Couples Counseling Therapists in Santa Barbara, CA

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?