Photo of Kayla Robbins, Marriage & Family Therapist in Pasadena, CA
Kayla Robbins
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91105
We are constantly in relationship–to ourselves and our bodies, to one another, to our many identities, to the contexts and systems we exist within–and issues in our lives arise as a result of these nuanced relationships, not because something within us is "broken" or "wrong.” My work focuses on being curious about, exploring and renegotiating these relationships to help clients discover their most authentic selves.
We are constantly in relationship–to ourselves and our bodies, to one another, to our many identities, to the contexts and systems we exist within–and issues in our lives arise as a result of these nuanced relationships, not because something within us is "broken" or "wrong.” My work focuses on being curious about, exploring and renegotiating these relationships to help clients discover their most authentic selves.
(323) 927-8202 View (323) 927-8202
Photo of Curtis Miller, Marriage & Family Therapist in Pasadena, CA
Curtis Miller
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, DMin, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91107
Marital Therapy: Contemporary Relational Theories, Imago Relationship Therapy, Various Communication Models.
The most fascinating and important part of my job as a therapist is how to have a really good conversation. It may sound too simple, but it cuts to the heart of what to expect from therapy. Through good conversation, you experience connection and understanding. When we are understood, difficult feelings change with resulting freedoms to engage life. Trained both as a Marriage and Family therapist and a psychoanalyst, I work with complex relationship issues, divorce and blended families, depression, anxiety, addictions, men's issues, and sexual trauma recovery, and integration of psychology and faith/spirituality.
Marital Therapy: Contemporary Relational Theories, Imago Relationship Therapy, Various Communication Models.
The most fascinating and important part of my job as a therapist is how to have a really good conversation. It may sound too simple, but it cuts to the heart of what to expect from therapy. Through good conversation, you experience connection and understanding. When we are understood, difficult feelings change with resulting freedoms to engage life. Trained both as a Marriage and Family therapist and a psychoanalyst, I work with complex relationship issues, divorce and blended families, depression, anxiety, addictions, men's issues, and sexual trauma recovery, and integration of psychology and faith/spirituality.
(626) 593-9837 View (626) 593-9837
Photo of Maria Barelli, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Pasadena, CA
Maria Barelli
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91107  (Online Only)
Are you struggling at work? Maybe you're having difficulties in your relationships. Or do you want to feel more confident about yourself? During difficult times, I will help you find new ways of managing your life by teaching you coping skills. Do you beat yourself up? Therapy will teach you how to be kind to yourself. I like to do "what works". I pull from different approaches because every client is unique. My style of relating is warm and empathetic. I currently work with individuals, couples, teens, and families with issues including: Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, and Substance abuse.
Are you struggling at work? Maybe you're having difficulties in your relationships. Or do you want to feel more confident about yourself? During difficult times, I will help you find new ways of managing your life by teaching you coping skills. Do you beat yourself up? Therapy will teach you how to be kind to yourself. I like to do "what works". I pull from different approaches because every client is unique. My style of relating is warm and empathetic. I currently work with individuals, couples, teens, and families with issues including: Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, and Substance abuse.
(626) 236-4971 View (626) 236-4971
Photo of Jennifer Fuentes, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Pasadena, CA
Jennifer Fuentes
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91107
Navigating differences in a relationship is not easy, but with patience, empathy, and the willingness to grow together and individually, a fulfilling relationship can be achieved.
Couples tend to be drawn to each other's uniqueness and differences when they first meet. Differences can ignite an initial spark and a sense of excitement in a relationship. Challenges and potential disconnections can arise from the same differences that initially sparked attraction over time. Different communication styles, cultural backgrounds, or approaches to handling stress and conflict can lead to tension.
Navigating differences in a relationship is not easy, but with patience, empathy, and the willingness to grow together and individually, a fulfilling relationship can be achieved.
Couples tend to be drawn to each other's uniqueness and differences when they first meet. Differences can ignite an initial spark and a sense of excitement in a relationship. Challenges and potential disconnections can arise from the same differences that initially sparked attraction over time. Different communication styles, cultural backgrounds, or approaches to handling stress and conflict can lead to tension.
(626) 790-2960 View (626) 790-2960
Photo of Teresa O'Neal-Payne, Marriage & Family Therapist in Pasadena, CA
Teresa O'Neal-Payne
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MFLC
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91101  (Online Only)
Do you find yourself having similar frustrating experiences over and over again? Are your relationships with others and your feelings about yourself less than satisfying? As a practicing psychotherapist for 20+ years, I have guided individuals, couples & families to better self-acceptance and improved relationships. If after reviewing my profile you find that I may be a good fit for your therapy needs, please call. I would look forward to talking with you.
Do you find yourself having similar frustrating experiences over and over again? Are your relationships with others and your feelings about yourself less than satisfying? As a practicing psychotherapist for 20+ years, I have guided individuals, couples & families to better self-acceptance and improved relationships. If after reviewing my profile you find that I may be a good fit for your therapy needs, please call. I would look forward to talking with you.
(626) 269-2813 View (626) 269-2813
Photo of Akiko Aoki, Marriage & Family Therapist in Pasadena, CA
Akiko Aoki
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91101
I am a licensed Marital and Family Therapist focusing on relationship and parenting issues.
You always try to do the right thing, but somehow, people don't appreciate it. When you try to help, they might even blame you! You put your needs aside to take care of others, and no one is there to take care of you, but you don't say anything. Maybe you cry when no one is there. And then you put your smile back on and turn back into the person they need you to be. One day, it all gets to be too much, and you don't know what to do. So you come see me.
I am a licensed Marital and Family Therapist focusing on relationship and parenting issues.
You always try to do the right thing, but somehow, people don't appreciate it. When you try to help, they might even blame you! You put your needs aside to take care of others, and no one is there to take care of you, but you don't say anything. Maybe you cry when no one is there. And then you put your smile back on and turn back into the person they need you to be. One day, it all gets to be too much, and you don't know what to do. So you come see me.
(818) 869-6389 View (818) 869-6389
Photo of Susan J Buchanan, Psychologist in Pasadena, CA
Susan J Buchanan
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91105
In my work with individuals and couples, I seek to provide a warm, safe, and supportive environment in which individual and relational issues can be explored. In this environment, challenges become opportunities for growth. I use a psychodynamic approach to explore what is occurring in one's life and/or relationship in the present, what occurred in one's past which influences the way one views him or herself in the present, and what may be going on at an unconscious level which impacts one's choices, behaviors, and beliefs about self and other.
In my work with individuals and couples, I seek to provide a warm, safe, and supportive environment in which individual and relational issues can be explored. In this environment, challenges become opportunities for growth. I use a psychodynamic approach to explore what is occurring in one's life and/or relationship in the present, what occurred in one's past which influences the way one views him or herself in the present, and what may be going on at an unconscious level which impacts one's choices, behaviors, and beliefs about self and other.
(424) 221-5979 View (424) 221-5979
Photo of Amanda Saylor, Marriage & Family Therapist in Pasadena, CA
Amanda Saylor
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91105
I believe compassion, understanding, and the therapeutic relationship are valuable as the framework within which change will occur.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California and a Certified School Psychologist in the State of California and Kentucky. I have been working with a variety of client issues for over six years with a specialty working in the school system with kids with learning disabilities and their parents. I specialize in treating teens and adults who experience grief, trauma, depression and anxiety. I have spent many years working with the foster system and helping foster children to overcome their negative experiences.
I believe compassion, understanding, and the therapeutic relationship are valuable as the framework within which change will occur.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California and a Certified School Psychologist in the State of California and Kentucky. I have been working with a variety of client issues for over six years with a specialty working in the school system with kids with learning disabilities and their parents. I specialize in treating teens and adults who experience grief, trauma, depression and anxiety. I have spent many years working with the foster system and helping foster children to overcome their negative experiences.
(323) 553-5365 View (323) 553-5365
Photo of Thu Vo, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Pasadena, CA
Thu Vo
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91104
Life is incredibly challenging and it can be difficult to navigate at times and it's something that you don't have to do alone. We are meant for deep connection via compassion and empathy. Our childhood plays a crucial role in how our brain and nervous system develop. It affects how we interact with ourselves and the world around us. Have you ever raised your voice at someone when you didn't mean to or say yes when you really wanted to say no? It's never too late to understand who you are and how you show up in every relationship.
Life is incredibly challenging and it can be difficult to navigate at times and it's something that you don't have to do alone. We are meant for deep connection via compassion and empathy. Our childhood plays a crucial role in how our brain and nervous system develop. It affects how we interact with ourselves and the world around us. Have you ever raised your voice at someone when you didn't mean to or say yes when you really wanted to say no? It's never too late to understand who you are and how you show up in every relationship.
(323) 968-8101 View (323) 968-8101
Photo of Kathlynn Gates, Associate Clinical Social Worker in Pasadena, CA
Kathlynn Gates
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91101
I also specialize in couples and family therapy.
Are you experiencing challenges dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship/family issues, and trauma/PTSD? Due to these symptoms, we can be in too much emotional pain and feel too stuck to reframe our perceptions or to find solutions to our problems. Childhood or recent trauma can cause emotional distress that can be difficult to process. I am here to support you in working through unresolved trauma and guide you toward healing. Therefore, you can feel empowered, rejuvenated, and enthusiastic about life again.
I also specialize in couples and family therapy.
Are you experiencing challenges dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship/family issues, and trauma/PTSD? Due to these symptoms, we can be in too much emotional pain and feel too stuck to reframe our perceptions or to find solutions to our problems. Childhood or recent trauma can cause emotional distress that can be difficult to process. I am here to support you in working through unresolved trauma and guide you toward healing. Therefore, you can feel empowered, rejuvenated, and enthusiastic about life again.
(626) 788-8445 View (626) 788-8445
Photo of Daniel Romo, Marriage & Family Therapist in Pasadena, CA
Daniel Romo
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91101  (Online Only)
Hello! My name is Daniel. I am Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 13 years of mental health experience working with people across all stages of life from underserved communities including LGBTQ+, Deaf/Hard of Hearing, and BIPOC. I offer virtual therapy to individuals and couples located in California and I’m currently accepting new clients.
Hello! My name is Daniel. I am Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 13 years of mental health experience working with people across all stages of life from underserved communities including LGBTQ+, Deaf/Hard of Hearing, and BIPOC. I offer virtual therapy to individuals and couples located in California and I’m currently accepting new clients.
(626) 314-6716 View (626) 314-6716
Photo of Anne Crile, Marriage & Family Therapist in Pasadena, CA
Anne Crile
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91105  (Online Only)
I am a California & Arizona licensed marriage and family therapist (CA 86294, AZ 15639). I specialize in working with couples & individuals navigating life-altering medical conditions; women overwhelmed in the face of work, family & personal pressure; and couples struggling to create or restore fulfilling connection.
I am a California & Arizona licensed marriage and family therapist (CA 86294, AZ 15639). I specialize in working with couples & individuals navigating life-altering medical conditions; women overwhelmed in the face of work, family & personal pressure; and couples struggling to create or restore fulfilling connection.
(626) 269-2114 View (626) 269-2114
Photo of Bonnie Rae, Marriage & Family Therapist in Pasadena, CA
Bonnie Rae
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91101
My ultimate passion is helping clients break unhealthy relationship patterns and overcome the things blocking them from inner peace.
Finding the therapist who is the right fit for your individual challenges is essential to your growth: I engage with my clients through active listening, conversations, and with a sense of humor, providing a comfortable and collaborative space for them to work towards implementing change. In order to assist my clients in meeting their goals, I am both compassionate and straightforward in order to provide encouragement, support and direction.
My ultimate passion is helping clients break unhealthy relationship patterns and overcome the things blocking them from inner peace.
Finding the therapist who is the right fit for your individual challenges is essential to your growth: I engage with my clients through active listening, conversations, and with a sense of humor, providing a comfortable and collaborative space for them to work towards implementing change. In order to assist my clients in meeting their goals, I am both compassionate and straightforward in order to provide encouragement, support and direction.
(310) 504-1242 View (310) 504-1242
Photo of Joanna McNeil, Marriage & Family Therapist in Pasadena, CA
Joanna McNeil
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91101
Do you want someone to hear your story? Have you been in pain for a while and now feel like it's time to get some help? Are you and your partner going through a hard time that you can't seem to get out of alone? Is your child struggling, and you just don't know how to reach him/her? I want to understand what you've been through and what you're going through. I want to help you make meaning of that story. Together, we'll find ways to help you live the life you want.
Do you want someone to hear your story? Have you been in pain for a while and now feel like it's time to get some help? Are you and your partner going through a hard time that you can't seem to get out of alone? Is your child struggling, and you just don't know how to reach him/her? I want to understand what you've been through and what you're going through. I want to help you make meaning of that story. Together, we'll find ways to help you live the life you want.
(626) 427-6513 View (626) 427-6513
Photo of Max Landes, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Pasadena, CA
Max Landes
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91101
My experience includes work with individuals/couples/teens in non-profit and private practice and years working in the arts, making me well suited to support creative individuals.
The dominant culture tells us that speeding up and maximizing convenience will lead to happiness, yet many of us feel more isolated, confused, ashamed and less alive to possibility than ever. The right collaborative relationship with a therapist can offer a path away from fleeting illusions and toward the cultivation of true fulfillment and joy. We can’t alter the past but we can transform our relationship to it. Work begins w/ sharing feelings in a safe space so they become bearable, allowing us to see the dynamics giving rise to them and deepen insight about what needs to change.
My experience includes work with individuals/couples/teens in non-profit and private practice and years working in the arts, making me well suited to support creative individuals.
The dominant culture tells us that speeding up and maximizing convenience will lead to happiness, yet many of us feel more isolated, confused, ashamed and less alive to possibility than ever. The right collaborative relationship with a therapist can offer a path away from fleeting illusions and toward the cultivation of true fulfillment and joy. We can’t alter the past but we can transform our relationship to it. Work begins w/ sharing feelings in a safe space so they become bearable, allowing us to see the dynamics giving rise to them and deepen insight about what needs to change.
(626) 702-2890 View (626) 702-2890
Photo of Meghan Arroyo, Marriage & Family Therapist in Pasadena, CA
Meghan Arroyo
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91105
You can learn how to relate more effectively to your partner/s your loved ones, and most importantly, with your authentic self.
Sexuality is an important part of the human experience and I offer a safe, judgement-free space to talk about it. I’m a certified Sex Therapist whose speciality is working with LGBTQIA2s+, Kinky and Polyamorous identifying people. I know that fulfilling relationships are possible for everyone. We all have the need for connection and intimacy, but trauma and painful experiences can create walls that keep others at a distance. Therapy can help you overcome these walls and heal. You can achieve a balance of closeness, connection and personal autonomy in your life.
You can learn how to relate more effectively to your partner/s your loved ones, and most importantly, with your authentic self.
Sexuality is an important part of the human experience and I offer a safe, judgement-free space to talk about it. I’m a certified Sex Therapist whose speciality is working with LGBTQIA2s+, Kinky and Polyamorous identifying people. I know that fulfilling relationships are possible for everyone. We all have the need for connection and intimacy, but trauma and painful experiences can create walls that keep others at a distance. Therapy can help you overcome these walls and heal. You can achieve a balance of closeness, connection and personal autonomy in your life.
(747) 318-3642 View (747) 318-3642
Photo of Mona Saba Valeriano, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Pasadena, CA
Mona Saba Valeriano
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91101
Pema Chodron states that the "essence of life is that it's challenging." I believe that with the right support, your difficult life experiences and challenges, whatever they may be or however they stemmed, can be overcome with time. I work with adults, adolescents, and couples through these challenging experiences. I bring empathic energy, intuition, careful consideration, humor, and challenge to the process of converting difficulty into growth. My work is driven by philosophies and therapies based in trauma-informed care, neurobiology, attachment theory, nonviolent communication, Emotion Focused Therapy, Buddhism, and EMDR.
Pema Chodron states that the "essence of life is that it's challenging." I believe that with the right support, your difficult life experiences and challenges, whatever they may be or however they stemmed, can be overcome with time. I work with adults, adolescents, and couples through these challenging experiences. I bring empathic energy, intuition, careful consideration, humor, and challenge to the process of converting difficulty into growth. My work is driven by philosophies and therapies based in trauma-informed care, neurobiology, attachment theory, nonviolent communication, Emotion Focused Therapy, Buddhism, and EMDR.
(323) 303-3793 View (323) 303-3793
Photo of Lisa Garcia, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Pasadena, CA
Lisa Garcia
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91105
*Accepting new clients. These are really tough times. Uncertainty and shifting social norms are taking a toll on our mental health. Have you been going through the motions only to find that now everything feels intolerable? Are you finding that what has worked in the past isn’t working any more? Do you feel like you just don’t care, or just feel disconnected? I can help. Let's get you to that place where you are enjoying yourself and others, even when life throws you challenges. I work with individuals and couples who want a safe place to get curious, be honest and explore old patterns that are keeping you stuck.
*Accepting new clients. These are really tough times. Uncertainty and shifting social norms are taking a toll on our mental health. Have you been going through the motions only to find that now everything feels intolerable? Are you finding that what has worked in the past isn’t working any more? Do you feel like you just don’t care, or just feel disconnected? I can help. Let's get you to that place where you are enjoying yourself and others, even when life throws you challenges. I work with individuals and couples who want a safe place to get curious, be honest and explore old patterns that are keeping you stuck.
(844) 549-0022 View (844) 549-0022
Photo of Grace Willen, Marriage & Family Therapist in Pasadena, CA
Grace Willen
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91101
My typical clients are adults, teens, couples, artists/creatives, and folks in LGBTQ+ communities.
Do you have a hard time saying no? Feel emotionally drained, insecure, or stuck in people-pleasing? Does conflict feel uncomfortable or scary? Do you fall into patterns in relationships, friendships, or career and wish you could break the cycle? Sometimes, it isn't obvious why we do the things we do, but we can sense we're not our most authentic or successful self. And even when we know the cause of our distress, changing our behavior can still be hard. That's where I come in. My job is to listen without judgment, pressure, or bias and help you examine the root causes of your challenges to create the change you want in your life.
My typical clients are adults, teens, couples, artists/creatives, and folks in LGBTQ+ communities.
Do you have a hard time saying no? Feel emotionally drained, insecure, or stuck in people-pleasing? Does conflict feel uncomfortable or scary? Do you fall into patterns in relationships, friendships, or career and wish you could break the cycle? Sometimes, it isn't obvious why we do the things we do, but we can sense we're not our most authentic or successful self. And even when we know the cause of our distress, changing our behavior can still be hard. That's where I come in. My job is to listen without judgment, pressure, or bias and help you examine the root causes of your challenges to create the change you want in your life.
(626) 600-0793 View (626) 600-0793
Photo of Catherine Ridder, Marriage & Family Therapist in Pasadena, CA
Catherine Ridder
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Pasadena, CA 91101
I am a licensed therapist since 1990, working with individuals and couples on a broad range of issues.
Thoughts, feelings and actions are all energetically connected. Conscious insight into all three of these is essential for changing patterns that no longer serve you. I provide support, tools and insight to help you find the resources within yourself and your life to help you deal with loss/grief, shift relationship patterns, heal personal struggles, and alleviate depression and anxiety. A good therapeutic connection can provide a different experience and perspective, and help you heal and thrive in your life. You do not need to be a prisoner of your past. You can transform your present and create your future.
I am a licensed therapist since 1990, working with individuals and couples on a broad range of issues.
Thoughts, feelings and actions are all energetically connected. Conscious insight into all three of these is essential for changing patterns that no longer serve you. I provide support, tools and insight to help you find the resources within yourself and your life to help you deal with loss/grief, shift relationship patterns, heal personal struggles, and alleviate depression and anxiety. A good therapeutic connection can provide a different experience and perspective, and help you heal and thrive in your life. You do not need to be a prisoner of your past. You can transform your present and create your future.
(626) 581-6946 View (626) 581-6946
Couples Counseling Therapists

Does couples counseling work?

Research shows that couples counseling is effective; it can reduce relationship distress and improve emotional awareness, communication, empathy, intimacy, and overall relationship satisfaction. For example, emotionally focused therapy was found to be effective for about 75 percent of couples, and those benefits lasted at least two years.

When should a couple seek counseling?

Couples can benefit from counseling if they consistently struggle in their relationship. They may have lost the ability to communicate effectively, become entrenched in harmful patterns, begun to fight more than usual, broken the other’s trust, suffered from a mental or physical illness, or faced any number of other challenges. Many therapists offer free consultations, so if a couple isn’t sure whether therapy is necessary, asking directly can provide clarity.

How can I get my partner to go to couples therapy?

The decision to seek couples therapy is often driven by one partner, who then convinces the other to participate. When discussing the idea, the initiator should be direct and assertive. They can state the problems they see and explain how the relationship would benefit from therapy. In more serious cases, they can also explain how their relationship may suffer without making any changes or seeking professional help.

How does a couple prepare for couples counseling?

The anticipation of beginning couples counseling can be difficult—sometimes more difficult than the first session itself. Taking a few moments to reflect can allay those concerns: What are the current challenges? When and how did they begin? What do they want the relationship to look like in the future? Reflecting on these questions can help individuals or couples articulate their goals. Of course, the therapist will also ask questions and guide couples through the process.