Career Counseling Therapists in Downtown, Santa Barbara, CA

I practice Positive Psychology, the study of what makes life worth living. Things that are good in life are every bit as important and genuine as what is bad. What is good isn’t simply the absence of problems, but is something that exists in its own right. Good isn’t the reverse or reciprocal of disorder, but stands on its own and requires its own explanation. We can look at the positive aspects of life and help an individual develop a balanced view of their circumstances and how they plan to address the issue(s) they are facing.

I've spent my career as a therapist helping children, adults, and couples deal with difficult emotions, relationships, and trauma. I practice trauma informed care even when trauma isn't the focus. In my office you will find radical acceptance, compassion, and a fellow traveler on your journey. I understand that starting therapy can be difficult, especially the first time, so I take the time to build a caring relationship. Therapy wont be sterile or rushed or cookie cutter. You can expect to reduce suffering, strengthen your authentic self, challenge beliefs, foster resiliency, and create more space for curiosity and compassion.

New career. New home. The end of a relationship. The beginning of re-discovery. Living authentically. Living in power. Whatever your need, wherever your journey, welcome to your safe space. I'm an associate psychotherapist specializing in LGBTQ+ Affirmative Psychology and Religious Trauma Therapy. Currently, I'm completing studies in Sex Therapy. Here, you have found a caring confidant who offers unconditional positive regard. Allow me to assist you in the areas of general psychology, individual therapy and couples & sex therapy.

Balancing the demands of life, relationships, career, family, and the changes in the world around us can be challenging. Having someone who can provide a space to be heard, as well as paths to becoming our best selves as we balance these demands can be life-changing. My approach is to understand the needs of each client and provide a welcoming space where they feel safe and heard, while utilizing evidence-based psychotherapy practices to make changes that support greater happiness and life satisfaction for clients.

Clients often come to me during a deep life transition of some kind. They are looking for clarity and deeper meaning. They are motivated, and sometimes afraid to change. Issues of grief and death, relationship, career change, loss or aging often show up; a sense of "Who am I? What next? Where am I going? Where have I been?" Many times clients are looking for deeper spiritual awareness, either wanting to renew abandoned practices, or looking for something beyond their past experience. In each case they are looking to connect more directly with life and find methods to do so. They are looking for greater balance, peace and stability.

I help individuals, couples, families and youth deepen and grow in their relationships to thrive emotionally, physically and mentally. I have specialized and work with anxiety, depression, EMDR, internet addiction, relationships, dream work, body image, mindfulness and improving self-esteem. l design a therapy program to meet your wellness goals. I’m passionate about my work and strive to help clients achieve greater peace, satisfaction, and connection in their relationships and lives.

Our sessions together will transform your life. One of my main aims is to support you to trust your Self. You'll learn how to attune to the unconscious, both to alleviate your suffering and to guide your Self towards wholeness. We'll focus on your emergent somatic experience and incorporate imaginal practices. Throughout, we gain insights into your relationship patterns and nurture your creative function. My style is collaborative + curious. I hold this profound, rewarding process with care and integrity. Many clients express how our sessions have led to lasting change in their lives.

I love to work with individuals who are driven by an innate need to self-actualize, and who are motivated to find meaning and happiness in life. Folks who have been through a lot, and therefore look at the world from a spiritual lens. Individuals who are interested in exploring relationships, career, spirituality, the purpose of life, and want to cultivate a practice (like meditation). They might be experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, or personality related concerns in some or most of these aspects, and are hoping to receive clarity, care, and understanding in a safe therapeutic space.

Whoever you are, whether it be struggling with relationship issues, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, all the way to trying to come to terms with a more persistent diagnosis, I cannot wait to meet you exactly where you are at. I invite you to reach out to me in this time, as hard as that may be. Because this truly is the hardest part. And know that if we are not a good fit, I can direct you to other therapists that can hopefully be exactly what you need.

I enjoy working with clients struggling with the challenges of interpersonal relationships and the daily and often overwhelming realities of every day life. I typically provide the best support for clients who want to have a collaborative relationship with their therapist. I specialize in working with clients who struggle with emotional regulation, anxiety, anger, relational abuse, substance use, and life, relationship and career transitions. I provide a safe space for clients to heal and support them as needed through recognized therapeutic interventions and appropriate community and/or professional referrals.

Now accepting CA couples, families, adults, teens and children (13+) for in-person and telehealth sessions! Have you tried therapy before and felt you kept walking away without tangible tools for change? Are you new to therapy and unsure where to start? Whether your problems feel small or insurmountable, therapy is an excellent way to learn new ways to face any obstacle. Sometimes we're not sure what exactly is wrong but that we just want things to change. In my practice, I provide an honest, compassionate approach that empowers you to become your best self. If you are looking for change and growth, you're in the right place!

Are you seeking to create a more meaningful life for yourself? Are you overwhelmed or struggling? This may be a particularly challenging time in your life, but it is also a wonderful opportunity to heal and grow as a person. I will listen, encourage, guide, and support you in connecting to your own innate wisdom and power. Personally, I'm warm, down-to-earth, and compassionate; skillful in creating safe space, active enough to maintain momentum, and can offer you new perspectives on old problems.

With more than 40 years in practice, I bring my clients experience and insight delivered in a warm, honest, supportive and interactive therapeutic experience. My goal is to help you gain insight into your thoughts and behaviors and then to translate these insights into conscious actions that will help you create positive change. I integrate both psychodynamic work and cognitive behavioral techniques with a very practical approach to resolving your real world concerns such as job stress, relationship conflict and relationship growth, parenting, health issues, anxiety, depression, grief and bereavement, aging, memory impairment.

When choosing a therapist, experience matters. As a seasoned psychotherapist, scholar, and consultant with substantial training, I know there is no set formula for you and your situation. My holistic approach includes attention to your unique circumstance and goals including emotional, spiritual, and psychological health from a mind, body, spirit, perspective. There is no substitute for working with a professional who is fully attentive and present to what you are bringing to the experience, whom you can trust in helping you meet your goals and enhance your life quality.

You want to transform what's bothering you into deep wisdom. That can seem out of reach when you're in the middle of a mess, though. My job is to listen to the whole story, or as much as you want to tell, so we can find easy ways to ground you. You can build from a stable foundation. Do you feel you don't even know how to work up the energy for self-repair? Let me help you catch your breath. It liberates your reservoir of life-force as soon as you take the first step to self-care. Life's challenges point us toward clues in the sometimes mysterious road to vibrant health... not just getting by, but enjoying the life you deserve.

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.

I am a licensed mental health therapist serving in California as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a wealth of knowledge both as a clinical therapist and also as a coach and counselor. Over 20 years of experience in assisting persons with a wide range of challenges including depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, career-related issues, relationship issues, parenting, and marital problems. At the beginning of my private practice venture, I served as an addiction specialist, interventionist, and counselor for about 6.5 years. At that time, I was also the administrator for an adolescent treatment center in Northern California.

My desire is to help you live a full life, to listen openly and without bias and to understand you outside of your problems; to help you see that you have strengths and resources that will help you get through this difficult time or the challenges you face. My goal is to help you feel hopeful again. As a couple's therapist, (I also am a collaborative divorce therapist, mediator, coach, and parent coordinator) my goal is to help the couple heal or learn how to move forward in a positive manner. I am passionate about women's issues, including peri- and post-partum, loss, infertility, and grief and work with military and their families

Therapy is guided self-exploration. Often, we repeat patterns because the emotional wounds suffered as children are being replayed in our adult life. We have a subconscious fear of experiencing feelings of abandonment and this drives codependent patterns of relating. Repeated neglect of yourself to get validation from an external being is the definition of codependency. You can break this cycle of trauma bonding and devote yourself to YOU.