Geriatric Therapists in Vista, CA
Seeking mental health therapy is a powerful step toward personal growth and healing. It takes courage to confront life’s challenges and prioritize your well-being. In therapy, I provide the tools and support to help you navigate difficulties and thrive. My approach is trauma-informed and client-centered. I utilize integrative modalities (CBT, Solution-Focused, EMDR & more) to meet each client’s unique needs. My experience includes working with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, life transitions, communication, parenting, adoption-related issues, grief, adult ADHD, and trauma.
Seeking mental health therapy is a powerful step toward personal growth and healing. It takes courage to confront life’s challenges and prioritize your well-being. In therapy, I provide the tools and support to help you navigate difficulties and thrive. My approach is trauma-informed and client-centered. I utilize integrative modalities (CBT, Solution-Focused, EMDR & more) to meet each client’s unique needs. My experience includes working with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, life transitions, communication, parenting, adoption-related issues, grief, adult ADHD, and trauma.
Currently accepting new clients. Therapy begins with building a foundation of trust. Depression, anxiety, relationship stress... there are endless reasons to seek therapy. I offer a safe and neutral environment to explore the complexity of human existence. In a non-judgmental environment we will have the opportunity to support you in determining your values, examining your patterns, setting attainable goals, and working towards sustainable and meaningful change. Committing to change through therapy can help you find relief from emotional distress, develop adaptive skills, and find practical solutions.
Currently accepting new clients. Therapy begins with building a foundation of trust. Depression, anxiety, relationship stress... there are endless reasons to seek therapy. I offer a safe and neutral environment to explore the complexity of human existence. In a non-judgmental environment we will have the opportunity to support you in determining your values, examining your patterns, setting attainable goals, and working towards sustainable and meaningful change. Committing to change through therapy can help you find relief from emotional distress, develop adaptive skills, and find practical solutions.
Paula Ratter
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PsyD, RN
3 Endorsed
Vista, CA 92081
Waitlist for new clients
I don't have an ideal client. I want to met people where they are at. If you've never had therapy before, it’s important to be aware we don’t start talking about the hard stuff. It can take 2-3 sessions for someone to feel comfortable enough to tell another person what they are struggling with. Therapists cannot read minds, but have studied human patterns of thoughts, feelings & actions. No one can truly know the exact consequences a person has experienced in their life. Regardless of the reason why someone is seeking therapy, there is no judgment, no criticism…just acceptance. People can heal & grow in this type of environment.
I don't have an ideal client. I want to met people where they are at. If you've never had therapy before, it’s important to be aware we don’t start talking about the hard stuff. It can take 2-3 sessions for someone to feel comfortable enough to tell another person what they are struggling with. Therapists cannot read minds, but have studied human patterns of thoughts, feelings & actions. No one can truly know the exact consequences a person has experienced in their life. Regardless of the reason why someone is seeking therapy, there is no judgment, no criticism…just acceptance. People can heal & grow in this type of environment.
I work with clients seeking to restore connection and balance their lives. Therapy can help if you are at the end of your rope or simply want to learn how to do something different to connect to others. I work with the underlying issues such as anxiety or depression that can block authentic connection. I bring a gentle, holistic approach to making small changes that can create healthier relationships. I provide support and structure to each of my clients looking for ways to live their lives with freedom to be who they want to be.
I work with clients seeking to restore connection and balance their lives. Therapy can help if you are at the end of your rope or simply want to learn how to do something different to connect to others. I work with the underlying issues such as anxiety or depression that can block authentic connection. I bring a gentle, holistic approach to making small changes that can create healthier relationships. I provide support and structure to each of my clients looking for ways to live their lives with freedom to be who they want to be.
Welcome to The Art of Family! The action of living well is Art; an unfolding tapestry of rich colors, textures and patterns which honors what makes us unique and celebrates what makes us a family. The Art of Family is a safe and supportive place to start your journey. Our therapists provide a variety of counseling services that can be tailored to your personal needs and concerns. Each therapist and associate has a unique skill set that can help you reach your full potential.
Welcome to The Art of Family! The action of living well is Art; an unfolding tapestry of rich colors, textures and patterns which honors what makes us unique and celebrates what makes us a family. The Art of Family is a safe and supportive place to start your journey. Our therapists provide a variety of counseling services that can be tailored to your personal needs and concerns. Each therapist and associate has a unique skill set that can help you reach your full potential.
Additionally, I have extensive experience assisting older adults and their families, and welcome those anticipating upcoming marriage, parenthood, stepfamily, or other life transition.
When we've lost touch with our truer self, life is just harder. If you're not as present and engaged in your life as you'd like, you may also find your body weighing in through symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and unhelpful patterns of behavior. Underlying such symptoms are often vital, "offline" parts of ourselves that a good therapeutic alliance can help you to identify, strengthen and expand. If you're experiencing a readiness to take your online search for a therapist to the next level, I offer a brief phone consultation to help determine goodness of fit.
Additionally, I have extensive experience assisting older adults and their families, and welcome those anticipating upcoming marriage, parenthood, stepfamily, or other life transition.
When we've lost touch with our truer self, life is just harder. If you're not as present and engaged in your life as you'd like, you may also find your body weighing in through symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and unhelpful patterns of behavior. Underlying such symptoms are often vital, "offline" parts of ourselves that a good therapeutic alliance can help you to identify, strengthen and expand. If you're experiencing a readiness to take your online search for a therapist to the next level, I offer a brief phone consultation to help determine goodness of fit.
I primarily work with first responders, active-duty military personnel, and individuals with prior military service. These professions often involve repeated exposure to stress, uncertainty, trauma, and significant personal sacrifice, which can affect well-being, relationships, and life outside of work. For veterans, this may also involve difficulty transitioning out of the military and adjusting to life beyond service. My goal is to help clients navigate these challenges while also building lives that feel meaningful, fulfilling, and aligned with what matters most to them.
I primarily work with first responders, active-duty military personnel, and individuals with prior military service. These professions often involve repeated exposure to stress, uncertainty, trauma, and significant personal sacrifice, which can affect well-being, relationships, and life outside of work. For veterans, this may also involve difficulty transitioning out of the military and adjusting to life beyond service. My goal is to help clients navigate these challenges while also building lives that feel meaningful, fulfilling, and aligned with what matters most to them.
You may understand your patterns and still feel stuck in them, especially in relationships. Many of the women I work with struggle with anxiety, overthinking, or dynamics that leave them feeling disconnected or unsure of themselves. Some notice patterns around self-worth, body image, or a strong inner critic, while others feel the impact of past experiences or trauma. Often, one part understands what’s happening while another feels overwhelmed or reactive. They’re not looking for quick fixes, but for something that helps things truly shift toward a deeper sense of wholeness in mind, body, heart, and soul.
You may understand your patterns and still feel stuck in them, especially in relationships. Many of the women I work with struggle with anxiety, overthinking, or dynamics that leave them feeling disconnected or unsure of themselves. Some notice patterns around self-worth, body image, or a strong inner critic, while others feel the impact of past experiences or trauma. Often, one part understands what’s happening while another feels overwhelmed or reactive. They’re not looking for quick fixes, but for something that helps things truly shift toward a deeper sense of wholeness in mind, body, heart, and soul.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed out or sad to the point that you can't live the life you want? Do you want to feel better & have a life worth living? Personal Evolution Psychotherapy (PEP) is a team of therapists that use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to overcome social anxiety, depression, communication & relationship issues, family conflict, panic, excessive worry & depression. We provide much more than traditional talk therapy & help you get results to help control your emotions & your life. By doing this we can help more quickly.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed out or sad to the point that you can't live the life you want? Do you want to feel better & have a life worth living? Personal Evolution Psychotherapy (PEP) is a team of therapists that use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to overcome social anxiety, depression, communication & relationship issues, family conflict, panic, excessive worry & depression. We provide much more than traditional talk therapy & help you get results to help control your emotions & your life. By doing this we can help more quickly.
I specialize in treating depression, health anxiety, general anxiety, binge eating, chronic pain and grief. I work collaboratively with clients to provide concrete tools for them to cope in everyday life. I provide an empathetic and a non-judgmental environment coupled with a client-centered approach.
I specialize in treating depression, health anxiety, general anxiety, binge eating, chronic pain and grief. I work collaboratively with clients to provide concrete tools for them to cope in everyday life. I provide an empathetic and a non-judgmental environment coupled with a client-centered approach.
I have worked for Hospice in Bereavement, Grief and Loss as well as extensive experience in Inpatient Psychiatric Clinics where I addressed Depression, Anxiety, Addiction, Dementia and supported client's caregivers.
Are you ready to transform your life? I am here to help Individuals, Couples and Families navigate through the changes, challenges and struggles that we all experience in daily life. Whether you or a loved one are dealing with challenging life events, relationship difficulties, some type of loss, a difficult diagnosis or are just not sure why you are not happy or fulfilled, I believe that these situations are a great opportunity for growth! I am here to help you process your feelings, understand your reactions, develop healthy coping skills and help you find solutions for creating an amazing life. Let's get started!
I have worked for Hospice in Bereavement, Grief and Loss as well as extensive experience in Inpatient Psychiatric Clinics where I addressed Depression, Anxiety, Addiction, Dementia and supported client's caregivers.
Are you ready to transform your life? I am here to help Individuals, Couples and Families navigate through the changes, challenges and struggles that we all experience in daily life. Whether you or a loved one are dealing with challenging life events, relationship difficulties, some type of loss, a difficult diagnosis or are just not sure why you are not happy or fulfilled, I believe that these situations are a great opportunity for growth! I am here to help you process your feelings, understand your reactions, develop healthy coping skills and help you find solutions for creating an amazing life. Let's get started!
I'm an informal, low-keyed warm fuzzy type. I deal directly with problems, using CBT, emphasizing support/non-judgment.
I've completed 15 ebooks. The subjects are Assertiveness, How To Change Children's Behavior (Quickly), How to Assess and Treat ADHD (Children and Adults), Self Esteem, Why Relationships Fail, How to diagnose and Treat Anxiety, Anger Management, Types I and II,, Kids and Divorce, Child Visitation and Self-Esteem, How To Change Teenagers Behavior, The Psychology of Procrastination, The Psychology of Guilt, The Psychology of Forgiveness and Weight Loss (Free), The Psychology of All Addictions and How to Diagnose and Treat Mood Disorders.
I'm an informal, low-keyed warm fuzzy type. I deal directly with problems, using CBT, emphasizing support/non-judgment.
I've completed 15 ebooks. The subjects are Assertiveness, How To Change Children's Behavior (Quickly), How to Assess and Treat ADHD (Children and Adults), Self Esteem, Why Relationships Fail, How to diagnose and Treat Anxiety, Anger Management, Types I and II,, Kids and Divorce, Child Visitation and Self-Esteem, How To Change Teenagers Behavior, The Psychology of Procrastination, The Psychology of Guilt, The Psychology of Forgiveness and Weight Loss (Free), The Psychology of All Addictions and How to Diagnose and Treat Mood Disorders.
Women who struggle with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and many other emotionally draining conditions just wish they had someone to talk to who will listen without judgment. You may have experienced a traumatic break-up or even a trail of brokenness. You may have experienced child abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, or abandonment. You may have grown up with a family member with an addiction, watched parental violence, or had a partner with an addiction. At this point in your life you need assurance things can change, you want answers to why you ended up in the same relationships, and you need the coping skills needed to get past the past.
Women who struggle with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and many other emotionally draining conditions just wish they had someone to talk to who will listen without judgment. You may have experienced a traumatic break-up or even a trail of brokenness. You may have experienced child abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, or abandonment. You may have grown up with a family member with an addiction, watched parental violence, or had a partner with an addiction. At this point in your life you need assurance things can change, you want answers to why you ended up in the same relationships, and you need the coping skills needed to get past the past.
Trish Vernazza, M.A. is an experienced, caring professional who can assist you in achieving a fully integrated life by focusing on your strengths and potential. Achieving a healthy and positive balance in our lives is the key to understanding our own mental, emotional, spiritual, physical health along with personal relationships. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive, confidential environment while assisting you to experience, identify and understand the personal barriers which are getting in your way. Working with many clients of many ethnic and culture backgrounds and alternative lifestyles I provide a environment that helps develop personal insight.
Trish Vernazza, M.A. is an experienced, caring professional who can assist you in achieving a fully integrated life by focusing on your strengths and potential. Achieving a healthy and positive balance in our lives is the key to understanding our own mental, emotional, spiritual, physical health along with personal relationships. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive, confidential environment while assisting you to experience, identify and understand the personal barriers which are getting in your way. Working with many clients of many ethnic and culture backgrounds and alternative lifestyles I provide a environment that helps develop personal insight.
Life seems intense, overwhelming, or stressful right now. Fear, anger, and exhaustion are familiar emotions. Your parent/boss/spouse just doesn't get it and you don't know how to explain it to them. Perhaps you're questioning your identity, coming out to your family or to your child(ren), experiencing separation/divorce, ready to transition, or coping with loss. You want a safe place to discuss and leave behind feelings of loneliness, sadness, and confusion. You want to figure out a way to get through the week (the day!) and the next. You want relief. You want to be understood. Let's talk. Your first phone consultation is free.
Life seems intense, overwhelming, or stressful right now. Fear, anger, and exhaustion are familiar emotions. Your parent/boss/spouse just doesn't get it and you don't know how to explain it to them. Perhaps you're questioning your identity, coming out to your family or to your child(ren), experiencing separation/divorce, ready to transition, or coping with loss. You want a safe place to discuss and leave behind feelings of loneliness, sadness, and confusion. You want to figure out a way to get through the week (the day!) and the next. You want relief. You want to be understood. Let's talk. Your first phone consultation is free.
"Dr. Comin is dedicated to assisting her clients in making positive changes during treatment . She sees her role as a facilitator to the client's change. Our minds are our most powerful tools for change. When you change your habitual beliefs you can change your life's journey. Dr. Comin will assist you in facilitating the process of uncovering your strengths and empowering you to make these significant changes in your life. Therapy is a process not a destination, like all change it takes commitment, acceptance, compassion and patience to move through the stories we are attached to, and access our core internal strengths.
"Dr. Comin is dedicated to assisting her clients in making positive changes during treatment . She sees her role as a facilitator to the client's change. Our minds are our most powerful tools for change. When you change your habitual beliefs you can change your life's journey. Dr. Comin will assist you in facilitating the process of uncovering your strengths and empowering you to make these significant changes in your life. Therapy is a process not a destination, like all change it takes commitment, acceptance, compassion and patience to move through the stories we are attached to, and access our core internal strengths.
My ideal client is someone dealing with trauma. Additionally, I've seen great success with clients who experience excessive negativity, depression, anxiety, anger or lack fulfillment. I have excellent results with people who are looking for additional tools to find resolution and empowerment, and are willing to invest the time and energy to obtain their goals. I regularly assign homework and I notice clients who participate fully realize more rapid growth.
My ideal client is someone dealing with trauma. Additionally, I've seen great success with clients who experience excessive negativity, depression, anxiety, anger or lack fulfillment. I have excellent results with people who are looking for additional tools to find resolution and empowerment, and are willing to invest the time and energy to obtain their goals. I regularly assign homework and I notice clients who participate fully realize more rapid growth.
More Therapists Nearby
Are you or your partner seeking to improve your relationship, resolve conflicts, or deepen your connection? I specialize in helping couples navigate the complexities of relationships in a safe & supportive environment. Services include pre-marital counseling and support for couples in crisis that are dealing with infidelity, separation, and/or parenting issues. I offer evidence based strategies to resolve disagreements, reduce tension, rebuild trust, intimacy & emotional connection. How? By learning about different love languages, emotional triggers, effective time out and self soothing strategies leading to healthier relationship.
Are you or your partner seeking to improve your relationship, resolve conflicts, or deepen your connection? I specialize in helping couples navigate the complexities of relationships in a safe & supportive environment. Services include pre-marital counseling and support for couples in crisis that are dealing with infidelity, separation, and/or parenting issues. I offer evidence based strategies to resolve disagreements, reduce tension, rebuild trust, intimacy & emotional connection. How? By learning about different love languages, emotional triggers, effective time out and self soothing strategies leading to healthier relationship.
specializes in geriatric psychology and neuropsychology.
Dr. Cotter has over twenty years of experience working with older adults and received her training in hospital, rehabilitation, university research, and private practice settings. She completed her doctoral dissertation in conjunction with The 90+ Study at U.C. Irvine, the most comprehensive study of the very old to date.
specializes in geriatric psychology and neuropsychology.
Dr. Cotter has over twenty years of experience working with older adults and received her training in hospital, rehabilitation, university research, and private practice settings. She completed her doctoral dissertation in conjunction with The 90+ Study at U.C. Irvine, the most comprehensive study of the very old to date.
Extensive experience includes high school and college students, middle-aged and older adults.
I have experience meeting a variety of individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, medical-related issues, grief and loss. I also have experience helping those dealing with major transitions (job loss, retirement, change in living situations, etc.), relationship issues, career/job or school-related issues/conflict, family-related stress.
Extensive experience includes high school and college students, middle-aged and older adults.
I have experience meeting a variety of individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, medical-related issues, grief and loss. I also have experience helping those dealing with major transitions (job loss, retirement, change in living situations, etc.), relationship issues, career/job or school-related issues/conflict, family-related stress.
See more therapy options for Vista
Nearby Geriatric Therapists Searches for Vista
- Bonsall
- Cardiff
- Cardiff By The Sea
- Carlsbad
- Del Mar
- Encinitas
- Escondido
- Fallbrook
- Oceanside
- Rancho Santa Fe
- San Marcos
- Solana Beach
FAQ - About Geriatric Therapy
What can a geriatric psychologist help with?
Geriatric therapists specialize in the cognitive and neurological challenges that often accompany aging, including dementia, memory loss, and age-related cognitive decline. They also address the psychological conditions that frequently co-occur with these issues, such as depression, anxiety, and grief. Geriatric therapists and psychologists are trained to assess cognitive functioning, identify symptoms that may warrant further evaluation, and conduct or refer for formal neurological assessment when needed. In many cases, geriatric therapists also work closely with medical doctors to manage a client's overall health, and they may support caregivers and family members navigating the demands of caring for an aging loved one.
Why might someone seek a geriatric psychologist?
Someone might seek a geriatric therapist when they or a loved one begins experiencing cognitive or neurological changes and is unsure whether those changes are a normal part of aging or something that requires clinical attention. A geriatric therapist can help connect families with appropriate next steps. They are also commonly sought following a new diagnosis, when clients and families are working to understand what that diagnosis means practically and emotionally, and what to expect as a condition progresses. When seeking a therapist, it can be helpful to consider whether a clinician with a stronger psychotherapy focus or one with more of a social work orientation, who can help connect clients with assisted living or medical resources, would be the better fit.
What type of therapy might a geriatric therapists specialize in?
Geriatric therapist often combine psychotherapy with psychoeducation, helping clients and their families understand cognitive and neurological conditions and what to expect as they progress. For clients experiencing anxiety or depression alongside cognitive decline, therapists may draw on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or mindfulness-based approaches. For clients with dementia specifically, therapists may be trained in specialized modalities such as Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST), which is designed to preserve cognitive functioning.
Can geriatric psychologists help people who suffer from dementia?
Yes, and this is a core area of geriatric psychology. Therapists specializing in dementia can work directly with clients on memory loss and cognitive functioning, while also addressing conditions that commonly co-occur, such as depression and anxiety. They can provide caregivers with objective assessments of a client's functioning and disease progression, and are typically well-versed in community resources available to dementia patients and their families.