Compassion Focused Therapists in Kern County, CA
Kristina Holt-Reber
Psychologist, LCP
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93308
Hi, my name is Dr. Kristina Holt-Reber, and I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist. I value and put collaboration with YOU first and use a person-centered, humanistic, and trauma-informed approach to therapy. I have spent a lot of my education focusing on Trauma and Anxiety related disorders and have a passion for serving the LGBTQIA+ community. I typically work with clients struggling with anxiety, mood or trauma-related concerns and feel very comfortable treating those conditions.
Hi, my name is Dr. Kristina Holt-Reber, and I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist. I value and put collaboration with YOU first and use a person-centered, humanistic, and trauma-informed approach to therapy. I have spent a lot of my education focusing on Trauma and Anxiety related disorders and have a passion for serving the LGBTQIA+ community. I typically work with clients struggling with anxiety, mood or trauma-related concerns and feel very comfortable treating those conditions.
Sheryl Doering
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93314
I use a combination of modalities in my therapeutic approach including: Experiential, IFS, Mindfulness, Compassion focused, CBT, Interpersonal, and Art Therapy.
I offer empathy and safety, an opportunity for you to feel truly “heard” by someone who cares. My sessions consist of both processing emotions and exercises/tools to support your unique needs & goals. My name is Sheryl Doering, a licensed marriage & family therapist & registered art therapist.
I use a combination of modalities in my therapeutic approach including: Experiential, IFS, Mindfulness, Compassion focused, CBT, Interpersonal, and Art Therapy.
I offer empathy and safety, an opportunity for you to feel truly “heard” by someone who cares. My sessions consist of both processing emotions and exercises/tools to support your unique needs & goals. My name is Sheryl Doering, a licensed marriage & family therapist & registered art therapist.
Candice Omar
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93306
My name is Candice Givens Omar, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing virtual therapy for those in California and North Carolina. My main focus areas are with adults experiencing navigating mood disorders, life transitions, and/or navigating through past trauma. I use an electric and collaborative approach to therapy using both evidence-based practices and non-traditional treatment methods. My client focus ranges from younger to older adults who are navigating life transitions or are dealing with the impacts of mood disorders, generational trauma, and workplace stress.
My name is Candice Givens Omar, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing virtual therapy for those in California and North Carolina. My main focus areas are with adults experiencing navigating mood disorders, life transitions, and/or navigating through past trauma. I use an electric and collaborative approach to therapy using both evidence-based practices and non-traditional treatment methods. My client focus ranges from younger to older adults who are navigating life transitions or are dealing with the impacts of mood disorders, generational trauma, and workplace stress.
Andrea Herskowitz
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93312
I will partner with you in addressing your concerns in a safe, supportive, and confidential space. I integrate psychodynamic talk therapy with holistic objectives so we can identify your sources of stuck points and then explore tangible ways for you to immediately fill your cup with more peace, vitality, and joy, all things everyone deserves. I offer both individual and couples therapy and have an adjunctive specialty in perinatal therapy for those on a parenting or reproductive journey.
I will partner with you in addressing your concerns in a safe, supportive, and confidential space. I integrate psychodynamic talk therapy with holistic objectives so we can identify your sources of stuck points and then explore tangible ways for you to immediately fill your cup with more peace, vitality, and joy, all things everyone deserves. I offer both individual and couples therapy and have an adjunctive specialty in perinatal therapy for those on a parenting or reproductive journey.
Jodi Fiel
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Ridgecrest, CA 93555 (Online Only)
I'm glad you are reaching out for support during difficult times. Therapy can help. With me you will find a safe and affirming environment in which your problems are understood and your own identity is embraced and celebrated; you will feel seen, heard, validated, and supported. I am accepting new clients and offer services statewide via telehealth.
I'm glad you are reaching out for support during difficult times. Therapy can help. With me you will find a safe and affirming environment in which your problems are understood and your own identity is embraced and celebrated; you will feel seen, heard, validated, and supported. I am accepting new clients and offer services statewide via telehealth.
Lorraine E Castro
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
My ideal client is someone who is questioning and wondering what they are supposed to do at this time in their life. Do you feel like something is missing, that your life is not the way you want it to be? I can help you find your way into a whole new world. Every issue is fundamentally spiritual and will persist until you discover what is going on. Let's free you up from the restrictions in your thinking and behavior that erode your happiness.
My ideal client is someone who is questioning and wondering what they are supposed to do at this time in their life. Do you feel like something is missing, that your life is not the way you want it to be? I can help you find your way into a whole new world. Every issue is fundamentally spiritual and will persist until you discover what is going on. Let's free you up from the restrictions in your thinking and behavior that erode your happiness.
Christian Counseling with Stephanie
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93306
Ever feel like all you do in therapy is talk about problems, but never get to the really important part of making concrete changes? I know many individuals have expressed these concerns to me. So, you may ask, "How can I change that?" Enter Evidence-Based Practice! Research shows us how to do it! It shows us what works and what doesn’t work. I can take those findings and translate them into the changes you are seeking to make in your life. It takes the guesswork out of getting from Point A to Point B. You’ll spend less time in therapy as your goals will be focused and tracked so we know we are moving in the right direction.
Ever feel like all you do in therapy is talk about problems, but never get to the really important part of making concrete changes? I know many individuals have expressed these concerns to me. So, you may ask, "How can I change that?" Enter Evidence-Based Practice! Research shows us how to do it! It shows us what works and what doesn’t work. I can take those findings and translate them into the changes you are seeking to make in your life. It takes the guesswork out of getting from Point A to Point B. You’ll spend less time in therapy as your goals will be focused and tracked so we know we are moving in the right direction.
Rosmarie Stevens-Witt
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Tehachapi, CA 93561 (Online Only)
Counseling is for normal people who get stuck; we all get stuck. Most of lifes ups and downs produce loss or adjustment. We all want to be happy and feel loved. I am experienced in life losses; not only as a therapist of 24 years but also as an older human being. We all have things we can learn and change within ourselves. I would feel honored to walk with you as you grow and move forward. Areas I enjoy working with include; life transitions/challenges, codependence and boundaries, depression, menopause, women at midlife, self esteem, stress reduction, and spiritual direction.
Counseling is for normal people who get stuck; we all get stuck. Most of lifes ups and downs produce loss or adjustment. We all want to be happy and feel loved. I am experienced in life losses; not only as a therapist of 24 years but also as an older human being. We all have things we can learn and change within ourselves. I would feel honored to walk with you as you grow and move forward. Areas I enjoy working with include; life transitions/challenges, codependence and boundaries, depression, menopause, women at midlife, self esteem, stress reduction, and spiritual direction.
InspireMe Counseling and Wellness Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93301
'Servicios disponibles en español.' We all need someone who gives us the courage, strength, guidance, and support to get through challenges in life. Someone who we can connect with that we can trust who can identify with our needs, in a safe place with no judgment, to help improve our overall quality of life. Our goal at InspireMe Counseling and Wellness Center is to work on improving your overall well-being through mental health and wellness. We strive to meet our clients where they are and work with helping them move from a place of surviving to thriving. We work with with individuals, families, couples, and groups,
'Servicios disponibles en español.' We all need someone who gives us the courage, strength, guidance, and support to get through challenges in life. Someone who we can connect with that we can trust who can identify with our needs, in a safe place with no judgment, to help improve our overall quality of life. Our goal at InspireMe Counseling and Wellness Center is to work on improving your overall well-being through mental health and wellness. We strive to meet our clients where they are and work with helping them move from a place of surviving to thriving. We work with with individuals, families, couples, and groups,
Theodore Richard
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Let the healing begin. Are you plagued with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, martial/relationship problems? Does it seem like your problems are never ending? If your answer is "yes" to any of the questions that were posed, the first step is calling me and together we can develop a plan to address your concerns.
Let the healing begin. Are you plagued with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, martial/relationship problems? Does it seem like your problems are never ending? If your answer is "yes" to any of the questions that were posed, the first step is calling me and together we can develop a plan to address your concerns.
Frances “Charleen” Crean
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93308
Thirty-plus years of clinical practice provides me with the skills to help those wishing to make changes in their life.
Thirty-plus years of clinical practice provides me with the skills to help those wishing to make changes in their life.
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Jackie Holmes
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC, MS, PPS
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93312
My name is Jackie Holmes. I am a licensed therapist at Hope Works in Bakersfield, CA. I have 13 years of experience working with individuals with mental health concerns. I have worked in a variety of settings including schools, intensive outpatient therapy, private practice, and group settings. I have experience working with individuals who have concerns with anxiety, depression, grief, family conflict, relationship concerns, and trauma. I have worked as a school counselor, so I also have a lot of experience working with issues of parenting and working with individuals with disabilities, including students with IEP's, and 504's.
My name is Jackie Holmes. I am a licensed therapist at Hope Works in Bakersfield, CA. I have 13 years of experience working with individuals with mental health concerns. I have worked in a variety of settings including schools, intensive outpatient therapy, private practice, and group settings. I have experience working with individuals who have concerns with anxiety, depression, grief, family conflict, relationship concerns, and trauma. I have worked as a school counselor, so I also have a lot of experience working with issues of parenting and working with individuals with disabilities, including students with IEP's, and 504's.
Rachel Page
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93307
Hi! My name is Rachel, and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. I have been practicing therapy since 2010 and am passionate about helping others. I help people with adolescent/teen issues, grief, self esteem, trauma and PTSD, job stress, and more. I have worked in inpatient and outpatient settings, including drug and alcohol rehabilitation, with adolescents in schools, and with domestic violence services. I practice Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, and Solution-focused therapy. Using mindfulness and ACT skills, I explore the thoughts and beliefs that create stagnation.
Hi! My name is Rachel, and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. I have been practicing therapy since 2010 and am passionate about helping others. I help people with adolescent/teen issues, grief, self esteem, trauma and PTSD, job stress, and more. I have worked in inpatient and outpatient settings, including drug and alcohol rehabilitation, with adolescents in schools, and with domestic violence services. I practice Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, and Solution-focused therapy. Using mindfulness and ACT skills, I explore the thoughts and beliefs that create stagnation.
Sharon L Stroup
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Tehachapi, CA 93561 (Online Only)
How are you functioning in your life? In your relationships? Are you joyful, confident, optimistic? Or are you feeling stuck, sad, frustrated, or lonely? Relationships are the primary force in our lives; without healthy relationships our lives suffer. Because relationships are so important, the way we attach to others is within those relationships, and how we create healthy attachments is extremely important. What I work toward is healthier relationships for my clients; relationship with self as well as with others. In our work together it will be our relationship that provides a safe place from which to explore change.
How are you functioning in your life? In your relationships? Are you joyful, confident, optimistic? Or are you feeling stuck, sad, frustrated, or lonely? Relationships are the primary force in our lives; without healthy relationships our lives suffer. Because relationships are so important, the way we attach to others is within those relationships, and how we create healthy attachments is extremely important. What I work toward is healthier relationships for my clients; relationship with self as well as with others. In our work together it will be our relationship that provides a safe place from which to explore change.
Vicki Underwood
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCM
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93309
We all struggle at times and our struggles are our own, do not compare what may feel catastrophic to you to what others are dealing with. I have been practicing for 12 years and revolve my practice around person-centered therapy; non-judgment, genuineness & positive regard. I will accept you for who you are and we will start where you are. My goal is to help you reach your goals. I find that humor, compassion, and authenticity allow my clients to feel comfortable and progress at the same time. Since 2010, I have provided intensive therapy at institutional, residential, and outpatient levels of care for adults and adolescents.
We all struggle at times and our struggles are our own, do not compare what may feel catastrophic to you to what others are dealing with. I have been practicing for 12 years and revolve my practice around person-centered therapy; non-judgment, genuineness & positive regard. I will accept you for who you are and we will start where you are. My goal is to help you reach your goals. I find that humor, compassion, and authenticity allow my clients to feel comfortable and progress at the same time. Since 2010, I have provided intensive therapy at institutional, residential, and outpatient levels of care for adults and adolescents.
Daniel Banaitis
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
My name is Dan Banaitis, LMFT specializing in the treatment of anxiety and depression as well as treating adolescents and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. I also work with couples, families and provide pre-marital counseling. I work with anxious and depressed clients that are highly motivated to make positive changes in their lives by engaging fully in the therapeutic process. I work with adult clients with ASD experiencing challenges with the social and emotional aspects of life. I am also pursuing certification as a Sex Addiction Specialist (CSAT) and can help clients suffering from sexual addictions.
My name is Dan Banaitis, LMFT specializing in the treatment of anxiety and depression as well as treating adolescents and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. I also work with couples, families and provide pre-marital counseling. I work with anxious and depressed clients that are highly motivated to make positive changes in their lives by engaging fully in the therapeutic process. I work with adult clients with ASD experiencing challenges with the social and emotional aspects of life. I am also pursuing certification as a Sex Addiction Specialist (CSAT) and can help clients suffering from sexual addictions.
Diamante Maya
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93301 (Online Only)
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.
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.
Marina Alexander
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93307
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.
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.
Rachelle Salerno
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309 (Online Only)
My ideal client seeks self-exploration & understanding, facing issues like anxiety, depression, or relationship difficulties. They need a supportive space for personal growth, aiming to gain insight, develop coping strategies, improve communication, & foster healthy relationships. They aspire to enhance mental well-being, achieve a better life quality, & unlock their full potential.
My ideal client seeks self-exploration & understanding, facing issues like anxiety, depression, or relationship difficulties. They need a supportive space for personal growth, aiming to gain insight, develop coping strategies, improve communication, & foster healthy relationships. They aspire to enhance mental well-being, achieve a better life quality, & unlock their full potential.
Dr. Heidi Nicole Wolfson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Waitlist for new clients
When suffering strikes, it can be helpful to find a framework through which we may understand it, rather than seeing suffering as a random or meaningless event in one’s life. Our suffering may come from the unseen, unfelt parts of our psyche, and/or from an unconscious perspective which only serves to keep us trapped in an outdated narrative. Meaningless suffering is extremely difficult to bear, while on the other hand, it is often astounding to witness how much a person can endure when we begin to make meaning of our suffering, and learn to transform anguish into wisdom and injury into healing.
When suffering strikes, it can be helpful to find a framework through which we may understand it, rather than seeing suffering as a random or meaningless event in one’s life. Our suffering may come from the unseen, unfelt parts of our psyche, and/or from an unconscious perspective which only serves to keep us trapped in an outdated narrative. Meaningless suffering is extremely difficult to bear, while on the other hand, it is often astounding to witness how much a person can endure when we begin to make meaning of our suffering, and learn to transform anguish into wisdom and injury into healing.
See more therapy options for Kern County
Compassion Focused Therapists
How does compassion-focused therapy work?
Compassion-Focused Therapy is based on the idea that humans have at least three emotion regulation systems, including one that responds to threats and another that allows us to self-soothe. Those who experienced serious childhood adversity, the theory goes, have a hyperactive threat system and an underperforming self-soothing system, leaving them vulnerable to shame and a hypercritical mindset. CFT focuses on bringing these systems back into balance, helping the client be kinder to themselves and better able to accept kindness from others.
Is compassion-focused therapy a type of CBT?
Compassion-focused therapy is closely related to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and employs many of its techniques. In addition to CBT, CFT also draws from the fields of biology, evolutionary psychology, neuroscience, developmental psychology, and Buddhism. It also has similarities to some types of trauma-focused therapies.
Is compassion-focused therapy evidence based?
Evidence suggests that CFT can be helpful in the treatment of anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, psychosis, and other mental illnesses. It has also been shown to be beneficial for individuals who may not have diagnosable psychiatric disorders but who still struggle with persistent self-criticism and feelings of shame.
What are the limitations of compassion-focused therapy?
Compassion-focused therapy is still a relatively new therapy, and research on its efficacy is still in its early stages; while some studies have found positive results, many have suffered from quality issues or small sample sizes. And while most CFT clients find it difficult to practice self-compassion at first, some—especially those who actively fear compassion or are deeply uncomfortable being cared for—may not be fully open to the tenets of CFT, potentially limiting the therapy’s long-term effectiveness.