Strength-Based Therapists in California
Erica Mesa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 (Online Only)
Asking someone for help takes a lot of courage. It is incredibly difficult when you are feeling sad, stressed, overwhelmed and nervous. You may be experiencing many sleepless nights, restlessness, or past trauma come up. I assure you that you are not alone in feeling this way and I am here to support you. In my healing sessions, I bring a strength-based and humanistic approach to help you feel confident about yourself. My goal is to not only help you heal and move forward by being compassionate and gentle to yourself, but also to help you learn lifelong skills that you can use.
Asking someone for help takes a lot of courage. It is incredibly difficult when you are feeling sad, stressed, overwhelmed and nervous. You may be experiencing many sleepless nights, restlessness, or past trauma come up. I assure you that you are not alone in feeling this way and I am here to support you. In my healing sessions, I bring a strength-based and humanistic approach to help you feel confident about yourself. My goal is to not only help you heal and move forward by being compassionate and gentle to yourself, but also to help you learn lifelong skills that you can use.
Jonathan Stein
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Manteca, CA 95336
Jonathan Stein (LMFT) is a seasoned and compassionate therapist with 19 years of experience dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges. Brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise, having worked in a diverse range of settings, including private practice, community mental health, and corporate environments. Jonathan employs a holistic and tailored approach to therapy, drawing from CBT, Strength-Based, Mindfulness, and Person-Centered modalities. This integrative approach allows him to address the unique needs of each client, fostering a collaborative and empowering therapeutic relationship.
Jonathan Stein (LMFT) is a seasoned and compassionate therapist with 19 years of experience dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges. Brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise, having worked in a diverse range of settings, including private practice, community mental health, and corporate environments. Jonathan employs a holistic and tailored approach to therapy, drawing from CBT, Strength-Based, Mindfulness, and Person-Centered modalities. This integrative approach allows him to address the unique needs of each client, fostering a collaborative and empowering therapeutic relationship.
Blanca Janet Monzon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90057 (Online Only)
I often utilize; relational therapy, strength-based therapy, and feminist therapy theories in my practice centering the client’s experience in the work we do together.
Hola, I am Blanca "Janet" Monzon. I’m a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience working in communities of color, in the fields of education, mental health, and community organizing. I’m also a POC, an intersectional feminist, with progressive radical views. Transparency is important to me because I believe that my identities and perspectives inform the way I approach working in mental health. I have experience working with undocumented folks, first gen, and young adults. Hablo Español, English, and Spanglish!
I often utilize; relational therapy, strength-based therapy, and feminist therapy theories in my practice centering the client’s experience in the work we do together.
Hola, I am Blanca "Janet" Monzon. I’m a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience working in communities of color, in the fields of education, mental health, and community organizing. I’m also a POC, an intersectional feminist, with progressive radical views. Transparency is important to me because I believe that my identities and perspectives inform the way I approach working in mental health. I have experience working with undocumented folks, first gen, and young adults. Hablo Español, English, and Spanglish!
Sarah Marie Collins
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95816
My approach is strength based, solution focused, and client centered. Clients are the experts in their own lives and I am honored to be a trusted support person to them. I believe all people struggle with issues that they can use support in coping with. I can provide a non-judgmental and empathetic position to allow clients to feel safe in confiding in me. I will also be doing all that I can to assess for their safety and take necessary steps to improve their safety. My method is to identify the primary issues, establish goals and work to support the client in applying techniques and skills to meet those goals.
My approach is strength based, solution focused, and client centered. Clients are the experts in their own lives and I am honored to be a trusted support person to them. I believe all people struggle with issues that they can use support in coping with. I can provide a non-judgmental and empathetic position to allow clients to feel safe in confiding in me. I will also be doing all that I can to assess for their safety and take necessary steps to improve their safety. My method is to identify the primary issues, establish goals and work to support the client in applying techniques and skills to meet those goals.
Magnolia Westerschulte
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Petaluma, CA 94952
There comes a time when we want to make a positive change in our lives - and sometimes we need support from someone outside ourselves. I honor your courage in the uncertainty of change, and am here to support you. Together we can navigate your core beliefs and patterns, shift that which no longer serves you, and uncover your innate capacity for healing. Whether you are experiencing anxiety, fear, loneliness, loss, transition, doubt, relationship challenges, I provide an empowering compassionate space for you to gain insight and work through these difficult challenges.
There comes a time when we want to make a positive change in our lives - and sometimes we need support from someone outside ourselves. I honor your courage in the uncertainty of change, and am here to support you. Together we can navigate your core beliefs and patterns, shift that which no longer serves you, and uncover your innate capacity for healing. Whether you are experiencing anxiety, fear, loneliness, loss, transition, doubt, relationship challenges, I provide an empowering compassionate space for you to gain insight and work through these difficult challenges.
Julie Hernandez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Ventura, CA 93001
My name is Julie Hernandez and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Fresno, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adult individuals and specialize in anxiety, depression, and stress, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Strength Based, and Trauma-focused to help my clients make progress and start feeling better. I have found that my style and approach are a good fit for adults who may be dealing with challenges of life stressors and difficult situations. This often takes the form of anxiety, depression, and stress.
My name is Julie Hernandez and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Fresno, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adult individuals and specialize in anxiety, depression, and stress, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Strength Based, and Trauma-focused to help my clients make progress and start feeling better. I have found that my style and approach are a good fit for adults who may be dealing with challenges of life stressors and difficult situations. This often takes the form of anxiety, depression, and stress.
Anita Valdez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Petaluma, CA 94952
My therapeutic approach integrates elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Attachment-based, Strength-based, Mindfulness-based, and Life Coaching.
I am Anita Valdez, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 53817). I provide a non-judgmental environment of empathy, support, and trust where my clients can safely and openly express themselves freely. I have over 15 years of experience helping people overcome anxiety, stress, relationship issues, and self-esteem issues. My therapeutic approach integrates elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Attachment-based, Strength-based, Mindfulness-based, and Life Coaching. I typically work with clients, that come in with anxiety, stress, relationship issues, and/or self-esteem issues.
My therapeutic approach integrates elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Attachment-based, Strength-based, Mindfulness-based, and Life Coaching.
I am Anita Valdez, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 53817). I provide a non-judgmental environment of empathy, support, and trust where my clients can safely and openly express themselves freely. I have over 15 years of experience helping people overcome anxiety, stress, relationship issues, and self-esteem issues. My therapeutic approach integrates elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Attachment-based, Strength-based, Mindfulness-based, and Life Coaching. I typically work with clients, that come in with anxiety, stress, relationship issues, and/or self-esteem issues.
Laila Villaume
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
I have a strong passion for helping individuals feel empowered and strive to live their best lives by finding meaning and purpose within themselves. Let’s face it, life can be difficult, but those difficult experiences do not have to define you as a person. By creating a safe and healing space my goal is to tap into your own personal power and natural strengths to focus on what is most important to you and your wellness.
I have a strong passion for helping individuals feel empowered and strive to live their best lives by finding meaning and purpose within themselves. Let’s face it, life can be difficult, but those difficult experiences do not have to define you as a person. By creating a safe and healing space my goal is to tap into your own personal power and natural strengths to focus on what is most important to you and your wellness.
Robert Hickman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pacoima, CA 91331
Hello, my name is Bob Hickman, and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. I want to share the great pleasure I have felt working with children, teens, families, and adults over the years. I brought a combination of education, training, clinical skills, and lived experience as a son, husband, father, and step father. My approach is strength-based, calling upon your capacities and talents and solution-focused, helping you find solutions to challenges that work for you.
Hello, my name is Bob Hickman, and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. I want to share the great pleasure I have felt working with children, teens, families, and adults over the years. I brought a combination of education, training, clinical skills, and lived experience as a son, husband, father, and step father. My approach is strength-based, calling upon your capacities and talents and solution-focused, helping you find solutions to challenges that work for you.
Seong-Hye “Sunny” Mau
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tustin, CA 92780
Since each client's needs are unique, I use a strength-based approach with cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and attachment theory.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by your teen's mood swings or emotional outbursts? Are you concerned about your teen's risky behaviors or self-harm? Is your teen feeling lost, lonely, withdrawn, angry, anxious or depressed (or all of the above)? I’m passionate about helping teens make sense of why they feel the way they do! My work focuses on helping them heal from past hurts, identify strengths, learn healthy coping skills, and build meaningful relationships. By creating a safe and supportive environment, my goal is to help my clients lead resilient, fulfilling, and purposeful lives.
Since each client's needs are unique, I use a strength-based approach with cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and attachment theory.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by your teen's mood swings or emotional outbursts? Are you concerned about your teen's risky behaviors or self-harm? Is your teen feeling lost, lonely, withdrawn, angry, anxious or depressed (or all of the above)? I’m passionate about helping teens make sense of why they feel the way they do! My work focuses on helping them heal from past hurts, identify strengths, learn healthy coping skills, and build meaningful relationships. By creating a safe and supportive environment, my goal is to help my clients lead resilient, fulfilling, and purposeful lives.
Sonica Thakur
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
Mountain View, CA 94043 (Online Only)
"What one person has to offer to another, is their own being, nothing more, nothing less" - Ram Dass. My therapeutic approach is a strength-based perspective that focuses on a person's innate potential rather than pathologies and shortfalls. Consistent with this approach, my role as a therapist lies not in solving problems but in helping clients examine inhibited issues and biases, identify practical solutions to their problems and progress towards deeper wisdom. I have worked with clients of various ethnicities, addressing a range of mental health issues, relationship problems, and life transitions.
"What one person has to offer to another, is their own being, nothing more, nothing less" - Ram Dass. My therapeutic approach is a strength-based perspective that focuses on a person's innate potential rather than pathologies and shortfalls. Consistent with this approach, my role as a therapist lies not in solving problems but in helping clients examine inhibited issues and biases, identify practical solutions to their problems and progress towards deeper wisdom. I have worked with clients of various ethnicities, addressing a range of mental health issues, relationship problems, and life transitions.
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Nicole Acosta
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pleasanton, CA 94566 (Online Only)
I am a Marriage Family Therapist (CA#: MFC 107276) helping people conceptualize their current and ongoing challenges. My specialty is empowering individuals, families, and groups, to prevent and alleviate crisis, change, or stress. I apply a strength-based therapeutic approach that enables individuals to function more effectively to experience a healthier and more satisfying state of well-being in living their life.
I am a Marriage Family Therapist (CA#: MFC 107276) helping people conceptualize their current and ongoing challenges. My specialty is empowering individuals, families, and groups, to prevent and alleviate crisis, change, or stress. I apply a strength-based therapeutic approach that enables individuals to function more effectively to experience a healthier and more satisfying state of well-being in living their life.
Tarrah D Wauson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
I support young people to find their voice, become more self confident, and communicate in a way that expresses their needs. Many times there is a disconnect between behavior and desires. I work closely to increase awareness of why these behaviors are happening and encourage an awareness to begin to identify triggers, with an overall goal of self awareness and self control.
I support young people to find their voice, become more self confident, and communicate in a way that expresses their needs. Many times there is a disconnect between behavior and desires. I work closely to increase awareness of why these behaviors are happening and encourage an awareness to begin to identify triggers, with an overall goal of self awareness and self control.
Cory Sullivan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Orange, CA 92868 (Online Only)
I believe we are an accumulation of experiences across our lifespan and I strive to utilize strength-based skills that have helped you conquer old foes while incorporating new skills and strategies to overcome present obstacles.
My name is Cory Sullivan, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I earned my Master's in Social Work degree from the University of Southern California.
I believe we are an accumulation of experiences across our lifespan and I strive to utilize strength-based skills that have helped you conquer old foes while incorporating new skills and strategies to overcome present obstacles.
My name is Cory Sullivan, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I earned my Master's in Social Work degree from the University of Southern California.
Julie S Lehman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901
Waitlist for new clients
My work is strength-based and solution-focused, with a foundation in healing attachment trauma to "go deep" as needed.
I specialize in working affirmatively with sex and gender diversity and sex-positive communities (LGBTQ*, non-normative relationships, open/non-monogamous, burners, polyamory, polysexuality, asexuality, intersex, gender nonconformity/fluidity, BDSM/kink, leather, fetish, HIV+, HepC+, Herpes+). I welcome clients with issues around minority stress, neurodivergence, depression/anxiety, trauma, grief/loss, couples/multiple-partner relationships, parent/child relationships, family counseling. I also welcome those looking to heal sexual trauma or those working through sexual difficulties. I'm a well-trained integrative sex therapist.
My work is strength-based and solution-focused, with a foundation in healing attachment trauma to "go deep" as needed.
I specialize in working affirmatively with sex and gender diversity and sex-positive communities (LGBTQ*, non-normative relationships, open/non-monogamous, burners, polyamory, polysexuality, asexuality, intersex, gender nonconformity/fluidity, BDSM/kink, leather, fetish, HIV+, HepC+, Herpes+). I welcome clients with issues around minority stress, neurodivergence, depression/anxiety, trauma, grief/loss, couples/multiple-partner relationships, parent/child relationships, family counseling. I also welcome those looking to heal sexual trauma or those working through sexual difficulties. I'm a well-trained integrative sex therapist.
Cindy Lacost
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Calabasas, CA 91302
The ideal client is 5 - 35 years old, experiencing academic, behavioral, psychological, functional, occupational or social problems, such as difficulty learning, regulating emotion, developing and maintaining friendships, problem-solving, acting in age-appropriate ways, thinking clearly, sustaining attention, or working. I offer strength-based assessment services to children, adolescents, and young adults including psychoeducational, psychological, and accommodations testing for the purpose of diagnosis, documentation, treatment, and intervention planning. This includes school placement, IEP goals, support services, accommodations, and referrals. I also work clinically with parents and siblings of special needs children, and children, adolescents and young adults with special needs.
The ideal client is 5 - 35 years old, experiencing academic, behavioral, psychological, functional, occupational or social problems, such as difficulty learning, regulating emotion, developing and maintaining friendships, problem-solving, acting in age-appropriate ways, thinking clearly, sustaining attention, or working. I offer strength-based assessment services to children, adolescents, and young adults including psychoeducational, psychological, and accommodations testing for the purpose of diagnosis, documentation, treatment, and intervention planning. This includes school placement, IEP goals, support services, accommodations, and referrals. I also work clinically with parents and siblings of special needs children, and children, adolescents and young adults with special needs.
Patricia Walsh
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91105 (Online Only)
I have a warm, strength-based, and integrative style that allows my clients to be their full authentic selves in search of meeting their full potential. Clients often describe me as non-judgmental, empathetic, and collaborative in treating their identified goals.
I have a warm, strength-based, and integrative style that allows my clients to be their full authentic selves in search of meeting their full potential. Clients often describe me as non-judgmental, empathetic, and collaborative in treating their identified goals.
Alfredo Laris
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Piedmont, CA 94611 (Online Only)
I believe that the power of vulnerability is one of our greatest strengths and ultimately can provide us with a deeper sense of self, security, comfort, and more compassionate towards one another. Coming from a strength-based form of doing therapy and providing support to others, I work to provide my clients with a sense of validation and comfort. As a cis male that identifies as Latinx and as a proud member of the LGBTQIA community, I am able to hold the experience of living in many diverse, cross-cultural emotional experiences that we sometimes may not even know how to begin to understand.
I believe that the power of vulnerability is one of our greatest strengths and ultimately can provide us with a deeper sense of self, security, comfort, and more compassionate towards one another. Coming from a strength-based form of doing therapy and providing support to others, I work to provide my clients with a sense of validation and comfort. As a cis male that identifies as Latinx and as a proud member of the LGBTQIA community, I am able to hold the experience of living in many diverse, cross-cultural emotional experiences that we sometimes may not even know how to begin to understand.
Dr. Elizabeth Aranda
Psychologist, PhD, ABPP
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94704
My clients are courageous people who want to live sustainably in their truth and authenticity. Often nervous, but ready for change. In my style of practice we work to improve your understanding of yourself and identify what is inhibiting you from living your best life. We explore internal processes like your feelings & beliefs as well as systemic processes that impact LGBTQ+ BIPOC identit(ies), relationships, and life experiences. I take a similar approach to my assessments which are both strength-based and neuro-diversity affirming. All services aim to move you towards your unique treatment goals and improving your mental health.
My clients are courageous people who want to live sustainably in their truth and authenticity. Often nervous, but ready for change. In my style of practice we work to improve your understanding of yourself and identify what is inhibiting you from living your best life. We explore internal processes like your feelings & beliefs as well as systemic processes that impact LGBTQ+ BIPOC identit(ies), relationships, and life experiences. I take a similar approach to my assessments which are both strength-based and neuro-diversity affirming. All services aim to move you towards your unique treatment goals and improving your mental health.
Marina Richardson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Stockton, CA 95207
I practice respect and strength-based/driven therapy: All client experiences, both good and not so good, must be respected.
Over 15+ years, working with diverse and high risk populations to help overcome challenges arising from (severe) mental illness, co-occurring disorders, domestic violence, and trauma. Extensive training and experience in working with individuals in crisis and teaching others about Suicide Prevention. In addition to conducting crisis-related risk assessments and crisis-related interventions, I utilize other therapeutic approaches, CBT, D-CBT, and Solution-Focused treatment modalities. Providing individual therapy, adults and adolescents, Family/Couples therapy, group therapy.
I practice respect and strength-based/driven therapy: All client experiences, both good and not so good, must be respected.
Over 15+ years, working with diverse and high risk populations to help overcome challenges arising from (severe) mental illness, co-occurring disorders, domestic violence, and trauma. Extensive training and experience in working with individuals in crisis and teaching others about Suicide Prevention. In addition to conducting crisis-related risk assessments and crisis-related interventions, I utilize other therapeutic approaches, CBT, D-CBT, and Solution-Focused treatment modalities. Providing individual therapy, adults and adolescents, Family/Couples therapy, group therapy.