Photo of Dr. Jeffrey W Cheney, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Dr. Jeffrey W Cheney
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Areas of expertise include: Crisis Management, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Gottman Communication Skills, CBT therapy to reduce anger and address addictive behaviors, Love & Logic Parenting, ADHD testing, and extensive experience working with loss/trauma.
You're hurt and angry and thinking, 'Why do we argue about the same things over and over again I am so tired of fighting! What happened to the way we used to be?' I know you're frustrated. Couples tell me how lonely they feel. You and your partner can be happy again, you can learn to turn towards eachother, reconnect emotionally, and create a more caring and fulfilling relationship. For more than 20 years I've worked with couples and families helping them find a better way to live and love and work together.
Areas of expertise include: Crisis Management, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Gottman Communication Skills, CBT therapy to reduce anger and address addictive behaviors, Love & Logic Parenting, ADHD testing, and extensive experience working with loss/trauma.
You're hurt and angry and thinking, 'Why do we argue about the same things over and over again I am so tired of fighting! What happened to the way we used to be?' I know you're frustrated. Couples tell me how lonely they feel. You and your partner can be happy again, you can learn to turn towards eachother, reconnect emotionally, and create a more caring and fulfilling relationship. For more than 20 years I've worked with couples and families helping them find a better way to live and love and work together.
(661) 731-3925 View (661) 731-3925
Photo of Central Valley Family Therapy, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Central Valley Family Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93301
CVFT uses CBT, Attachment Focused Treatment, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Treatment, EFT and many others.
Central Valley Family Therapy is a group practice whose sole focus is providing individuals, couples and families support through all walks of life. Our clinicians recognize the importance of quality treatment for each and every client that walks through our doors. We welcome clients with culturally diverse identities, backgrounds, socio-economic statuses, and experiences. We believe that every person who seeks support should have access to quality mental health services. Our focus is not only on your unique therapeutic goals, but in providing our clients with a warm, friendly and nurturing environment.
CVFT uses CBT, Attachment Focused Treatment, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Treatment, EFT and many others.
Central Valley Family Therapy is a group practice whose sole focus is providing individuals, couples and families support through all walks of life. Our clinicians recognize the importance of quality treatment for each and every client that walks through our doors. We welcome clients with culturally diverse identities, backgrounds, socio-economic statuses, and experiences. We believe that every person who seeks support should have access to quality mental health services. Our focus is not only on your unique therapeutic goals, but in providing our clients with a warm, friendly and nurturing environment.
(661) 857-7068 View (661) 857-7068
Photo of Jenna Smith-Soper, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Jenna Smith-Soper
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93308
My name is Jenna Smith and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based out of San Diego, California. I have experience working with adolescents and young adults and specialize in anger management, depression, anxiety, stress management, and post-traumatic stress disorder. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Emotionally-Focused Individual Therapy to support my clients in understanding their thoughts, emotions, and attachment wounds in order to heal and grow.
My name is Jenna Smith and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based out of San Diego, California. I have experience working with adolescents and young adults and specialize in anger management, depression, anxiety, stress management, and post-traumatic stress disorder. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Emotionally-Focused Individual Therapy to support my clients in understanding their thoughts, emotions, and attachment wounds in order to heal and grow.
(341) 888-7404 View (341) 888-7404
Photo of Poppy Peluce-Fune, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Kern County, CA
Poppy Peluce-Fune
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Hi! My name is Poppy Peluce-Fune. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience. My focus is you! I use an eclectic approach that is specifically designed to meet your needs, your healing potential, and at the pace you choose. I have a passion for fostering the human potential toward healing. I would love to go on this personal journey with you! Although I have worked with clients of all ages and presenting concerns from various walks of life, my approach is a good fit for older teens and younger to middle-aged individuals.
Hi! My name is Poppy Peluce-Fune. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience. My focus is you! I use an eclectic approach that is specifically designed to meet your needs, your healing potential, and at the pace you choose. I have a passion for fostering the human potential toward healing. I would love to go on this personal journey with you! Although I have worked with clients of all ages and presenting concerns from various walks of life, my approach is a good fit for older teens and younger to middle-aged individuals.
(661) 766-0629 View (661) 766-0629
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,
(661) 215-8827 View (661) 215-8827
Photo of John R Navejas, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Kern County, CA
John R Navejas
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93309
John Navejas is registered as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist providing services in both substance abuse and mental health treatment modalities. John’s career experience began while volunteering with the Homeless Collaborative. John has worked with many populations including adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, substance abuse, anger, relationship issues, and identifying/controlling emotions and thoughts. He has led groups such as Anger Replacement Training, Strengthening Families, CBT interventions for substance abuse and created the first trauma informed yoga group at a juvenile detention facility.
John Navejas is registered as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist providing services in both substance abuse and mental health treatment modalities. John’s career experience began while volunteering with the Homeless Collaborative. John has worked with many populations including adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, substance abuse, anger, relationship issues, and identifying/controlling emotions and thoughts. He has led groups such as Anger Replacement Training, Strengthening Families, CBT interventions for substance abuse and created the first trauma informed yoga group at a juvenile detention facility.
(661) 233-9744 View (661) 233-9744
Photo of Rhonda Carol Van Cleve, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Kern County, CA
Rhonda Carol Van Cleve
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Recovery is not for people who need it, it is for people who want it! I want to be along this journey with you! I will walk along side you each step of the way, encouraging you to be your best self. Children and teens are my passion, adults suffering from depression, anxiety, self-injurious behavior, and or trauma. I have extensive training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused Perspectives.
Recovery is not for people who need it, it is for people who want it! I want to be along this journey with you! I will walk along side you each step of the way, encouraging you to be your best self. Children and teens are my passion, adults suffering from depression, anxiety, self-injurious behavior, and or trauma. I have extensive training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused Perspectives.
(661) 490-9491 x1 View (661) 490-9491 x1
Photo of Gianna Flores Heatherly, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Gianna Flores Heatherly
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, CAMS-II
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Offering Telehealth therapy and limited in-person apts. Do you struggle to engage in family and social relationships? Are you experiencing big life transitions and don’t know what to do? Is Anxiety, worry, nervousness, or intrusive thoughts getting the best of you? Are you feeling sad, unmotivated, and finding it hard to concentrate? Are you struggling with making sense of past trauma and unhealthy coping? If so, then I can assist in making sense of these concerns.
Offering Telehealth therapy and limited in-person apts. Do you struggle to engage in family and social relationships? Are you experiencing big life transitions and don’t know what to do? Is Anxiety, worry, nervousness, or intrusive thoughts getting the best of you? Are you feeling sad, unmotivated, and finding it hard to concentrate? Are you struggling with making sense of past trauma and unhealthy coping? If so, then I can assist in making sense of these concerns.
(661) 768-1526 View (661) 768-1526
Photo of Jennifer Hopes, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Jennifer Hopes
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93309
In-person and virtual services available for California and Nevada residents. Developing your most authentic self requires a commitment to being vulnerable and honest, accepting your flaws as enduring qualities, and finding your inner voice. My commitment to you involves helping you shed the layers of self-doubt, fend off the overwhelming and burdensome negativity that drags you down, and restore positive life balance to you and the people that matter most to you.
In-person and virtual services available for California and Nevada residents. Developing your most authentic self requires a commitment to being vulnerable and honest, accepting your flaws as enduring qualities, and finding your inner voice. My commitment to you involves helping you shed the layers of self-doubt, fend off the overwhelming and burdensome negativity that drags you down, and restore positive life balance to you and the people that matter most to you.
(661) 370-3397 View (661) 370-3397
Photo of Carmen Lorenzo Baker, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Carmen Lorenzo Baker
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93309
When we go through difficult moments, it's easy to fall back into old patterns or feel the sting of unresolved past wounds. Society and family often dictate a solitary struggle, but as much as you try to handle it alone, it feels like too much. Therapy with me is for those seeking something beyond mere symptom relief and who want to be seen beyond labels. It's for those who have an inkling that liberation is not just possible, but that it beckons. It's for those of us wanting to begin a journey toward authentic peace, fulfillment, and purpose.
When we go through difficult moments, it's easy to fall back into old patterns or feel the sting of unresolved past wounds. Society and family often dictate a solitary struggle, but as much as you try to handle it alone, it feels like too much. Therapy with me is for those seeking something beyond mere symptom relief and who want to be seen beyond labels. It's for those who have an inkling that liberation is not just possible, but that it beckons. It's for those of us wanting to begin a journey toward authentic peace, fulfillment, and purpose.
(661) 218-1491 View (661) 218-1491
Photo of Joshua Sarazin, Psychologist in Kern County, CA
Joshua Sarazin
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93308
I have been providing psychotherapy and psychological testing in the Bakersfield area since 2006. I studied and trained at the Biola University, Rosemead School of Psychology, an APA-approved program emphasizing theological and psychological integration as a foundation for providing support to people and relationships that are hurting and broken.
I have been providing psychotherapy and psychological testing in the Bakersfield area since 2006. I studied and trained at the Biola University, Rosemead School of Psychology, an APA-approved program emphasizing theological and psychological integration as a foundation for providing support to people and relationships that are hurting and broken.
(661) 584-4986 View (661) 584-4986
Photo of Ming Pokey Mariscal, Psychologist in Kern County, CA
Ming Pokey Mariscal
Psychologist, PsyD, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist (PsyD. from Biola University) with previous training as a Marriage & Family Therapist (MFT from Fuller Theological Seminary). I have a passion for providing professional Psychological services as well as Christian counseling to those who are suffering. I completed a total of six years of graduate training at two of the six American Psychological Association (APA) approved Christian clinical psychology programs. Both of these institutions are committed to the development of practitioners adept in the integration of Psychology and Christian theology in clinical practice and research.
I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist (PsyD. from Biola University) with previous training as a Marriage & Family Therapist (MFT from Fuller Theological Seminary). I have a passion for providing professional Psychological services as well as Christian counseling to those who are suffering. I completed a total of six years of graduate training at two of the six American Psychological Association (APA) approved Christian clinical psychology programs. Both of these institutions are committed to the development of practitioners adept in the integration of Psychology and Christian theology in clinical practice and research.
(661) 451-5969 View (661) 451-5969
Photo of Men's Issues - Dr. Dean, Psychologist in Kern County, CA
Men's Issues - Dr. Dean
Psychologist, PsyD, QME, Author
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
(805) 232-7458 View (805) 232-7458
Photo of Frank B. Manning, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Frank B. Manning
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Frazier Park, CA 93225
I learned long ago in my own therapy that to be happy, first I had to learn to love myself. Now, as a marriage and family therapist, I help my clients do the same. Therapist Carl Rogers said, "The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change." You don't have to be perfect; it's okay to make mistakes. To realize your dreams, you must face your fears and take risks. It's easier when you stop worrying so much about reaching your goal, and learn to savor the process itself.
I learned long ago in my own therapy that to be happy, first I had to learn to love myself. Now, as a marriage and family therapist, I help my clients do the same. Therapist Carl Rogers said, "The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change." You don't have to be perfect; it's okay to make mistakes. To realize your dreams, you must face your fears and take risks. It's easier when you stop worrying so much about reaching your goal, and learn to savor the process itself.
(661) 797-4510 View (661) 797-4510
Photo of Men's Issues - Dr. Dean, Psychologist in Kern County, CA
Men's Issues - Dr. Dean
Psychologist, PsyD, QME, Author
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
(831) 208-3271 View (831) 208-3271
Photo of Positive Psychology by Zion Technology , Counselor in Kern County, CA
Positive Psychology by Zion Technology
Counselor, PPP
Verified Verified
California City, CA 93504  (Online Only)
Experience Peace through Mindfulness! With expert personal support- increase happiness enjoy life open your creativity & unlock your potential. Resources- meditation and sleep exercise, clinical studies character strength survey. free 15 minute consultation also learn to organize thoughts and emotions, achieve goals with resilience, overcome irrational thoughts, denial and avoidance & replace with acceptance and action, experience spiritual growth and maturity, combat depression irrational thoughts and sadness. Increase communication skills with others also relationships. Learn techniques to increase happiness and achieve your goals
Experience Peace through Mindfulness! With expert personal support- increase happiness enjoy life open your creativity & unlock your potential. Resources- meditation and sleep exercise, clinical studies character strength survey. free 15 minute consultation also learn to organize thoughts and emotions, achieve goals with resilience, overcome irrational thoughts, denial and avoidance & replace with acceptance and action, experience spiritual growth and maturity, combat depression irrational thoughts and sadness. Increase communication skills with others also relationships. Learn techniques to increase happiness and achieve your goals
(541) 262-0799 View (541) 262-0799
Photo of The Mindful Lemon , Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
The Mindful Lemon
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93304  (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.
(661) 221-7049 View (661) 221-7049
Photo of Lunda Gill-Desbrow, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Lunda Gill-Desbrow
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93304
Hello, thank you for your time. I have always been curious about what motivates a person. I have had my license for over 30 years and have worked in psychology, education, and business. I am a widow with two teenagers and love working on puzzles and being around animals. Feel free to contact me or leave me a message. I look forward to working with you soon!
Hello, thank you for your time. I have always been curious about what motivates a person. I have had my license for over 30 years and have worked in psychology, education, and business. I am a widow with two teenagers and love working on puzzles and being around animals. Feel free to contact me or leave me a message. I look forward to working with you soon!
(951) 450-0181 View (951) 450-0181
Photo of Lydia Yinger, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Lydia Yinger
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93311
Hi, I'm Lydia! My name is Lydia Yinger and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), based in Alameda, California, working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults (young and older), couples, and families, and specialize in anxiety, stress, and relationship issues. My theoretical background is rooted in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Family Systems, and Mind-Body Awareness, all of which I incorporate to help my clients bring more clarity into their lives, and discover the answers they may have been hoping for.
Hi, I'm Lydia! My name is Lydia Yinger and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), based in Alameda, California, working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults (young and older), couples, and families, and specialize in anxiety, stress, and relationship issues. My theoretical background is rooted in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Family Systems, and Mind-Body Awareness, all of which I incorporate to help my clients bring more clarity into their lives, and discover the answers they may have been hoping for.
(323) 622-7779 View (323) 622-7779
Photo of Angel Herrera-Castaneda, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kern County, CA
Angel Herrera-Castaneda
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93301  (Online Only)
I am a bilingual licensed child and family therapist raised in Southern California with 8+ years of experience working with kids, parents, and families. I specialize in anxiety, ADHD, aggressive behaviors, and trauma. I also love video games, which makes it often easy for me to connect with teens.
I am a bilingual licensed child and family therapist raised in Southern California with 8+ years of experience working with kids, parents, and families. I specialize in anxiety, ADHD, aggressive behaviors, and trauma. I also love video games, which makes it often easy for me to connect with teens.
(213) 558-4348 View (213) 558-4348


Emotionally Focused Therapists

Who is emotionally focused therapy for?

Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is for couples who are emotionally distressed, stuck in an unsatisfying relationship pattern or feeling deeply alienated. They may even believe the relationship is beyond repair. Very often, the partners display intense anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal in the relationship. In addition, EFT is helpful to couples and individuals who have difficulty expressing emotions and those who have trouble regulating emotions.

Why do people need emotionally focused therapy?

People need emotionally focused therapy because the need for others is built into the brain, but the pressures of daily life can erode feelings of love, and couples often do not have the skills to find their way back to the comfort of each other. Instead, they may be stuck in repetitive patterns of anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal. Emotionally focused therapy regards such strong negative feelings as expressions of protest over the loss of connection and turns them into pathways of reconnection.

What happens in emotionally focused therapy?

Over the course of eight to 20 weekly sessions, couples de-escalate their negative emotional reactivity to one another so that they can listen to each other and be responsive to each other’s needs. Then the deep emotional and physical bond is restored, giving partners a sense of comfort and security, which they can use to solve whatever problems come their way. The therapist plays an active role, helping partners understand how anger and withdrawal are actually misguided cries for connection.

What problems does emotionally focused therapy treat?

EFT is designed to help couples stuck in dysfunctional relationship patterns regain closeness and rebuild their relationship. Typically, such couples experience considerable distress, with partners feeling alienated and distrustful of one another, not certain their relationship can survive. EFT is also helpful to individuals experiencing attachment-related fears of loss; it helps them learn to use their fears as a way of eliciting the closeness they desire.