Male Therapists in San Luis Obispo, CA
David C. Lichti, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Currently, I'm mostly using Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy with my clients. When, as a child, we find ourselves traumatizing or trapped in negative circumstances, parts of our self system compensate by locking away that which at that time was too much for us to handle. Later, if we do not go back to this locked away material, the pain, confusion and injustice of what happened to us long ago, can get triggered, or, awakened, when similar such challenges arise in the present. IFS provides a safe way for that locked away material to be approached and reprocessed, allowing our core self to take back control of our lives.
Currently, I'm mostly using Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy with my clients. When, as a child, we find ourselves traumatizing or trapped in negative circumstances, parts of our self system compensate by locking away that which at that time was too much for us to handle. Later, if we do not go back to this locked away material, the pain, confusion and injustice of what happened to us long ago, can get triggered, or, awakened, when similar such challenges arise in the present. IFS provides a safe way for that locked away material to be approached and reprocessed, allowing our core self to take back control of our lives.
Austin Nystrom
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Waitlist for new clients
My approach to therapy is to help each client adapt and grow from life's circumstances. I seek to help my clients thrive within their community and experience a grounded and vital sense of connectedness to self and all others. I utilize a holistic approach that embraces one's intersections and addresses mental, emotional, and somatic (bodily) experiences.
My approach to therapy is to help each client adapt and grow from life's circumstances. I seek to help my clients thrive within their community and experience a grounded and vital sense of connectedness to self and all others. I utilize a holistic approach that embraces one's intersections and addresses mental, emotional, and somatic (bodily) experiences.
John Roorda
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Trauma can broadly be defined as any event or situation that has a lasting negative impact. EMDR is an highly effective form of psychotherapy which harnesses all we know about human attachment and neurobiology to heal trauma and to reprocess disturbing life experiences. Treatment focuses on past experiences as the basis for clinical complaints; current situations that trigger dysfunctional emotions, beliefs, and sensations; and positive experiences needed to enhance future adaptive behaviors and emotional health. Focused protocols are used, and no homework or detailed descriptions of the events are required.
Trauma can broadly be defined as any event or situation that has a lasting negative impact. EMDR is an highly effective form of psychotherapy which harnesses all we know about human attachment and neurobiology to heal trauma and to reprocess disturbing life experiences. Treatment focuses on past experiences as the basis for clinical complaints; current situations that trigger dysfunctional emotions, beliefs, and sensations; and positive experiences needed to enhance future adaptive behaviors and emotional health. Focused protocols are used, and no homework or detailed descriptions of the events are required.
Michael Mazzella
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified
2 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Connecting to our potential for vibrant and meaningful relationships is more important now than ever as we find creative ways to stay in touch in this increasingly complex world. From this place I make it my focus to understand how our past and present circumstances keep us from accessing our potential. I'm deeply curious about the unique paths each of us move on towards healing and am committed to co-creating a resilient setting in which we explore what that path looks like for you.
Connecting to our potential for vibrant and meaningful relationships is more important now than ever as we find creative ways to stay in touch in this increasingly complex world. From this place I make it my focus to understand how our past and present circumstances keep us from accessing our potential. I'm deeply curious about the unique paths each of us move on towards healing and am committed to co-creating a resilient setting in which we explore what that path looks like for you.
Matthew Dean
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified
6 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Are you or a loved one going through a major life transition? Have you experienced trauma or serious hardship? Are you ready to make a change? As a holistic psychologist, I work with the mind, body, and spirit. This approach comes from the recognition that everything is interconnected as working with the whole person allows for the deepest level of healing. I am kind, warm, and compassionate in my approach.
Are you or a loved one going through a major life transition? Have you experienced trauma or serious hardship? Are you ready to make a change? As a holistic psychologist, I work with the mind, body, and spirit. This approach comes from the recognition that everything is interconnected as working with the whole person allows for the deepest level of healing. I am kind, warm, and compassionate in my approach.
Chris Cooke
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, MA, MS
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.
Gino Memoli
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, CATC-IV, MA-MFT
Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Imagine having a therapist who understands you, someone who can create a safe space for healing and growth. I'll support you in taking that first step towards a brighter future. As a therapist, I specialize in working with individuals struggling with anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, trauma and substance abuse. Whether you're a child, college student or adult, I'll support you in processing through life challenges and building skills for growth and empowerment. I am a part of and have a passion for working with members of the LGBTQ+ community and creating an authentic space for navigating areas of discomfort for healing.
Imagine having a therapist who understands you, someone who can create a safe space for healing and growth. I'll support you in taking that first step towards a brighter future. As a therapist, I specialize in working with individuals struggling with anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, trauma and substance abuse. Whether you're a child, college student or adult, I'll support you in processing through life challenges and building skills for growth and empowerment. I am a part of and have a passion for working with members of the LGBTQ+ community and creating an authentic space for navigating areas of discomfort for healing.
Paul Carbajal
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Waitlist for new clients
Connection is at the core of who we are, what we’re passionate about, and the most meaningful relationships we have. And yet so many things can interfere with our ability to connect: anxiety, depression, grief, traumatic experiences...how we cope with these things may inhibit our ability to build intimacy with those around us. I work with students and young adults, as well as those in mid-life and beyond, who experience anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or life transitions, that interfere with living fully you, fully now.
Connection is at the core of who we are, what we’re passionate about, and the most meaningful relationships we have. And yet so many things can interfere with our ability to connect: anxiety, depression, grief, traumatic experiences...how we cope with these things may inhibit our ability to build intimacy with those around us. I work with students and young adults, as well as those in mid-life and beyond, who experience anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or life transitions, that interfere with living fully you, fully now.
Tommy Ferndino
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (Online Only)
Hello, my legal name is Joseph but you can call me Tommy. My work as a therapist is mostly informed by Attachment Theory and I currently work with individuals ranging from young adults to seniors. As human beings, we are meant to seek connection with others. Connection with a compassionate, caring, and knowledgeable therapist is one of the best ways to develop a more secure sense of attachment to the world around you. This connection can lead to the positive, long-term change you are seeking.
Hello, my legal name is Joseph but you can call me Tommy. My work as a therapist is mostly informed by Attachment Theory and I currently work with individuals ranging from young adults to seniors. As human beings, we are meant to seek connection with others. Connection with a compassionate, caring, and knowledgeable therapist is one of the best ways to develop a more secure sense of attachment to the world around you. This connection can lead to the positive, long-term change you are seeking.
Lewis Scott Peterson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MDiv
Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
I became a therapist to help individuals and couples successfully navigate the difficulties of life and relationships. I provide a safe, compassionate, and confidential environment for each of my clients so that they might move towards healing and growth in their lives. My passion is to help individuals and couples find the intimacy they desire by uncovering specific patterns and obstacles to intimacy and building on their strengths so that they have the relationships they truly desire.
I became a therapist to help individuals and couples successfully navigate the difficulties of life and relationships. I provide a safe, compassionate, and confidential environment for each of my clients so that they might move towards healing and growth in their lives. My passion is to help individuals and couples find the intimacy they desire by uncovering specific patterns and obstacles to intimacy and building on their strengths so that they have the relationships they truly desire.
Victor Silva-Palacios
Psychologist, PhD
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.
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Tom Buckley
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, CADCIII
Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Tom Buckley is the Executive Director of Aspire Counseling San Luis Obispo. Aspire SLO provides Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Services for Teens and Adults in an intensive outpatient setting. Do you or a loved one struggle with depression, anxiety, self harm, substances abuse, addiction issues, etc.? If so, call Aspire SLO at 805-329-5595 to speak with a counselor. To schedule an appointment 24/7 call 888-585-7373. Ask about or free weekly family support group!
Tom Buckley is the Executive Director of Aspire Counseling San Luis Obispo. Aspire SLO provides Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Services for Teens and Adults in an intensive outpatient setting. Do you or a loved one struggle with depression, anxiety, self harm, substances abuse, addiction issues, etc.? If so, call Aspire SLO at 805-329-5595 to speak with a counselor. To schedule an appointment 24/7 call 888-585-7373. Ask about or free weekly family support group!
Andrew John Hook
Licensed Professional Counselor, MAC, LPCC
Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
***CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS*** With a history of working with men from all walks of life, including athletes, first responders, and students, it is clear to me that many of us are taught to separate our hearts and our heads in order to navigate our lived experience. We learn that emotions are not to be trusted, indeed that they are to be suspended if we are to make intelligent decisions. Along with this mistrust of emotion I often encounter the harmful effects of fatherlessness or abusive/neglectful father figures, which damages our understanding of masculinity and how that masculinity expresses itself in daily life.
***CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS*** With a history of working with men from all walks of life, including athletes, first responders, and students, it is clear to me that many of us are taught to separate our hearts and our heads in order to navigate our lived experience. We learn that emotions are not to be trusted, indeed that they are to be suspended if we are to make intelligent decisions. Along with this mistrust of emotion I often encounter the harmful effects of fatherlessness or abusive/neglectful father figures, which damages our understanding of masculinity and how that masculinity expresses itself in daily life.
Anthony Folino
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
*Accepting new clients at this time.* Have you experienced overwhelming emotions as a result of a change that has occurred in your life recently or in the past? Have you experienced physical and/or emotional trauma that has impacted your functioning? Have you been struggling with finding satisfaction in your life? Do you have trouble dealing with difficult emotions? Do you have a loved one with a serious mental health condition who you want to better support? Most of us will not go through life without facing varying types of adversity, trauma, or other challenges.
*Accepting new clients at this time.* Have you experienced overwhelming emotions as a result of a change that has occurred in your life recently or in the past? Have you experienced physical and/or emotional trauma that has impacted your functioning? Have you been struggling with finding satisfaction in your life? Do you have trouble dealing with difficult emotions? Do you have a loved one with a serious mental health condition who you want to better support? Most of us will not go through life without facing varying types of adversity, trauma, or other challenges.
Casey Roos
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Hello and welcome to my profile! I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a passion to help individual and families navigate the challenges they face. I provide a safe and supportive environment for my clients to explore their emotions, build healthy relationships, and create positive change in their lives. I provide services in person and through Telehealth. For the past 14 years, I have worked in a specialized multidisciplinary clinic for families with children who have developmental and behavioral concerns, early trauma, sensory dysregulation, daycare and school challenges.
Hello and welcome to my profile! I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a passion to help individual and families navigate the challenges they face. I provide a safe and supportive environment for my clients to explore their emotions, build healthy relationships, and create positive change in their lives. I provide services in person and through Telehealth. For the past 14 years, I have worked in a specialized multidisciplinary clinic for families with children who have developmental and behavioral concerns, early trauma, sensory dysregulation, daycare and school challenges.
Nicholas Cline
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, MS
Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Offering teIe-therapy & In Person Sessions for Individuals & Couples in San Luis Obispo. Both individuals and couples experience issues and challenges that prevent them from reaching their full potential. It is my goal to explore these with you and find ways to help cope, accept or overcome these. With couples we work on better communication skills, and strengthening the bond that you have together. I work with individuals that are experiencing anxiety and depression and other issues related to mental health. Ultimately I want you to succeed, I have additional training and experience working with the LGBTQIA+ community.
Offering teIe-therapy & In Person Sessions for Individuals & Couples in San Luis Obispo. Both individuals and couples experience issues and challenges that prevent them from reaching their full potential. It is my goal to explore these with you and find ways to help cope, accept or overcome these. With couples we work on better communication skills, and strengthening the bond that you have together. I work with individuals that are experiencing anxiety and depression and other issues related to mental health. Ultimately I want you to succeed, I have additional training and experience working with the LGBTQIA+ community.
Leonard Manzella
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Anxiety, Depression and Substance Abuse have reached epidemic proportions in today's world. They have become a way of life for many, causing undue anguish and pain, and jeopardizing the well-being of millions as well as the significant relationships in their lives. For over 25 years I have been helping people find a way back to themselves and on a path to living healthier and happier lives. It would be an honor to help you.
Anxiety, Depression and Substance Abuse have reached epidemic proportions in today's world. They have become a way of life for many, causing undue anguish and pain, and jeopardizing the well-being of millions as well as the significant relationships in their lives. For over 25 years I have been helping people find a way back to themselves and on a path to living healthier and happier lives. It would be an honor to help you.
Brendan Kearns
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
For those who struggle with decision-regret and anxiety around making the perfect choice, picking a therapist on this website is work in itself - if you're here reading this and that's you, I commend you as your therapy has already begun. Anxious and seemingly uncontrollable thoughts, "imposter syndrome", endless struggles to be perfect, only to be met with guilt and regret; all uncomfortable things that we humans try to avoid and control, yet all of that avoiding and controlling just doesn't seem to do any good. You're here to learn better ways to manage these experiences, and that's where I can help.
For those who struggle with decision-regret and anxiety around making the perfect choice, picking a therapist on this website is work in itself - if you're here reading this and that's you, I commend you as your therapy has already begun. Anxious and seemingly uncontrollable thoughts, "imposter syndrome", endless struggles to be perfect, only to be met with guilt and regret; all uncomfortable things that we humans try to avoid and control, yet all of that avoiding and controlling just doesn't seem to do any good. You're here to learn better ways to manage these experiences, and that's where I can help.
Theodore Armstrong
MD
Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (Online Only)
The problems have been chronic and disabling, and very real. Not "all in your head." If you are reading this, chances are you've seen doctors and other providers, tests have been run, diagnoses have been proposed, and treatments have been attempted, but all to no avail. I would like to introduce a new paradigm, drawing on the role of the brain and nervous system in regulating the state of the body. Whether you have chronic pain, a functional disorder, or other medically unexplained symptoms, there is hope for recovery under the psychophysiologic (mind-body) paradigm.
The problems have been chronic and disabling, and very real. Not "all in your head." If you are reading this, chances are you've seen doctors and other providers, tests have been run, diagnoses have been proposed, and treatments have been attempted, but all to no avail. I would like to introduce a new paradigm, drawing on the role of the brain and nervous system in regulating the state of the body. Whether you have chronic pain, a functional disorder, or other medically unexplained symptoms, there is hope for recovery under the psychophysiologic (mind-body) paradigm.
Dara Sheik
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Dara's psychotherapy practice is dedicated to helping young adults (aged 18-38) work through challenges related to this phase of life. Young adulthood is a time of great opportunities related to building satisfying relationships, careers and establishing one's own path. Along the way many get stuck in indecision, doubts and fears. For others, stress and unresolved issues can lead to mental health challenges including depression, anxiety and addictions. Expectations of parents and culture can contribute to the pressures and sense of isolation. Working collaboratively with his patients, Dara brings empathy and compassion to work.
Dara's psychotherapy practice is dedicated to helping young adults (aged 18-38) work through challenges related to this phase of life. Young adulthood is a time of great opportunities related to building satisfying relationships, careers and establishing one's own path. Along the way many get stuck in indecision, doubts and fears. For others, stress and unresolved issues can lead to mental health challenges including depression, anxiety and addictions. Expectations of parents and culture can contribute to the pressures and sense of isolation. Working collaboratively with his patients, Dara brings empathy and compassion to work.
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Male Therapists
As a man, why might I want to see a male therapist?
There are many reasons a man might wish to work with a male therapist, including a degree of shared identity, which may help client and therapist connect to each other and allow for a more free-flowing discussion of issues that can be deeply personal. Some men may feel more comfortable talking to a male therapist about relationship concerns, the pressures they feel around the roles society and family place on men, career or job challenges, self-esteem, or anger problems. For some men who have not had a male role models in their lives, a good male therapist may be especially helpful.
How can I find out about a therapist’s experience treating men?
Individuals looking for treatment should feel comfortable directly asking a therapist about their history treating men overall and the issues that arise in therapy with men. A good therapist will be happy to discuss such matters as well as their educational background, approach to treatment, and how they think they can aid a prospective client. Prospective clients should also ask what the expectation is for treatment, and what the fee structure is, and whether and which insurance plans are accepted.
Can clients benefit from having a therapist of the same gender?
Therapy is not gender-specific, but some men as well as women feel more comfortable opening up about their experiences and history with a male therapist. An individual may feel that they have to explain less background information and be on the same page more quickly, particularly when discussing gender-specific challenges, in the case of male clients. Some women have prior negative experiences with women that predispose them to prefer working with a male in therapy. That said, a good clinician can transcend most if not all gender concerns. Ultimately, the most important factor in therapy is the connection and trust the client is able to build with the practitioner.
Would a male therapist have specific training in treating men?
Generally, no. There are no certifications for treating men specifically, but there are continuing education classes that therapists may take that focus on treating men as a group. There are many therapists who focus on men and male issues in their treatment and therefore have experience and expertise in this domain.