Non-Binary Therapists in Santa Barbara, CA

Hi, my name is Hehn (they/them), and I am an Associate Clinical Social Worker at Dr. McCurdy-McKinnon & Associates: Eating Disorders & Wellness Clinic. I draw on my own experiences as a non-binary person living in this world to support, validate, and understand the issues that other trans and non-binary folx are facing. I join with motivated and engaged individuals to help them better understand how their past influences their present, and how dysphoria and other experiences present in relationship to body and self. Together, we will work towards finding the answers and solutions that exist on the other side of life struggles.

Welcome to our space! I recognize the effort It takes to see inside and looking for a therapist. With intergenerational(trauma), we learn to exist as a way to survive and move along life with little meaning. Still, we can transform that which no longer helps but harms. The journey of self-discovery and healing is one of most precious gifts we ca do for ourselves and our lineage. We may seek therapy to have healthier relationships with ourselves, partners, and others; feeling safer; reclaiming our identity; thrive authentically in the world; reparent our inner child; connect to our path in this lifetime; and healing the soul.

Therapy is a journey of personal growth and healing. It takes courage and can be challenging, but you don’t have to embark alone. My hope is that, as your therapist, I can be the holder of hope and a source of support. At the root of my work with clients are genuine empathy and human connection. I strive to provide an accepting and safe space for you to express yourself and process what has brought you into therapy.

Do you need someone to support you as you navigate painful experiences, or help you find ways to cope and heal? Maybe a space to show up authentically, without fear of judgement? Perhaps you're curious about the things that leave you feeling stuck, your early family dynamics, or the impact of society on your experiences? If you'd like to have space to explore the past, while also getting practical day-to-day suggestions, I can help you navigate a variety of concerns, resulting in meaningful, long-lasting changes and a more fulfilling life.

My goal as a therapist is to empower you to be your own best advocate. I want to help you identify your feelings, needs, wants, and resources- creating a space where all of you is welcome, seen, and respected. While I always attempt to approach therapy through an inclusive, intersectional lens, I am also open to critical feedback. I want to make space for you. I want to help you reconnect with your authentic self to best support your own growth and healing. See more on my website: www.samsilvermantherapy.com. I offer Zoom (or other virtual) sessions and park sessions in the echo park area.

Do you feel tortured by intrusive thoughts? Is your life ruled by a never-ending series of 'what-if's', each more horrifying than the last? You've been hiding your struggle behind a veil of people-pleasing, perfectionism, and other self-sacrificing behaviors, but it's getting exhausting. You're tired of the rituals, the constant reassurance seeking, and the disconnect you feel from your body and the humans around you. Trying to talk yourself out of a thought spiral only seems to make things worse and you're not sure how to move forward. It doesn't have to be like this! Calm is closer than you think.

Are you feeling lost? Or maybe out of control, burned out, stuck, or like an imposter? Are you or your loved ones repeating behaviors, relationships, or situations, and wishing you could break the cycle? Maybe little things feel more stressful than usual. Sometimes, we aren't sure what causes our distress, but we can sense we're not reaching our potential for health, happiness, or success. Even when we know the cause, change can still feel impossible. That's where I come in. My job is not to judge you; it's to listen, help you understand the root causes of your difficulties, and teach you practical tools to help change your life.

I believe in the inherent wisdom of the body and incorporate emotional and somatic awareness into my holistic practice. By listening to the body, we can navigate past traumas and painful experiences together. Additionally, I explore issues within the broader context of an individual's life, showing curiosity about diversity factors such as gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, class, ability, religion, spirituality, and community.

In treating anxiety, depression, challenging life changes, or identity issues, I accompany clients through a process of increasing insight, skill building, and self-awareness through a lively engagement with everything we might take for granted. Awakening (or reawakening) deep compassion and curiosity about ourselves and the world is the first step and the foundation of my treatment approach.

I’m a queer therapist working on uplifting my community and embodying the idea that therapy should be a relief. I practice with an eclectic style, meaning I believe the techniques used should be fitted to the person rather than taking a "one size fits all" approach. My focus is on queer adults who need support in life transitions, processing trauma, navigating the world, and those who are seeking a safe place to explore. I specialize in gender affirming care and psychoanalytic explorations. I provide trauma-informed, sex-positive, and kink-friendly perspectives because therapy should always be judgment free.

We often feel like we didn't get the memo on how to “do” life. As a nonbinary, Trans person from the Midwest, who transitioned in their 40's I can relate. I’ve spent the better part of my adult life unlearning harmful messages and beliefs, and relearning who I am. You may think, "Do I need to be trans to have a trans therapist?" The answer is no, working with me everyone can expect a safe, authentic, and sometimes silly space (with pop culture references) where we collaborate to find real solutions that dismantle the toxic and oppressive messages, and find solutions unique to you, and peace that last a lifetime.