Therapists in San Luis Obispo, CA

Maybe you're looking to get curious about the things that leave you feeling stuck, your family or community of origin, or the implications of society on your experiences. Or, you need a space to show up authentically, without fear of judgement. Perhaps you need someone to support you navigating distressing experiences or help you find ways to cope and heal. I integrate depth-oriented work with here-and-now suggestions to help people who are experiencing a multitude of concerns, resulting in meaningful, long-lasting change and more fulfilling lives.

I offer a soulful and deep approach to therapy for individual adults who are struggling with an array of relational and emotional concerns. As your therapist, I’m here to guide and walk along side you on your personal journey; collaborate and partner with you to move through areas in your life that are not serving you well. I aim to help others find health for their mind, balance for their lives and emotional wholeness. I truly believe that people grow through therapeutic relationships and therefore seek to help those I come in contact with achieve a deeper connection with themselves and others.

The difficulties of everyday life can sometimes become overwhelming. When on top of those difficulties we add the stresses of illness, anxiety, depression, our identity, our love lives and more-we can easily feel burdened to our breaking point. We just don't feel heard. Sometimes these situations can linger for months or years, making it hard to meet our obligations and live our lives in the way we would like. However, those difficulties and stresses don't need to define who we are-or where we're going. It's my goal as a therapist to help you tell your story.

Dr. Aponte is one of three psychologists working at Central Coast Evaluation Services, a highly specialized practice committed to providing the most up-to-date, comprehensive and objective psychological evaluations. We can also assist as a neutral and impartial expert witness or consultant. Whatever challenge lies ahead, your likelihood of success is enhanced by a clear understanding of the strengths that can get you there, the hurdles you are likely to face, and strategies to make the most of those strengths while mitigating weaknesses. At CCES, we aim to provide impactful analysis and recommendations to facilitate your success.

Thank you for considering me as a potential partner in your journey of healing & self-discovery. I have over 10 yrs. of clinical experience in the mental health field working primarily with adults & college-age students struggling with substance abuse, depression, anxiety, family/relationship problems, trauma, life-transitions, personal growth, & self-acceptance. I was born and raised in Europe & am open to also working with clients who are from a wide range of countries & are experiencing difficulties in adjusting to life in the U.S. I am warm, caring, non-judgmental, & able to provide you a safe space to address today's stressors.

Thank you for exploring my profile. I am accepting new clients. I see clients both in person and virtually. Licensed for 16 years, my training and experience is specialized towards working with couples and families, as well as adolescent and adult men. I utilize a direct, no-nonsense approach with notable success in treating addictions, family issues, anxiety (generalized, social, panic, etc), depression, trauma, and relationship problems. I am one of the only practitioners in San Luis Obispo County who specializes in working with men and who does family therapy.

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.

Over the past 30+ years its been my privilege to assist individuals and couples work through obstacles that have prevented them from experiencing meaningful and peaceful lives and relationships. My clients are coping with the everyday stress of marriage and family concerns, parenting, aging, health issues, career and financial challenges, loss or other critical and stressful situations. With those stressors often come depression, anxiety and a whole host of other symptoms.

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 love my work as a psychotherapist, and consider it an honor and privilege to work with my clients and share in their quest for personal growth. I know that the decision to start therapy is often a difficult one. I applaud your willingness and initiative. My approach aims to engage, to inspire, and to help you imagine new possibilities. My goal is to assist you in developing tools and skills that enable you to more effectively deal with life and its challenges.

Welcome! Finding the right therapist is an important first step of the healing journey. I offer clients a warm and judgement free space where we collaboratively work together to explore goals, dreams, challenges, and difficulties. Together, we will discover what it means for you to live as the most authentic version of yourself. I work with a range of clients including those who are facing depression, anxiety, self-esteem, body image issues, trauma, relationship difficulties, life transitions and faith concerns. In addition, I’m particularly passionate about working with issues related to disordered eating and exercise.

Now is the time to remove the barriers to the life you desire. Using a supportive, strength-based, and straightforward approach, I will guide you to the more richly experienced life you deserve. I offer solution-focused sessions that achieve results quickly. From our first meetings, you will be less stuck and more prepared to move forward. After more than twenty-five years, I continue to find immense joy in helping clients to live healthy lives filled with meaning and contentment.

Are you feeling overwhelmed, isolated, hopeless or down? Now more than ever, people are questioning and exploring how they view themselves, others and the world. Therapy can help explore these difficult issues helping you find new solutions and perspective. Eliza provides a calm, nurturing and safe environment while challenging you to reach your greatest potential. She genuinely listens and gives each person individualized therapy tailored to their specific needs and experiences. Eliza uses collaborative therapeutic techniques to develop a more fulfilling thriving life experience.

Thank you for taking an interest in my practice. I am a trauma and forensic specialist with specialties in EMDR and threat assessment. My work centers on providing care for teens and adults with trauma through evidenced based practices. I utilize various therapeutic methods including art therapy, DBT, and somatic experiencing in order to provide the best care for each individual. Evening and weekend appointments are available.

Making the decision to begin therapy can be tough & finding a therapist even harder. I'm so glad you're here! I am a Licensed Therapist with over 12 years of experience. I provide a safe & supportive environment to help you walk through difficult life circumstances. I use evidence based practices and work collaboratively with you to teach skills and support you in meeting your goals. I have a passion for young adults and those struggling with issues related to family building and parenthood. I hold a certificate in perinatal mental health-one of a handful on the central coast -and have lived experience as a mother to two young boys.

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.

Recovering from an Eating Disorder is a challenging feat. But it can be a journey of self discovery, renewed strength,and the most important gift you give to yourself. I have been in practice in SLO since 1984, first as a Registered Dietitian, and then as a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist. I specialize in treating anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and compulsive exercise, for women, men and teens. I have assisted hundreds of individuals to fully recover and go on to lead happy balanced lives. Having recovered myself, I know the pain of disordered eating and the freedom of transcending it.

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.

I provide compassionate, science based treatment for Anticipatory Anxiety, AKA General Anxiety Disorder, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). OCD is a psychological disorder that can torment and debilitate its sufferers not to mention the upheaval and anguish it brings to family and loved ones. Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Inference-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT) and/or Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) treatment is standard. If this sounds like the above information describes you or a loved one, I would love to work along side you. You don't have to walk alone in your journey with mental health.