Couples Counseling Therapists in Santa Barbara, CA
See all therapists in Santa BarbaraWaitlist for new clients

Michael A Vogel
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
It is ...."The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are" C.G. Jung. Life is about
relationship
and they can sometimes be complicated to navigate. If you are experiencing personal conflict, trauma, or have experienced significant changes in your life; I am available to help you through challenges. I have a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology and currently finishing my Doctorate in Depth-Psychology at PGI. My emphasis is Psychoanalysis/Jungian Psychology, and I am a practitioner of EMDR. In addition I hold a board certification as a PTSD-Clinician and certified in Psychological First-Aid (PFA).

Dr. John Sherk
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified
Verified
SPECIALTIES: While I work with a broad range of issues, my specialties include: -
Relationship
difficulties at home, school or work - Generalized and acute anxiety - Navigating major life transitions and decisions - Depressed, troubled or underachieving adolescents - Unblocking and improving creativity.
Welcome. Many people wonder: "Will my stress and anxiety ever go away?" "Why do relationships cause me so much pain?" "Will I ever be happy?" "Why am I so hard on myself or others?" Unfortunately many individuals needlessly struggle with these questions for years without relief. Change is possible. I have helped many individuals break free from deeply ingrained destructive patterns to create loving and fulfilling lives. Please contact me to learn more.

Find Your Center, A Therapy Collective
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
We provide intimacy therapy to individuals and
couples
dealing with patterns of unhealthy romantic entanglements, challenging relationships, and compulsivity relating to dating, love, sex, or pornography.
We are here to help you heal and grow. We are genuine, real people who believe that actual, loving feedback is more useful than simply listening and repeating. That is why we
partner
concrete take-home skills with open, active listening. Our style incorporates humor and play. We tailor every single session to your unique needs. We want to be by your side, to listen, support, and challenge you every step of the way. You do not have do this alone. Together, we will discover untapped purpose, passion, clarity, and courage. Through the chaos of life, we will find your true center.

Annie Dreese
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
There are very few spaces in life in which you are fully, and completely heard and seen by someone with no agenda, only the intention of witnessing your experience with compassion and care. You're in the right place! It is a privilege to walk alongside you in your journey. I believe that creating a trusting
relationship
is the foundation of effective therapy, and I will meet you wherever you are.

Shelley Nicole Osborn
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
I have worked with adult individuals and
couples
since 2005 both in short-term and long-term psychotherapy. My main orientation is psychodynamic and looking at personality development, but I also use cognitive-behavioral and neuroscience research. I am a preferred provider for many years with UCSB and sixty percent of my practice has been working with graduate students. We worked on anxiety, depression, self-esteem, sense of self, individuation, trauma, PTSD, OCD, personality disorders and phobias. While individuals makes up the main part of my practice working with
couples
is also a passion of mine.

Barbara Kloos
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified
Verified
Personal counseling can be very helpful during a challenging season of life. I offer the opportunity to bring fresh insight and clarity into your situation in a way that is often difficult to achieve on your own. My counseling model draws from some excellent and highly regarded systems of therapy. In addition to a fundamental base in Cognitive Therapy concepts, I am an EMDR Therapist (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, and am trained and experienced in Trauma Recovery. I also practice Emotionally Focused Therapy for
Couples
(EFT).

Charmaine Curtis Jacobs
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, 123172
Verified
Verified
Changing old habits and building emotional resilience makes sense at any age. I base my theoretical approach on the widely researched neuropsychological findings of Attachment Theory. Underlying successful treatment is the richness of the therapeutic
relationship
. I use evidence based methods including CBT, Mindfulness and brief psychotherapy.

Dr. Debra Sherk
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Welcome. It seems that more and more people are seeking the support and guidance that psychotherapy provides. The most common issues among those seeking my services include: Experiencing high levels of stress or anxiety; Difficulty with relationships at home, school, or work; Persistent feelings of loneliness, sadness, or depression; Confusion around spirituality, identity, or vocation; Feeling overwhelmed with life's demands or life transitions. Through a collaborative and trusting therapeutic
relationship
, I have helped a diverse range of individuals achieve increased stability and balance, more fulfilling relationships, as well as personal growth and transformation.
Not accepting new clients

Sara Firestone
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Sometimes the most challenging moments in our lives can lead to the most growth and healing. My goal as a therapist is to support you through those difficult times. Together we can work to improve your
relationship
with yourself, strengthen your relationships with others, and learn strategies to help you cope more effectively with life’s challenges. My approach is warm, compassionate and non-judgmental, and I enjoy working collaboratively with my clients to help them reach their goals.

Alix Robinson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, life stress/transition, grief, and
relationship
issues.
Feeling stuck? It's amazing the difference a therapeutic hour can make. I understand that it takes courage to make the decision to start therapy and I consider it an honor to help you take that first step. My approach to therapy is scientifically informed while still responsive to your unique needs. I believe that there is no problem greater than your capacity and I want to help you find solutions to become the best version of yourself.
Waitlist for new clients

Taryn Lawrence
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified
Verified
I believe the therapeutic
relationship
is a collaborative process.
Feeling lost because your vitality has somehow disappeared?
Maybe your low energy is affecting your work or tension is making important relationships less satisfying. It can be confusing when the past starts to collide with the present.
What I know is that there is hope. What has wounded you in the past can be healed, so you can live life with joy.
I work with adults who have been wounded in important relationships. I treat individuals who want to understand themselves better and feel more connected with the people around them. Together, in therapy, we create a space where you discover the vitality to become bigger than what wounded you.

Bri Velasquez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I am certified in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy and love helping enhance the parent-child
relationship
and family bond.
The hope and goal I have for my clients is to assist them in enhancing personal and familial relationships. As a social worker, I have had the wonderful opportunity to witness many positive changes in the lives of my clients. These positive changes include how my clients have relationships with others and how they come to view themselves. These components are an integral part of the therapeutic process and journey.
Not accepting new clients

Jessie Bannister, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
Therapy is an opportunity to asses the areas of your life that are and are not working. It provides a welcoming and non-judgmental space to gain self-insight, develop new practical every day strategies, improve your
relationship
with yourself and others and regain hope. I believe that each person has the capacity to better their life experience.

Ivan Chan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
5 Endorsed
Verified
5 Endorsed
I look for the best in my clients and
partner
this with my skills to develop satisfying solutions and tools.
If you are in the grips of anxiety, troubled relationships, grief, or other issues that threaten to overwhelm your ability to function or be happy in your life, I look forward to working with you in a safe and non-judgmental way. I use a collaborative approach and actively seek your feedback to provide you with therapy that matches your needs and respects your goals.

Rudy Z Ruderman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I provide person-centered, depth-oriented, individual,
couples
, family, and group therapy.
On the outside you may be strong, successful, and stoic. But on the inside you sometimes feel insecure and moody. At times you feel like an imposture, as though the face you are showing to the world is a mask. Despite working hard and accomplishing many goals your relationships and personal life are not to your liking. Depression, anxiety, and discomfort sets in when you are alone. In your worst moments you wonder if something is wrong with you. It is scary to imagine these feelings continuing, unchanged, for much longer. You don't want to waste your time. You want to be confident at work, in relationships, and in yourself.

Hosford Counseling & Psychological Services Clinic
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
The Hosford Clinic is a university-based community clinic that provides affordable mental health services to people in the Santa Barbara area (including Isla Vista, Goleta and Carpinteria). We offer counseling and treatment services for individuals,
couples
, adolescents, children, and families. These services are evidence based, culturally-responsive and low-cost. We provide a safe space for you to talk privately about your worries and concerns and can help by: *asking questions that help you see your problem in new ways; *teaching you effective ways to cope; *coaching you in ways to improve your work, school, and home life.

Jessica Roy
Registered Psychological Associate
Verified
Verified
I work with individuals who are interested in being supported as they navigate the varied complexities and challenges of life: anxiety, depression, identity concerns, grief and loss, parenthood,
relationship
issues – I view therapeutic work as an invitation to turn towards the areas of our lives that are calling to us. Sometimes this means the challenging, confusing, painful, and mysterious parts of life. Other times it may mean exploring our connection to sense of self, our desires, creativity, and vitality. Therapy helps us to consider where we would like to grow, change, and heal.

Judith E Rubenstein
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, JD, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
If you are having problems in your primary
relationship
you are probably feeling a bit lonely and misunderstood. I believe that each of us need love and close intimate relationships to reach our highest evolution as a human being. I create a safe, loving environment for individuals or
couples
to do their work to reach their highest potential. My focus is on helping you experience your feelings, physical sensations, thoughts and images, in the moment. As you claim new parts to yourself, you gradually come to accept and love a fuller and more actualized self and a deeper
relationship
with your loved ones.

Miriam Commisso
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, 88035
Verified
Verified
My areas of expertise are in dual diagnosis (mental health/substance use), addiction and recovery,
relationship
issues,
couples
struggling with
relationship
/communication/intimacy issues and mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and BiPolar.
Have you ever felt too overwhelmed to deal with your problems? Are you stuck in the past or thinking too much about the “what if’s” of the future? Do you want to improve your relationships?

Kristine Gore
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
This work is through a trauma-informed lens as there are varying levels of trauma (from assault to a difficult
relationship
or tough event) that can impact us or play out in our lives that create imbalances within.
The gift of therapy is priceless and highly transformative. I am walking proof of the impact and have lived through tremendous challenges related to grief & loss, high conflict and toxic relationships, health scares, career challenges and changes, intergenerational trauma, raising young adults and lived experiences in different parts of the country. My therapeutic journey was led by a skilled therapist and through that learning an inherent calling to help others arose. Today, I work with clients in California and am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) as well as Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR.)
See more therapy options for
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.