Therapists in Kern County, CA
Kandie Brown
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93311 (Online Only)
I use a humanistic approach, CBT, existential, EMDR, narrative, solution focused, and mindfulness approaches and other modalities tailored to the client's needs.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I have a Master’s degree in Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University, San Antonio, TX. I follow a systemic approach to therapy and believe that to understand people and their challenges it is important to understand the systems and relationships they are a part of. I believe that the therapeutic relationship should be one of authenticity, collaboration and one that feels safe and supportive. I focus on the client’s strength and resiliency. I strive to help clients find tools to cope with life’s stresses.
I use a humanistic approach, CBT, existential, EMDR, narrative, solution focused, and mindfulness approaches and other modalities tailored to the client's needs.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I have a Master’s degree in Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University, San Antonio, TX. I follow a systemic approach to therapy and believe that to understand people and their challenges it is important to understand the systems and relationships they are a part of. I believe that the therapeutic relationship should be one of authenticity, collaboration and one that feels safe and supportive. I focus on the client’s strength and resiliency. I strive to help clients find tools to cope with life’s stresses.
Phu Luu
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Wasco, CA 93280
As a psychotherapist, I work collaboratively to support and empower individuals in the process of self-discovery, growth, and healing. My treatment approach is integrative/holistic, informed by training, continuing education, and clinical experience. The modalities/frameworks I provide are derived from but not limited to: Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Hypnotherapy, Brainspotting, Integral Somatic Psychology, Gestalt, Depth Psychology, Brief Psychodynamic Therapy, Humanistic-Existential Psychology, and Transpersonal Psychology.
As a psychotherapist, I work collaboratively to support and empower individuals in the process of self-discovery, growth, and healing. My treatment approach is integrative/holistic, informed by training, continuing education, and clinical experience. The modalities/frameworks I provide are derived from but not limited to: Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Hypnotherapy, Brainspotting, Integral Somatic Psychology, Gestalt, Depth Psychology, Brief Psychodynamic Therapy, Humanistic-Existential Psychology, and Transpersonal Psychology.
James Clarke
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93308
In my practice, I integrate a variety of therapeutic approaches; humanistic, holistic, existential, spiritual, depth, and dialectical behavior therapies.
Hello! My name is James Clarke and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist in California. I approach therapy with a foundation of compassion and draw from years of experience and genuine passion for serving others. My therapeutic style is centered around building a strong relational connection and fostering an interactive and supportive environment to collaboratively work towards your goals.
In my practice, I integrate a variety of therapeutic approaches; humanistic, holistic, existential, spiritual, depth, and dialectical behavior therapies.
Hello! My name is James Clarke and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist in California. I approach therapy with a foundation of compassion and draw from years of experience and genuine passion for serving others. My therapeutic style is centered around building a strong relational connection and fostering an interactive and supportive environment to collaboratively work towards your goals.
Colleen Mielke
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93312
Colleen Mielke, Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My approach to therapy depends on your situation and needs. In general, I would begin with attentive listening or empathy immersion before beginning our approach to your therapeutic needs. Usually, this approach begins with a psychodynamic approach and leads to a CBT approach to help you create the desired change you are looking for. Psychosocial, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, obsessive-compulsive, substance abuse, dual-diagnosis, and psychotic disorders. CBT (Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy. Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and Existential Processing.
Colleen Mielke, Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My approach to therapy depends on your situation and needs. In general, I would begin with attentive listening or empathy immersion before beginning our approach to your therapeutic needs. Usually, this approach begins with a psychodynamic approach and leads to a CBT approach to help you create the desired change you are looking for. Psychosocial, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, obsessive-compulsive, substance abuse, dual-diagnosis, and psychotic disorders. CBT (Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy. Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and Existential Processing.
Kevin Stansbury
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93305
I have a lot of experience working with depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, existential issues, spirituality issues, sexual issues, and foundational identity issues (really getting at who you are, what you want, and how you operate).
Hi, I’m Kevin. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over ten years of experience working in the mental health field. I’m passionate about helping my clients come to a deeper understanding of themselves, their relationships with others, their perception of life and the world, and discover how to move forward on their own path into an ever-expanding sense of connectivity, meaning, purpose, and fulfillment.
I have a lot of experience working with depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, existential issues, spirituality issues, sexual issues, and foundational identity issues (really getting at who you are, what you want, and how you operate).
Hi, I’m Kevin. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over ten years of experience working in the mental health field. I’m passionate about helping my clients come to a deeper understanding of themselves, their relationships with others, their perception of life and the world, and discover how to move forward on their own path into an ever-expanding sense of connectivity, meaning, purpose, and fulfillment.
Julian J Varela
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, MS, CSCS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93311
I'm a twenty-year veteran in the health and wellness industry, I believe that true happiness is comprised of many components: a healthy emotional state, relationships, social support, meaning and purpose, assertive communication and a healthy body. Integrating my past expertise and experiences with my practice as a therapist, I focus on the whole person with an existential and solution focused platform. My goal is to help you feel more in control of your thoughts, feelings and behaviors to increase your performance in life, relationships and/or career while helping to navigate a more meaningful and healthier self.
I'm a twenty-year veteran in the health and wellness industry, I believe that true happiness is comprised of many components: a healthy emotional state, relationships, social support, meaning and purpose, assertive communication and a healthy body. Integrating my past expertise and experiences with my practice as a therapist, I focus on the whole person with an existential and solution focused platform. My goal is to help you feel more in control of your thoughts, feelings and behaviors to increase your performance in life, relationships and/or career while helping to navigate a more meaningful and healthier self.
Patrick Griffiths
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93306
The approaches I tend to favor include Solution-Focused Therapy, Existential, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), Cognitive Therapy, and Structural Family Therapy.
My name is Patrick Griffiths. I am currently licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). I provide telehealth services to anyone living in California. My approach to therapy is that I am your guide on this journey. My focused area of practice is providing services to individuals, couples, and families. I have 18 years of experience as a therapist, working with a variety of clients. The clients I typically see struggle with symptoms of depression, anxiety, low self-worth, difficulty controlling impulses, lack of purpose and meaning, and job and/or family stress.
The approaches I tend to favor include Solution-Focused Therapy, Existential, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), Cognitive Therapy, and Structural Family Therapy.
My name is Patrick Griffiths. I am currently licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). I provide telehealth services to anyone living in California. My approach to therapy is that I am your guide on this journey. My focused area of practice is providing services to individuals, couples, and families. I have 18 years of experience as a therapist, working with a variety of clients. The clients I typically see struggle with symptoms of depression, anxiety, low self-worth, difficulty controlling impulses, lack of purpose and meaning, and job and/or family stress.
Rodolfo Jesus Mercado
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Delano, CA 93215
Hi, my name is Rudy Mercado, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) from Southern California. I just started my telehealth journey to see clients throughout the state of California. I work well with adolescents and adults and specialize in anxiety, depression, and trauma using a variety of therapy models such as Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectal Behavioral Therapy, and Cognitive Processing Therapy.
Hi, my name is Rudy Mercado, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) from Southern California. I just started my telehealth journey to see clients throughout the state of California. I work well with adolescents and adults and specialize in anxiety, depression, and trauma using a variety of therapy models such as Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectal Behavioral Therapy, and Cognitive Processing Therapy.
Fabiola Uribe-Nava
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
California City, CA 93505
My name is Fabiola, I am an LMFT. I work with those who are experiencing difficulty completing day-to-day tasks as a result of trauma or loss. Losing a loved one can be such a devastating event in our lives. I utilize art, and mindfulness, and make an attempt to emphasize the client’s strengths in order to bring healing. I also utilize E.M.D.R. to decrease the client’s distressing symptoms to increase coping. Life is a unique journey for each of us there are times in our lives when we may experience painful events and feel alone. It is helpful to reach out for support and help to not walk through those experiences alone.
My name is Fabiola, I am an LMFT. I work with those who are experiencing difficulty completing day-to-day tasks as a result of trauma or loss. Losing a loved one can be such a devastating event in our lives. I utilize art, and mindfulness, and make an attempt to emphasize the client’s strengths in order to bring healing. I also utilize E.M.D.R. to decrease the client’s distressing symptoms to increase coping. Life is a unique journey for each of us there are times in our lives when we may experience painful events and feel alone. It is helpful to reach out for support and help to not walk through those experiences alone.
Hector Barajas
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93307
My name is Hector Barajas, and I am a bilingual (Spanish) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about helping children, adolescents and families meet their full potential. I work with children and teens who are struggling with emotional dysregulation, defiance, anger, depression and social-emotional challenges. My expertise lies in working with children, and teen/adolescents who suffer from depression, anxiety, anger and defiance. I specialize in treating adolescents and juveniles in a group setting.
My name is Hector Barajas, and I am a bilingual (Spanish) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about helping children, adolescents and families meet their full potential. I work with children and teens who are struggling with emotional dysregulation, defiance, anger, depression and social-emotional challenges. My expertise lies in working with children, and teen/adolescents who suffer from depression, anxiety, anger and defiance. I specialize in treating adolescents and juveniles in a group setting.
Anisha Holden
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93308
Hey there! My name is Anisha Holden, and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family therapist. I enjoy working with children/teens, adults, couples and families that are interested in working of differing backgrounds/cultures. Often, clients that are in the process of transitioning to a new stage in life are attracted to working with me. Whether it is becoming a spouse or parent, moving into a new position, graduating, or just simply changing from one state of being to another, my aim is to provide the necessary support to do so successfully. With any change, comes anxiety, depression, indecision, and so on.
Hey there! My name is Anisha Holden, and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family therapist. I enjoy working with children/teens, adults, couples and families that are interested in working of differing backgrounds/cultures. Often, clients that are in the process of transitioning to a new stage in life are attracted to working with me. Whether it is becoming a spouse or parent, moving into a new position, graduating, or just simply changing from one state of being to another, my aim is to provide the necessary support to do so successfully. With any change, comes anxiety, depression, indecision, and so on.
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Jason Edward C Bernardo
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
My clients typically struggle with trying to recognize who they really are and the power they wield. I think often times this unknowing of the self can develop from experiencing the chaos of relationship stress, adverse childhood experiences, a state of stuckness due to personal trauma or even the auto pilot mode of living a seemingly mundane life. My clients undergo the tragedy of possessing the best answers but also experience the disconnect from them.
My clients typically struggle with trying to recognize who they really are and the power they wield. I think often times this unknowing of the self can develop from experiencing the chaos of relationship stress, adverse childhood experiences, a state of stuckness due to personal trauma or even the auto pilot mode of living a seemingly mundane life. My clients undergo the tragedy of possessing the best answers but also experience the disconnect from them.
Steven Hopper
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Delano, CA 93215
I am a Licensed Marriage and family therapist who is committed to helping my clients navigate the issues arising in their lives through the use of therapy. I have nearly 20 years of experience and in my career, I have treated many types of disorders and about 60% of my career has been working with families and children. I feel comfortable treating most challenges from depression, anxiety, depression, bipolar, to psychotic disorders.
I am a Licensed Marriage and family therapist who is committed to helping my clients navigate the issues arising in their lives through the use of therapy. I have nearly 20 years of experience and in my career, I have treated many types of disorders and about 60% of my career has been working with families and children. I feel comfortable treating most challenges from depression, anxiety, depression, bipolar, to psychotic disorders.
Lori Guidinglight
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93313
Passionate Professional Licensed Clinical Social Worker who provides therapy via remote to Individual Adults Ages 18 and up to help make the world a mentally healthier -one client at a time. Each client is unique, and I meet you where you are in the moment. I work with from a Strengths Based perspective integrating Body, Mind, and Spirit. I use aspects of several empirical based modalities such as Mindfulness Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (MBCBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and more. Additionally, I am Polyvagal Informed.
Passionate Professional Licensed Clinical Social Worker who provides therapy via remote to Individual Adults Ages 18 and up to help make the world a mentally healthier -one client at a time. Each client is unique, and I meet you where you are in the moment. I work with from a Strengths Based perspective integrating Body, Mind, and Spirit. I use aspects of several empirical based modalities such as Mindfulness Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (MBCBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and more. Additionally, I am Polyvagal Informed.
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.
Ryan Briscoe
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93309
I have several years of experience working with children, teens and adults. Clients I typically see are those who want to address both their mental health and their spiritual health. As a Christian, I believe in treating the whole person: psychological, physical, relational, and spiritual. My approach to counseling is collaborative and utilizes research-based feedback tools to customize our approach which helps you reach your goals quicker.
I have several years of experience working with children, teens and adults. Clients I typically see are those who want to address both their mental health and their spiritual health. As a Christian, I believe in treating the whole person: psychological, physical, relational, and spiritual. My approach to counseling is collaborative and utilizes research-based feedback tools to customize our approach which helps you reach your goals quicker.
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.
Rose M. Lester
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Waitlist for new clients
"It's never to late to have a happy childhood" This quote embodies the core belief and hope that I bring into my practice. Most people bring wounds from childhood into their adulthood. These wounds show up in their lives as depression, anxiety, low-self-esteem and unhealthy relationships. In therapy, you can become aware of those wound and how they limit your life today, grieve your losses and learn healthier ways to get those childhood needs met. As this healing occurs, we can explore ways to live life more fully and joyfully and to thrive rather than just survive.
"It's never to late to have a happy childhood" This quote embodies the core belief and hope that I bring into my practice. Most people bring wounds from childhood into their adulthood. These wounds show up in their lives as depression, anxiety, low-self-esteem and unhealthy relationships. In therapy, you can become aware of those wound and how they limit your life today, grieve your losses and learn healthier ways to get those childhood needs met. As this healing occurs, we can explore ways to live life more fully and joyfully and to thrive rather than just survive.
Jennifer Drewno
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93308
It is an honor to guide you on your journey. My passion is to support my clients in becoming more self-aware and increase peace of mind, and overall well-being. I have been so privileged to hear the stories and witness the deep transformations of my clients. You deserve a space where you are seen, heard, and validated. My therapeutic style is warm, nonjudgmental, and friendly. I create a safe space for you to explore challenging issues/events and my clinical approaches – Gestalt, Cognitive Behavior, Solution-focused, and Mindfulness therapy will support our work together.
It is an honor to guide you on your journey. My passion is to support my clients in becoming more self-aware and increase peace of mind, and overall well-being. I have been so privileged to hear the stories and witness the deep transformations of my clients. You deserve a space where you are seen, heard, and validated. My therapeutic style is warm, nonjudgmental, and friendly. I create a safe space for you to explore challenging issues/events and my clinical approaches – Gestalt, Cognitive Behavior, Solution-focused, and Mindfulness therapy will support our work together.
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.
See more therapy options for Kern County
Existential Therapists
How does existential therapy work?
Existential therapy focuses on a patient’s inner experiences. The therapist tries to help the individual comprehend and alleviate symptoms by exploring their interior life. By confronting negative disquiet and emotions, the individual will hopefully become more open to finding meaning and purpose. This therapy can be administered to individuals or groups.
Is existential therapy evidence-based?
Existential therapy is an evidence-based practice. Research has determined that existential therapy can lead to significant improvement in the mental health of patients, and for some people it can be just as effective as cognitive behavioral therapy. The benefits of existential therapy are enduring, even long after treatment has ended.
How long does existential therapy last?
The goal of existential therapy is to understand a person’s internal experiences, which may sound like a lengthy process, but it does not have to be so in-depth. However, sessions are not short-term, and therapy can continue for months or up to a year. And because patients learn the theory behind existential therapy during treatment, they can also practice its tenets throughout life after therapy sessions have been completed.
Is existential therapy effective?
According to research, many patients find success with existential therapy. Researchers note that the therapy is particularly useful in improving feelings of isolation, feelings of purposelessness, as well as conditions such as anxiety and depression. Improvements in problem areas can persist even after the end of existential therapy, as individuals can continue working on themselves by using the tools they’ve developed during treatment.