Spirituality Therapists in Santa Barbara, CA

It takes a village...Navigating through the transitions and challenges in our lives is meant to be a collaboration with family, friends, elders, wise women and men. However, in the times of instant change and mobility, some may find themselves lost and alone, far from those they confide in and look up to. Sometimes they isolate for fear of vulnerability and the pressure to appear "to have it together". When this self-judgement and drive to be “perfect” eventally takes its toll, one can be left feeling bereft of deep connection to self and others. Finding a therapist you can trust and confide in, can help you find your way.

The intention of my work is to support clients to identify, explore, and ultimately transform stuck patterns that create challenges and physical or emotional distress. My clinical work is somatic and relational (supports body-mind-spirit connection). I treat a variety of issues and concerns including but not limited to: anxiety, stress, depression, teen/young adult support, trauma, PTSD, co-occurring disorders, grief/loss/bereavement, substance abuse, relationship issues, chronic pain/illness, spirituality , sexuality, and life- purpose. Hablo Espanol y puedo hacer la orientacion en Espanol, pero no soy un hablante nativo.

It is an honor to accompany individuals into the psyche where our deepest wounds are sometimes hidden. Healing energies can often be found in those depths, stimulating growth toward a more whole, authentic and satisfying existence. Sometimes the pain is on the surface, and symptom relief is necessary to allow the individual to return to a more effective functioning level. This can be accomplished through a combination of cognitive approaches (i.e., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) and body-centered approaches (i.e., focusing, embodied dream work, mindfulness).

I have a passion for working with sensitive people who may excel in certain areas of life while experiencing dissatisfaction and disconnection in others. I approach my work with great faith in our innate capacity to heal and grow with adequate support and nurturance, and draw from a rich background which includes working in addiction, mental health and trauma, as well as palliative and hospice care. On a personal note, I bring my own experience with parenting children through adulthood, shifting roles across the lifespan, and spirituality to the therapeutic process and welcome individuals & couples facing crossroads in their lives.

As individuals progress though life, therapy can be a vital component to navigating challenges, increasing self-understanding, and reducing unwanted psychological symptoms. Utilizing a strength-based and solution-oriented approach combined with traditional therapy techniques, I provide personalized psychotherapy and coaching to assist each individual in achieving their goals. I believe in a comprehensive treatment approach to create healthy change and assist clients in envisioning the future they desire.

I offer, besides a caring psychotherapeutic relationship, a combined psychodynamic and Buddhist approach to psychology. Mindfulness meditation and therapy create a container to address feelings of anxiety, depression, worries about your relationships, existential and spiritual questions and also difficult themes like guilt, shame, embarrassment, fear, loneliness, loss, anger, despair and disgrace. I welcome talking about spiritual or existential themes like lack of meaning or connectedness, a longing for greater freedom, sense of fulfilled spirituality , a life with compassion and wisdom. I welcome clients from diverse ethnic, cultural and international backgrounds. LTBG community very welcome.