Therapists in San Luis Obispo, CA
Karen McGuffey
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 (Online Only)
I provide trauma informed therapy and work with individuals experiencing trauma, PTSD, grief and loss, chronic pain, addiction, anxiety, depression, difficulty with life transitions and relationships, and difficulty managing intense emotions.
Are you seeking a safe therapeutic environment where you can resolve issues, deal with internal emotional conflicts, heal and move forward in life. In my practice, I provide my clients with real help and real hope so they can recover and discover the person they were meant to be.
I provide trauma informed therapy and work with individuals experiencing trauma, PTSD, grief and loss, chronic pain, addiction, anxiety, depression, difficulty with life transitions and relationships, and difficulty managing intense emotions.
Are you seeking a safe therapeutic environment where you can resolve issues, deal with internal emotional conflicts, heal and move forward in life. In my practice, I provide my clients with real help and real hope so they can recover and discover the person they were meant to be.
David C. Lichti, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Currently, I'm mostly using Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy with my clients. When, as a child, we find ourselves traumatizing or trapped in negative circumstances, parts of our self system compensate by locking away that which at that time was too much for us to handle. Later, if we do not go back to this locked away material, the pain, confusion and injustice of what happened to us long ago, can get triggered, or, awakened, when similar such challenges arise in the present. IFS provides a safe way for that locked away material to be approached and reprocessed, allowing our core self to take back control of our lives.
Currently, I'm mostly using Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy with my clients. When, as a child, we find ourselves traumatizing or trapped in negative circumstances, parts of our self system compensate by locking away that which at that time was too much for us to handle. Later, if we do not go back to this locked away material, the pain, confusion and injustice of what happened to us long ago, can get triggered, or, awakened, when similar such challenges arise in the present. IFS provides a safe way for that locked away material to be approached and reprocessed, allowing our core self to take back control of our lives.
Anthony Paul Martello
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Are you afraid, confused, or struggling with your relationships? I work with client(s) dealing with interpersonal issues and communication challenges. It may be a husband and wife re-defining their roles with life changes, or an individual considering a career change. The problem often reveals itself at the surface when arguing and verbal conflict ensue, but the source of the problem needs a deeper adjustment, such as adjusting roles or providing more support for a family member. Regardless, clear communication usually allows the individual, couple, or family to achieve the goal of collaboration and compromise.
Are you afraid, confused, or struggling with your relationships? I work with client(s) dealing with interpersonal issues and communication challenges. It may be a husband and wife re-defining their roles with life changes, or an individual considering a career change. The problem often reveals itself at the surface when arguing and verbal conflict ensue, but the source of the problem needs a deeper adjustment, such as adjusting roles or providing more support for a family member. Regardless, clear communication usually allows the individual, couple, or family to achieve the goal of collaboration and compromise.
Debra Kambourian
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Do you ever find yourself asking, "Why can't I just get my life together, get along with people like everyone else?" "Am I the crazy one?" How about "I'm tired of feeling misunderstood, walked all over, like I can't do anything right." It's easy to feel stuck and alone when struggling in life and relationships, as if you're "too emotional" and destined for a lonely and shameful life. Many opinions about what you're doing wrong and recommendations of how to fix discourage you, leaving you feeling even more flawed and confused than before. Most importantly, do you find yourself feeling sad and terrified that nobody will EVER get you?
Do you ever find yourself asking, "Why can't I just get my life together, get along with people like everyone else?" "Am I the crazy one?" How about "I'm tired of feeling misunderstood, walked all over, like I can't do anything right." It's easy to feel stuck and alone when struggling in life and relationships, as if you're "too emotional" and destined for a lonely and shameful life. Many opinions about what you're doing wrong and recommendations of how to fix discourage you, leaving you feeling even more flawed and confused than before. Most importantly, do you find yourself feeling sad and terrified that nobody will EVER get you?
Justin Chernow
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Waitlist for new clients
Are you finding it harder and harder to keep it all together? Perhaps you’re walking through life with a heavy sadness in your chest. Some days, maybe most days, you’re just going through the motions. Too often you feel fragile, and even little things can send your mood tumbling or leave you feeling shaken. The belief that you can live a balanced life seems farther and farther away. You’re feeling more alone, more distanced and disconnected from others. Yet, you don’t have to keep living a limited existence because of your depression, trauma, or anxiety.
Are you finding it harder and harder to keep it all together? Perhaps you’re walking through life with a heavy sadness in your chest. Some days, maybe most days, you’re just going through the motions. Too often you feel fragile, and even little things can send your mood tumbling or leave you feeling shaken. The belief that you can live a balanced life seems farther and farther away. You’re feeling more alone, more distanced and disconnected from others. Yet, you don’t have to keep living a limited existence because of your depression, trauma, or anxiety.
Summer Sessions Counseling
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LPCC, LCSW, LCMHC, ACSW, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Finding a therapist can be difficult, and at Summer Sessions, we hope to cut down on the searching component of your journey. We know that the road "here," may have been difficult and we are here to support and listen. The goal of our team is to reflect our community with our own backgrounds and areas of expertise and support you. Whether experiencing a life stressor, ongoing anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma or more, you deserve support and we can help. Please see our website, www.SummerSessionsCounseling.org, for available providers and booking (www.therapyportal.com/p/summersessions/appointments/availability/)
Finding a therapist can be difficult, and at Summer Sessions, we hope to cut down on the searching component of your journey. We know that the road "here," may have been difficult and we are here to support and listen. The goal of our team is to reflect our community with our own backgrounds and areas of expertise and support you. Whether experiencing a life stressor, ongoing anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma or more, you deserve support and we can help. Please see our website, www.SummerSessionsCounseling.org, for available providers and booking (www.therapyportal.com/p/summersessions/appointments/availability/)
Mary M Kunz
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93406 (Online Only)
All emotions have a job - to bring something to our attention, to give us information about our world, sometimes to give us the physical energy to take action. I see my role as a therapist would be to help you better understand yourself, and when it fits to teach you tools and skills so that you can be effective in your life. I can be a guide and an ally through many challenges - these include depression and anxiety, eating disorders, trauma, caregiving, life-threatening illnesses, grief and loss. Whatever emotion or situation led you to seek help, you can use it to heal your life.
All emotions have a job - to bring something to our attention, to give us information about our world, sometimes to give us the physical energy to take action. I see my role as a therapist would be to help you better understand yourself, and when it fits to teach you tools and skills so that you can be effective in your life. I can be a guide and an ally through many challenges - these include depression and anxiety, eating disorders, trauma, caregiving, life-threatening illnesses, grief and loss. Whatever emotion or situation led you to seek help, you can use it to heal your life.
The Mindful Lemon
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (Online Only)
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness and fitness or any combination of the above.
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness and fitness or any combination of the above.
Sacred Path Holistic Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD , MA, LMFT, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Holistic & Affordable Therapy! At Sacred Path, our qualified therapists are looking forward to helping you access Your inner resources to heal, grow, and reclaim your life. With the right help you can heal from old wounds, release negative cycles and patterns, resolve symptoms of trauma and gain relief from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other relational issues. True healing affords us the ability to create the life that we desire. A life lived with meaning. Dr. Dolan
Holistic & Affordable Therapy! At Sacred Path, our qualified therapists are looking forward to helping you access Your inner resources to heal, grow, and reclaim your life. With the right help you can heal from old wounds, release negative cycles and patterns, resolve symptoms of trauma and gain relief from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other relational issues. True healing affords us the ability to create the life that we desire. A life lived with meaning. Dr. Dolan
Jane A Hill
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (Online Only)
Are you someone who lives with stress and anxiety daily? Has feeling anxious and depressed been a way of life for you? Are you troubled by traumatic events from your childhood that continually get triggered in your adult life? Are you sick and tired of living this way? I can guide you through the healing process.I am trained in EMDR and other healing modalities. I have empathy for people who feel like they haven't been able to move on from difficult childhoods'. Visit my website at www.janeahilllcsw.com to begin your healing journey.
Are you someone who lives with stress and anxiety daily? Has feeling anxious and depressed been a way of life for you? Are you troubled by traumatic events from your childhood that continually get triggered in your adult life? Are you sick and tired of living this way? I can guide you through the healing process.I am trained in EMDR and other healing modalities. I have empathy for people who feel like they haven't been able to move on from difficult childhoods'. Visit my website at www.janeahilllcsw.com to begin your healing journey.
Denise Bila Seastrunk
RN, CNS, PhD, CTP
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
I treat clients who are experiencing depression, anxiety, life stressors and transitions. I enjoy working with adults and couples who are experiencing all types of issues. Dealing with parenting and adolescence can be challenging, but these are the types of challenges I embrace. Whatever your issues or goals are in therapy, I can provide an integrated way of helping you due to my educational background and varied life experiences.
I treat clients who are experiencing depression, anxiety, life stressors and transitions. I enjoy working with adults and couples who are experiencing all types of issues. Dealing with parenting and adolescence can be challenging, but these are the types of challenges I embrace. Whatever your issues or goals are in therapy, I can provide an integrated way of helping you due to my educational background and varied life experiences.
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Katty (Coffron) Richardson, PhD, LMFT, LPCC
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LPCC, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Waitlist for new clients
Both life and relationships can be challenging and it is easy to feel confused or hopeless as to how to make things better. You may be struggling with individual issues, such as stress, anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem. Or possibly you are dealing with relationship troubles. You may be longing for love and instead feeling disconnected, alone, and hurt. There are answers and options! I have invested in mastering well-researched, scientifically-proven approaches to individual/couples counseling that will help you get back on track! You can call or text me at 805-975-8399. I offer Teletherapy and I can bill any PPO plan for you.
Both life and relationships can be challenging and it is easy to feel confused or hopeless as to how to make things better. You may be struggling with individual issues, such as stress, anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem. Or possibly you are dealing with relationship troubles. You may be longing for love and instead feeling disconnected, alone, and hurt. There are answers and options! I have invested in mastering well-researched, scientifically-proven approaches to individual/couples counseling that will help you get back on track! You can call or text me at 805-975-8399. I offer Teletherapy and I can bill any PPO plan for you.
Dr. Linnea C Hagens
Psychological Associate, PhD
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
My name is Dr. Linnea Hagens, a clinical psychological associate for Dr. Tammy Dobbs. I provide personalized therapy aimed to relieve emotional distress and develop goals of improving some aspects of your life. Therapy sessions include examining and gaining insight into life choices and difficulties faced.
My name is Dr. Linnea Hagens, a clinical psychological associate for Dr. Tammy Dobbs. I provide personalized therapy aimed to relieve emotional distress and develop goals of improving some aspects of your life. Therapy sessions include examining and gaining insight into life choices and difficulties faced.
Empower Training, Consulting, Therapy, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MAC, CCDS
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93406
Do you find yourself struggling with being triggered in your daily life and having a hard time managing the triggers? Whether at home, at work or in your personal relationships? Do you sometimes experience fatigue, feelings of helplessness and find it hard to get through the day. Are you struggling with letting go of baggage from the past (ie: negative experiences growing up, at work, in your relationships, losses, etc.) and are in need of some healing and support.
Do you find yourself struggling with being triggered in your daily life and having a hard time managing the triggers? Whether at home, at work or in your personal relationships? Do you sometimes experience fatigue, feelings of helplessness and find it hard to get through the day. Are you struggling with letting go of baggage from the past (ie: negative experiences growing up, at work, in your relationships, losses, etc.) and are in need of some healing and support.
Rosie Zeolla Calle
Marriage & Family Therapist, MEd, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am a queer, neurodivergent therapist who is passionate about working with the LGBTQIA+ community, including those who are navigating their sexuality and/or gender expression. I work with both teens and adults who need help managing anxiety and depression, accommodating neurodiversity, unpacking trauma, and dealing with relationship and identity issues. I also provide letters for people seeking gender-affirming medical care. I strive to create a trusting relationship with each of my clients so we can safely explore obstacles and work together to find your authentic and thriving self.
I am a queer, neurodivergent therapist who is passionate about working with the LGBTQIA+ community, including those who are navigating their sexuality and/or gender expression. I work with both teens and adults who need help managing anxiety and depression, accommodating neurodiversity, unpacking trauma, and dealing with relationship and identity issues. I also provide letters for people seeking gender-affirming medical care. I strive to create a trusting relationship with each of my clients so we can safely explore obstacles and work together to find your authentic and thriving self.
Andrea Bey
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (Online Only)
You're a bright, capable woman, but anxiety, stress, and trauma from your past weigh heavily on you. On the tough days it feels like an uphill battle against your own thoughts. Your constant efforts to please others often leave you neglecting your own health and well-being. You desperately want to drop the mask and be yourself, but you're terrified that others will reject you if they truly know you. Part of you worries that you'll be held back by anxiety and your past forever, while another part of you believes that relief and a better life are possible. You know that something needs to change, but you're not sure where to start.
You're a bright, capable woman, but anxiety, stress, and trauma from your past weigh heavily on you. On the tough days it feels like an uphill battle against your own thoughts. Your constant efforts to please others often leave you neglecting your own health and well-being. You desperately want to drop the mask and be yourself, but you're terrified that others will reject you if they truly know you. Part of you worries that you'll be held back by anxiety and your past forever, while another part of you believes that relief and a better life are possible. You know that something needs to change, but you're not sure where to start.
Megan Herzing
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Not accepting new clients
Each of us takes a unique journey through the world, and often that path takes us in directions that can be incredibly painful. Sometimes, it can be overwhelming trying to navigate our way to a life that feels healthy and whole. We get the opportunity in therapy to process past and present traumas that may be holding us back. I consider myself a trauma therapist and I have seen that it is possible to heal the effects of trauma in both my life and the lives of my clients. I feel honored to support you in working towards the healing you hope for.
Each of us takes a unique journey through the world, and often that path takes us in directions that can be incredibly painful. Sometimes, it can be overwhelming trying to navigate our way to a life that feels healthy and whole. We get the opportunity in therapy to process past and present traumas that may be holding us back. I consider myself a trauma therapist and I have seen that it is possible to heal the effects of trauma in both my life and the lives of my clients. I feel honored to support you in working towards the healing you hope for.
More Therapists Nearby
Jeffrey J Lille
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Pismo Beach, CA 93449 (Online Only)
My areas of treatment focus are diverse, including Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Chronic Pain, Anger, and PTSD.
GENERAL BACKGROUND: Psychologist Licensed for over 35 years. Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 40 years. I have worked extensively with individuals, families and couples. I accept Medicare, and some insurances. I will work with you as pertains to costs as necessary to meet budget needs. Currently, I am accepting new clients (updated 08/2023). Major Credit Cards Accepted. It has been my life's work to help others in need and to that end I experience personal satisfaction in seeing you leave treatment a healthier and happier person.
My areas of treatment focus are diverse, including Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Chronic Pain, Anger, and PTSD.
GENERAL BACKGROUND: Psychologist Licensed for over 35 years. Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 40 years. I have worked extensively with individuals, families and couples. I accept Medicare, and some insurances. I will work with you as pertains to costs as necessary to meet budget needs. Currently, I am accepting new clients (updated 08/2023). Major Credit Cards Accepted. It has been my life's work to help others in need and to that end I experience personal satisfaction in seeing you leave treatment a healthier and happier person.
Online Therapists
Marilyn J Meyer (Formerly Owen)
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Goleta, CA 93111
I have experienced parenting, divorce, bereavement, and chronic pain as well as love, joy, and boundless enthusiasm.
Many of my clients are those who tend to give too much, disconnect from their own needs and desires, feel depressed and anxious, and/or experience chronic pain. They are often highly sensitive and imaginative, helpers and healers, with literary, artistic, or philosophical leanings. They are all seeking to heal inner conflicts and relationship problems rooted in early attachment wounds or traumatic experiences. Most importantly, my clients have come to recognize it's time to do their inner work in order to create the outer life they want, and they continue to grow and deepen into their innate wisdom long after therapy has ended.
I have experienced parenting, divorce, bereavement, and chronic pain as well as love, joy, and boundless enthusiasm.
Many of my clients are those who tend to give too much, disconnect from their own needs and desires, feel depressed and anxious, and/or experience chronic pain. They are often highly sensitive and imaginative, helpers and healers, with literary, artistic, or philosophical leanings. They are all seeking to heal inner conflicts and relationship problems rooted in early attachment wounds or traumatic experiences. Most importantly, my clients have come to recognize it's time to do their inner work in order to create the outer life they want, and they continue to grow and deepen into their innate wisdom long after therapy has ended.
Sara Murdoch
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
My expertise extends to a variety of psychotherapeutic issues, including trauma, depression, anxiety, addiction, and chronic illness.
Therapy is a collaborative and supportive process…an invitation to deepen your understanding of who you truly are. As your therapist, I will walk with you on a journey of self-discovery and healing, helping you work through what is holding you back. I don’t believe that you are a diagnosis but a whole person who may be struggling with some overwhelming challenges. Connecting with you as an individual and listening deeply to your story helps me to see your unique potential. I guide individuals through diverse life challenges like relationship issues, academic challenges, career transitions, empty nesting, and divorce.
My expertise extends to a variety of psychotherapeutic issues, including trauma, depression, anxiety, addiction, and chronic illness.
Therapy is a collaborative and supportive process…an invitation to deepen your understanding of who you truly are. As your therapist, I will walk with you on a journey of self-discovery and healing, helping you work through what is holding you back. I don’t believe that you are a diagnosis but a whole person who may be struggling with some overwhelming challenges. Connecting with you as an individual and listening deeply to your story helps me to see your unique potential. I guide individuals through diverse life challenges like relationship issues, academic challenges, career transitions, empty nesting, and divorce.
See more therapy options for San Luis Obispo
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Chronic Pain Therapists
How does chronic pain therapy work?
Engaging with a psychotherapist to help treat chronic pain does not mean that one’s pain is all in their head. Therapy for chronic-pain patients has been shown to benefit both the mind and the body, targeting physical symptoms and increasing daily functioning. In other words, for many, addressing their emotional health through therapy affects their physical health. A therapist can help a client challenge unhelpful thoughts about pain and develop new ways to respond to it, such as distraction or calming breathing techniques. Studies have found that therapy can be as effective as surgery for certain cases of chronic pain and many doctors recommend trying psychotherapy in advance of considering invasive surgery.
What are the most effective treatment options for chronic pain?
Stress, anxiety, depression, catastrophizing, ruminating, lack of activity, and social withdrawal all make chronic pain worse. Addressing these issues, research shows, can help people gain control over their pain symptoms. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, and mindfulness-based stress reduction, along with greater pain-management education, have been found to help people reduce fear and disability.
Are there new treatments for chronic pain?
Many cases of chronic pain, particularly those involving back pain, remain medically unexplained. But there is evidence that changes in the brain or nervous system are caused by previous physical ailments such as tissue damage; in such cases, the brain may continue to send out pain signals despite the physical cause having healed. To aid patients under these circumstances, a recently developed treatment known as pain reprocessing therapy (PRT) is designed to help the brain “unlearn” this response. A PRT practitioner helps individuals to reduce the “threat value” of their ongoing pain signals until they can reappraise them as less threatening and fear-inducing. They also help an individual to develop new emotional regulation skills.
How long does therapy for chronic pain take?
There is no set timeline for recovery from chronic pain, especially as there may be a range of physical and psychological causes for any individual’s discomfort, but most patients should expect to see a therapist for a number of weeks or months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions. Studies of pain reprocessing therapy found that many individuals’ experience of pain lessened in eight sessions over four weeks.