Chronic Illness Therapists in Kern County, CA

Loss is experienced through various forms during our lifetime – whether it’s the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job, the end of a relationship, divorce, children leaving for college or adolescents transitioning into adulthood. Together, we will navigate this journey called life. I believe we were all created with purpose and now that you’ve taken the brave, bold step to seek direction on the next steps of your life, I would love to be considered as your listener and guide.

First off, are you blown away that you are looking for a therapist? Are you asking yourself when did my life become so complicated? When did I lose myself? Why can’t I move on? It turns out we could all use some help. Life is hard, not having support in life is harder.

My name is Sarah Travis Buck and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I work collaboratively with my clients to help them become more self-aware and accepting so that they can realize their strengths, recognize what obstacles lie in their path, and take steps to make the changes they need to make. Together we will enquire into how you want to change your life, what it will take for you to make that happen, and what is blocking you.

I have been a clinical social worker for over thirty years, and have fifteen years specifically working in mental health. My specialties include helping people with chronic illness, anxiety, depression, LBGTQIA issues, and geriatrics. I work collaboratively with my clients to increase their well-being, using evidenced based treatments to improve their mental health and quality of life. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Behavioral Activation, Psychodynamic Therapy, as well as tools from Dialectical Behavioral Therapsy, EMDR, and Rational Emotive Therapy.

My name is Vanessa Souza, and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) specializing in working with older adults and the people who care for them, whether personally or professionally. I have a particular focus on people living with memory loss, Alzheimer's disease, or other dementia, and their families and friends. I’m based in Silicon Valley, but provide service via telehealth throughout California. I have nearly 15 years of experience working with older adults, family caregivers (especially caregivers ages 20-50), and professional caregivers, and this is my specialty.

The difficulties of everyday life can sometimes become overwhelming. When on top of those difficulties we add the stresses of illness, anxiety, depression, our identity, our love lives and more-we can easily feel burdened to our breaking point. We just don't feel heard. Sometimes these situations can linger for months or years, making it hard to meet our obligations and live our lives in the way we would like. However, those difficulties and stresses don't need to define who we are-or where we're going. It's my goal as a therapist to help you tell your story.

My name is Julie Stefan, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Orange County, CA, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in individuals experiencing stress and anxiety/depression due to chronic illness or recovering from a traumatic injury or health condition. Using an eclectic, supportive approach I aim to help my clients feel cared for and to improve their current mood.

Therapy can be a way to get us back on track. I offer support and guidance with compassion. I believe in building a non-judgmental relationship with clients in order to reach autonomy, self-awareness, and empowerment.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Registered Art Therapist and Certified Eating Disorder Creative Arts Therapist. I provide services to individuals, couples, families and groups in the Central Valley. As a LMFT I have worked with: at risk youth and their families, teens and families facing challenges associated with eating disorders, men and women exploring body image concerns, college students (at all ages and stages of life), couples, people of all ages dealing with anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns.

The journey through infertility and motherhood can be stressful and lonely. It often requires patience, perseverance, but above all HOPE. I want to empower and support you during this journey. Are you suspecting a problem because you have been trying to get pregnant without success? Have you been diagnosed with "infertility"? Are you considering IVF? Are you struggling with sustaining a pregnancy? Does your heart feel heavy with grief and sorrow over your loss and are ready for relief? Did you recently have a baby and are struggling with postpartum anxiety, depression or simply feeling overwhelmed? Reach out today. I can help you.

My name is Marina Alexander, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Los Angeles, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I was born in Ukraine and speak Russian fluently. I work with adults and couples and specialize in anxiety and stress management, alleviating trauma and PTSD, managing life transitions, issues related to aging, and of course - challenges in interpersonal relationships. I am also a Transformational Life coach, trained and certified by the Brave Thinking Institute.

I enjoy helping individuals and couples from 18 y/o through late adulthood. If you need help improving your life & your relationships, I can give you the tools you need! My clients tell me I am genuine and easy to talk to, and they feel they leave each session with realistic tools to improve their day to day lives. I like to work with a variety of individuals, couples, and families, on trauma, anxiety, depression and other issues, and I specialize in working with individuals with all types of sexual problems such as porn and sex addiction. I also love working with people with intellectual disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Let’s get through this time and start your journey to a better version of you! My specialty is helping people deal with anxiety, stress, unhealthy/excessive behaviors or a traumatic event. You may have tried therapy many times in the past without the results you want. I'll help you learn ways to cope with anxiety, depression, relationship problems, low confidence, isolation, and uncertainty. We'll figure out what matters most to you, set goals, and set a path to action so you'll see results!

Jefferson Young is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 20 years of experience providing exceptional care and assisting clients and their families to improve their emotional health. Jefferson came to Los Angeles from Virginia and became a trained and licensed therapist assisting in the development of a Dual Diagnosis program for a local area non-profit. He has lent that experience in assisting the development of Medication Assisted Therapy program for clients with substance use disorders.

My belief as a therapist and as a person is that all people, no matter where they are in life, are equipped with the innate ability to experience mental health. I do not see people as “broken”, rather, at some point in life, all people will find themselves “stuck” for one reason or another. My focus is to create a safe environment to educate and support clients while assisting them in meeting and exceeding their stated life goals.

Greetings, I'm Diamante! I am a bilingual Spanish/English licensed clinical social worker in both New York and Texas having worked in the mental health field since 2008. Over the years I've gained experience with people from ages 4 to 70+ from diverse backgrounds and with a variety of mental, emotional, and social challenges. I earned my Bachelors in Sociology from the University of Texas at San Antonio and my Master's in Social Work at Baylor University. I've worked in variety of schools and mental health agencies.

Depression is overwhelming sadness that has an impact in living your best life. Depression can be accompanied by different symptoms of anxiety, panic and loss of energy/motivation. Overcoming depression can be challenging if you are doing it alone. Negative life experiences can and do have an impact on who you are and your happiness. Awareness and understanding of what is going on inside of yourself is powerful in helping yourself to overcome negative or irrational thoughts that are keeping you from being your true self.

Relationships, communication, work, school, marriage, child-rearing, illness, and all stages of life can be very challenging at times. I am dedicated to providing a highly supportive atmosphere where solutions to these challenges can be explored and found with compassion and respect. I enjoy working with adults, couples, teens, and families to build stronger relationships and deeper self-understanding to make life's journey more enjoyable. I have many years of experience working with families as a registered nurse, and as a therapist, I have a deep understanding of how health related issues can impact individuals and families.

Laura M. Van Waardenburg, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. There is a way to feel better and get your life back. The key to making lasting improvements is to have a skilled, trained therapist help guide you with compassion. Depending on your needs I may support you with the use of Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). I come from a humanistic, client-centered, and culturally sensitive approach to all my clients.