) 667-0838 View (805) 667-0838
Photo of Erika Helene Torres, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Erika Helene Torres
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401  (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 16+ years of experience. I specialize in Couples Therapy, Anxiety/Depression, Maternal Mental Health, Parenting, Phase of Life issues, and Relationship and Occupational challenges. I work with clients throughout CA providing therapy via Telehealth, which allows you to meet from the comfort of your home, maximize your time, and reduces scheduling challenges. For additional information, please visit my website at www.erikatorreslmft.com
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 16+ years of experience. I specialize in Couples Therapy, Anxiety/Depression, Maternal Mental Health, Parenting, Phase of Life issues, and Relationship and Occupational challenges. I work with clients throughout CA providing therapy via Telehealth, which allows you to meet from the comfort of your home, maximize your time, and reduces scheduling challenges. For additional information, please visit my website at www.erikatorreslmft.com
(949) 694-1496 View (949) 694-1496
Photo of Christina Dee, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Christina Dee
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
I have many years of experience supporting others heal through a variety of issues including emotional injuries, relationship difficulties, grief and loss, phase of life transitions and initiations, existential crisis', fear and panic, family of origin and attachment issues, guilt, co-dependency, spiritual emergency and individual and vicarious trauma.
Connecting with yourself can bring a greater calm and balance to your life. I provide a warm presence to help you nourish, strengthen and restore yourself to emotional, physical and spiritual wellness. Whether you wish you heal a broken heart, process grief and loss, resolve a work challenge or discover ways to fine-tune your beliefs and attitudes, I am ready to journey by your side as a source of support, guidance and insight.
I have many years of experience supporting others heal through a variety of issues including emotional injuries, relationship difficulties, grief and loss, phase of life transitions and initiations, existential crisis', fear and panic, family of origin and attachment issues, guilt, co-dependency, spiritual emergency and individual and vicarious trauma.
Connecting with yourself can bring a greater calm and balance to your life. I provide a warm presence to help you nourish, strengthen and restore yourself to emotional, physical and spiritual wellness. Whether you wish you heal a broken heart, process grief and loss, resolve a work challenge or discover ways to fine-tune your beliefs and attitudes, I am ready to journey by your side as a source of support, guidance and insight.
(805) 316-7104 View (805) 316-7104
Photo of Victor Silva-Palacios, Psychologist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Victor Silva-Palacios
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
My early training and work with young children and their parents prepared me for my current work treating adults and couples; many of the struggles these families had centered around bonding and attachment. Today, most of my adult patients face relationship issues rooted in early life experiences. During psychotherapy treatments, I help my patients understand the value of working through early emotional losses so they can mature and enjoy healthy adult relationships.
My early training and work with young children and their parents prepared me for my current work treating adults and couples; many of the struggles these families had centered around bonding and attachment. Today, most of my adult patients face relationship issues rooted in early life experiences. During psychotherapy treatments, I help my patients understand the value of working through early emotional losses so they can mature and enjoy healthy adult relationships.
(805) 801-7590 View (805) 801-7590
Photo of Chris Cooke, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Luis Obispo, CA
Chris Cooke
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, MA, MS
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Johnny Cash says it best, "... it all goes down in the mind." My specialties are EMDR Therapy, Jungian shadow work, and couples.
Johnny Cash says it best, "... it all goes down in the mind." My specialties are EMDR Therapy, Jungian shadow work, and couples.
(805) 422-7953 View (805) 422-7953
Photo of Kendra N Williams, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Kendra N Williams
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
I have been given the greatest opportunity to be welcomed into my clients' lives and assist them in creating their definition and plan for a well life. I focus on the working relationship between my clients' and I, where theory and practice only enhances the work done in session. My goal is not to be a client's therapist every week for the rest of their lives, but rather to have them create the strength and determination to leave my office applying it to their everyday lives.
I have been given the greatest opportunity to be welcomed into my clients' lives and assist them in creating their definition and plan for a well life. I focus on the working relationship between my clients' and I, where theory and practice only enhances the work done in session. My goal is not to be a client's therapist every week for the rest of their lives, but rather to have them create the strength and determination to leave my office applying it to their everyday lives.
(805) 491-4893 View (805) 491-4893
Photo of Hannah Morrison, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in San Luis Obispo, CA
Hannah Morrison
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Together we can sort through life transitions, identity exploration, breaking generational cycles, defeating relationship patterns, parenting challenges, and facing painful realities of todays society.
As a therapist, I am passionate about creating a safe space to explore a deeper understanding of yourself, others and the world . With empathy and trust, I will walk alongside you as you navigate feelings of anxiety, sadness, fear, self-criticism, doubt and shame. You can learn new ways to manage life stressors, gain confidence and self-compassion, advocate for your needs, and live a life that you deem meaningful and authentic to you.
Together we can sort through life transitions, identity exploration, breaking generational cycles, defeating relationship patterns, parenting challenges, and facing painful realities of todays society.
As a therapist, I am passionate about creating a safe space to explore a deeper understanding of yourself, others and the world . With empathy and trust, I will walk alongside you as you navigate feelings of anxiety, sadness, fear, self-criticism, doubt and shame. You can learn new ways to manage life stressors, gain confidence and self-compassion, advocate for your needs, and live a life that you deem meaningful and authentic to you.
(805) 723-2431 View (805) 723-2431
Photo of Amber Gambel, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Amber Gambel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401  (Online Only)
The goal as your therapist is to partner with you on this journey you’ve chosen to take to find better strategies, to process past trauma, to work through the transitions of college/graduate life or motherhood, or whatever other reason you find yourself here.
Navigating life is exhausting and complex, it makes total sense that you are seeking support in managing life's stressors and how to cope with the changing world and society's expectations. You may be finding yourself living a life with extensive pressure, guilt, shame and difficulty living the life you want to live. I work with individuals who are often exhausted by their current situations in unhealthy relationships with themselves and others. However, we will work together in smashing societies expectations and creating your own, setting boundaries, learning to love yourself, and exploring and living within your value system.
The goal as your therapist is to partner with you on this journey you’ve chosen to take to find better strategies, to process past trauma, to work through the transitions of college/graduate life or motherhood, or whatever other reason you find yourself here.
Navigating life is exhausting and complex, it makes total sense that you are seeking support in managing life's stressors and how to cope with the changing world and society's expectations. You may be finding yourself living a life with extensive pressure, guilt, shame and difficulty living the life you want to live. I work with individuals who are often exhausted by their current situations in unhealthy relationships with themselves and others. However, we will work together in smashing societies expectations and creating your own, setting boundaries, learning to love yourself, and exploring and living within your value system.
(805) 633-3126 x93445 View (805) 633-3126 x93445
Photo of Pacific Emotional Wellness, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Pacific Emotional Wellness
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, AMFT, MA, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Our therapists have experience working with individuals and couples who are impacted by trauma, cancer, grief/loss, family dynamics/relationships, postpartum emotions and motherhood/parenting, anxiety, depression, etc.
Pacific Emotional Wellness is a group therapy practice led by Camille Johnson, and consists of several skilled therapists including Rachel Cha, Grace Peavy, Audrey DeFrisco, Julie Jennings, Debbie Whitney, Cassidy Pierce, Téa Main, Griff Jennings, and Gabriel Solla. We take a deep and soulful approach to walking alongside our clients on their journey of growth and healing. Whether you are feeling stuck in the rut of life, dealing with grief/loss, having relationship concerns, experienced a trauma, etc., we are here for you no matter what stage of your healing journey you are in.
Our therapists have experience working with individuals and couples who are impacted by trauma, cancer, grief/loss, family dynamics/relationships, postpartum emotions and motherhood/parenting, anxiety, depression, etc.
Pacific Emotional Wellness is a group therapy practice led by Camille Johnson, and consists of several skilled therapists including Rachel Cha, Grace Peavy, Audrey DeFrisco, Julie Jennings, Debbie Whitney, Cassidy Pierce, Téa Main, Griff Jennings, and Gabriel Solla. We take a deep and soulful approach to walking alongside our clients on their journey of growth and healing. Whether you are feeling stuck in the rut of life, dealing with grief/loss, having relationship concerns, experienced a trauma, etc., we are here for you no matter what stage of your healing journey you are in.
(805) 519-8468 View (805) 519-8468

See more therapy options for San Luis Obispo


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.