Existential Therapists in California
Kevin Stansbury
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90033
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.
Michael Jones
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90071 (Online Only)
I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 23 years of experience helping individuals, couples and families find their path to greater well-being and fulfillment. I draw from cognitive-behavioral, existential and psychodynamic models. I have extensive experience in cognitive-behavioral therapy for OCD, panic disorder and depression.
I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 23 years of experience helping individuals, couples and families find their path to greater well-being and fulfillment. I draw from cognitive-behavioral, existential and psychodynamic models. I have extensive experience in cognitive-behavioral therapy for OCD, panic disorder and depression.
Galya Cohen
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
I utilize cognitive behavioral, existential, and psychodynamic approaches to help you connect with the patterns, underlying meaning, or unconscious material that is leading to difficulties within yourself and your life.
I provide individual psychotherapy to both adults and adolescents who have a variety of mental health conditions, including trauma, ADHD, mood and anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, personality disorders, and psychotic spectrum disorders. I also have training in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), and can provide integration services for those who have had experienced psychedelic medicines without the additional therapeutic assistance to integrate the experience.
I utilize cognitive behavioral, existential, and psychodynamic approaches to help you connect with the patterns, underlying meaning, or unconscious material that is leading to difficulties within yourself and your life.
I provide individual psychotherapy to both adults and adolescents who have a variety of mental health conditions, including trauma, ADHD, mood and anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, personality disorders, and psychotic spectrum disorders. I also have training in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), and can provide integration services for those who have had experienced psychedelic medicines without the additional therapeutic assistance to integrate the experience.
Constance Thorsnes
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Riverside, CA 92503
My name is Constance Thorsnes. I have been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for 5 years. My goal in therapy is to help individuals feel calmer and more confident by acting in ways that align with their personal values. I primarily work with professionals, graduate students, and parents suffering from stress, personal conflict, anxiety, the effects of trauma, family issues, and marital conflict. The rapport I share with my clients allows us to explore difficult thoughts and feelings using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, an Existential-Humanistic framework, and Brainspotting.
My name is Constance Thorsnes. I have been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for 5 years. My goal in therapy is to help individuals feel calmer and more confident by acting in ways that align with their personal values. I primarily work with professionals, graduate students, and parents suffering from stress, personal conflict, anxiety, the effects of trauma, family issues, and marital conflict. The rapport I share with my clients allows us to explore difficult thoughts and feelings using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, an Existential-Humanistic framework, and Brainspotting.
Manuel Cruz Dominguez Jr.
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD-c, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Stockton, CA 95219 (Online Only)
Are you currently searching for a sense of meaning and purpose in your life? Do you find yourself in an existential/spiritual emergency? Are you exploring your personal identity, expression, or sexuality? I help people of all ages increase self-awareness and decrease symptomology by bringing unconscious material into conscious awareness. Mental health concerns eventually arise because deep in our mind/body/soul we yearn for authenticity/individuation. Together we can explore which aspects of ourselves that no longer serve us to let go, in order to make space for something new to enter.
Are you currently searching for a sense of meaning and purpose in your life? Do you find yourself in an existential/spiritual emergency? Are you exploring your personal identity, expression, or sexuality? I help people of all ages increase self-awareness and decrease symptomology by bringing unconscious material into conscious awareness. Mental health concerns eventually arise because deep in our mind/body/soul we yearn for authenticity/individuation. Together we can explore which aspects of ourselves that no longer serve us to let go, in order to make space for something new to enter.
Laura Crutchfield
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Fontana, CA 92337
Hello. I'm Laura. I've been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 1999. It never ceases to amaze me how resilient people are when faced with difficult situations and times and I cherish being part of finding skills and strengths to reconnect them to their best selves. I seek to discover what therapeutic approach works best for you. I use Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral, Existential, Client-Centered, and a variety of strategies to help gain a greater understanding of self and others that leads to greater satisfaction in and with life.
Hello. I'm Laura. I've been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 1999. It never ceases to amaze me how resilient people are when faced with difficult situations and times and I cherish being part of finding skills and strengths to reconnect them to their best selves. I seek to discover what therapeutic approach works best for you. I use Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral, Existential, Client-Centered, and a variety of strategies to help gain a greater understanding of self and others that leads to greater satisfaction in and with life.
Randi L Wren
MA, BCC, CC
Verified Verified
Burlingame, CA 94010
We have been suddenly plunged into an existential crisis.
I am a seasoned spiritual health specialist, theologian, chaplain, and counselor. My passion is to discuss and reflect upon life's ultimate issues and guide one in deliberating existential questions. I use a hope-meaning-based spiritual model. This model blends reason and spirituality, science and faith, to form a unique psycho-spiritual practice to fight the darkness of suffering and loss and seek illumination. I specialize in helping clients make meaning and purpose in their own lives. We explore what it means to heal and how despair, sadness, and fear are a natural part of this process. We also face the fullness of death.
We have been suddenly plunged into an existential crisis.
I am a seasoned spiritual health specialist, theologian, chaplain, and counselor. My passion is to discuss and reflect upon life's ultimate issues and guide one in deliberating existential questions. I use a hope-meaning-based spiritual model. This model blends reason and spirituality, science and faith, to form a unique psycho-spiritual practice to fight the darkness of suffering and loss and seek illumination. I specialize in helping clients make meaning and purpose in their own lives. We explore what it means to heal and how despair, sadness, and fear are a natural part of this process. We also face the fullness of death.
Julian Dodd
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618 (Online Only)
The theoretical approaches that I use in my work are: Humanistic (Gestalt, Client Centered, and Existential), Holistic/Integrative, Relational, and Transpersonal.
I view psychotherapy as a collaborative process between therapist and client, where the relationship is part of the healing process. My style is active, creative, and holistic. I will meet you where you are, not-judging, engaged and curious. I work with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, shame, relationship distress, life transitions, and existential dilemmas (questions about the meaning of life, questions about dying and death). I also have experience working with individuals struggling with dual diagnosis (addiction and mental health issues combined).
The theoretical approaches that I use in my work are: Humanistic (Gestalt, Client Centered, and Existential), Holistic/Integrative, Relational, and Transpersonal.
I view psychotherapy as a collaborative process between therapist and client, where the relationship is part of the healing process. My style is active, creative, and holistic. I will meet you where you are, not-judging, engaged and curious. I work with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, shame, relationship distress, life transitions, and existential dilemmas (questions about the meaning of life, questions about dying and death). I also have experience working with individuals struggling with dual diagnosis (addiction and mental health issues combined).
Darren Thomas
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92117
My name is Darren Thomas, LMFT 134517. I approach therapy from a client centered, existential and humanistic perspective, viewing the therapeutic relationship as the most essential component of healing for individuals, couples and families. I work primarily with adolescents, young adults and adults learning to navigate in the world as their authentic selves. With Rogerian client-centered therapy, I focus on developing a strong rapport with the client and, with the development of trust, then implement an approach tailored to the client's needs as defined by the client.
My name is Darren Thomas, LMFT 134517. I approach therapy from a client centered, existential and humanistic perspective, viewing the therapeutic relationship as the most essential component of healing for individuals, couples and families. I work primarily with adolescents, young adults and adults learning to navigate in the world as their authentic selves. With Rogerian client-centered therapy, I focus on developing a strong rapport with the client and, with the development of trust, then implement an approach tailored to the client's needs as defined by the client.
Alyson Hurlbut
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Burbank, CA 91505
Depression, anxiety, loss, and change can leave us feeling disconnected, confused. It seems to me that we're all trying to be connected in ways that support our intentions and goals. Sometimes those connections - to our Self, our partners, our family and friends - get muddy or lost. I see therapy as a safe place to explore unfamiliar, at times uncomfortable, territory in order to reach for greater understanding and connection to Self and others. My approach is humanistic/existential with an emphasis on depth and transpersonal psychology.
Depression, anxiety, loss, and change can leave us feeling disconnected, confused. It seems to me that we're all trying to be connected in ways that support our intentions and goals. Sometimes those connections - to our Self, our partners, our family and friends - get muddy or lost. I see therapy as a safe place to explore unfamiliar, at times uncomfortable, territory in order to reach for greater understanding and connection to Self and others. My approach is humanistic/existential with an emphasis on depth and transpersonal psychology.
Sinclair Mitchell
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Orange, CA 92869 (Online Only)
As a therapist, I am deeply committed to fostering healing and growth through an existential-humanistic lens, which emphasizes the inherent dignity, freedom, and potential of each individual. Using a culturally sensitive approach, I honor the unique identities and experiences of each client, treating them as the expert on themselves and their lives. I believe that true healing comes from within and that every person possesses the capacity to navigate life's challenges and discover meaning and purpose. I believe that by tapping into their own wisdom, clients can access profound insights, spiritual growth, and expanded consciousness.
As a therapist, I am deeply committed to fostering healing and growth through an existential-humanistic lens, which emphasizes the inherent dignity, freedom, and potential of each individual. Using a culturally sensitive approach, I honor the unique identities and experiences of each client, treating them as the expert on themselves and their lives. I believe that true healing comes from within and that every person possesses the capacity to navigate life's challenges and discover meaning and purpose. I believe that by tapping into their own wisdom, clients can access profound insights, spiritual growth, and expanded consciousness.
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Bita Sanchez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Chatsworth, CA 91311 (Online Only)
I also utilize narrative, solution focus, strength base, compassion focus and humanistic and existential approaches.
Hi there, I'm Bita. Do you feel pulled in a million directions, unable to fit it all in? Are you struggling to keep up with your relationships, work and health? Is it hard to be kind to yourself? are you struggling with anxiety and depression? do you have difficulty setting healthy boundaries, be more assertive and better communicate and express your thoughts and feelings with family members and others? are you struggling with self-esteem, low motivation, self-love and compassion? Do you feel burnout and overwhelm? I have been practicing as a therapist for the past 5 years.
I also utilize narrative, solution focus, strength base, compassion focus and humanistic and existential approaches.
Hi there, I'm Bita. Do you feel pulled in a million directions, unable to fit it all in? Are you struggling to keep up with your relationships, work and health? Is it hard to be kind to yourself? are you struggling with anxiety and depression? do you have difficulty setting healthy boundaries, be more assertive and better communicate and express your thoughts and feelings with family members and others? are you struggling with self-esteem, low motivation, self-love and compassion? Do you feel burnout and overwhelm? I have been practicing as a therapist for the past 5 years.
Sima Braude
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Daly City, CA 94015
My name is Sima Braude. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Los Angeles, California, working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adult individuals and specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, interpersonal issues, maternal mental health using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, elements of psychodynamic therapy and employing existential approach to therapy in general. I offer eclectic approach to therapy and work collaboratively with my clients to individualize our work together to meet their needs maximally.
My name is Sima Braude. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Los Angeles, California, working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adult individuals and specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, interpersonal issues, maternal mental health using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, elements of psychodynamic therapy and employing existential approach to therapy in general. I offer eclectic approach to therapy and work collaboratively with my clients to individualize our work together to meet their needs maximally.
Jamye Waxman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, MEd
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Encino, CA 91436
I am passionate about people. It's what drew me to the field of sexuality & relationships. My goal is to help find your authentic voice in your relationships with yourself and others. As a compassionate and attuned therapist and sex educator, I enjoy working with couples and individuals who are exploring the challenges of desire differences, sexual and gender identity issues, relationship struggles, parenting, panic, anxiety and early attachment experiences, as well as those seeking existential meaning in life and love. I am extremely comfortable working with LGBTQI clients, sex workers, & those in kink & non-monogamous communities.
I am passionate about people. It's what drew me to the field of sexuality & relationships. My goal is to help find your authentic voice in your relationships with yourself and others. As a compassionate and attuned therapist and sex educator, I enjoy working with couples and individuals who are exploring the challenges of desire differences, sexual and gender identity issues, relationship struggles, parenting, panic, anxiety and early attachment experiences, as well as those seeking existential meaning in life and love. I am extremely comfortable working with LGBTQI clients, sex workers, & those in kink & non-monogamous communities.
Takyi Dwumfuoh
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Fairfield, CA 94533
I utilize CBT/DBT, Emotional Focused Therapy and Existential Approach in my practice.
I enjoy working with individuals (late teens and adults), couples (pre-marital, marital and post-marital) and families. It's always too soon to give up on enriching your life and improving your relationships. As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I provide you with the opportunity, the safe space and the quality time needed to attend to your emotional, relational and spiritual needs. My goal is to create a therapeutic alliance with you that allows you to bring me into your world where our work together will meet your needs and improve your life.
I utilize CBT/DBT, Emotional Focused Therapy and Existential Approach in my practice.
I enjoy working with individuals (late teens and adults), couples (pre-marital, marital and post-marital) and families. It's always too soon to give up on enriching your life and improving your relationships. As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I provide you with the opportunity, the safe space and the quality time needed to attend to your emotional, relational and spiritual needs. My goal is to create a therapeutic alliance with you that allows you to bring me into your world where our work together will meet your needs and improve your life.
Rosa Di Lorenzo
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95816
How would you like to live a vital, fulfilling life and reduce the effects of stress and anxiety that keep you stuck? I offer integrative mind/body approaches to health and wellness, including ACT and Mindfulness-based psychotherapy, Somatic Experiencing, a tailored use of meditation and body awareness techniques, suggestions for lifestyle adjustments, and emphasis on Being in the moment. I am also interested in existential issues like aging, transitions and losses, relationships/communication problems, and managing changes. Being mother tongue Italian, I am happy to offer bilingual services to Italian-speaking clients.
How would you like to live a vital, fulfilling life and reduce the effects of stress and anxiety that keep you stuck? I offer integrative mind/body approaches to health and wellness, including ACT and Mindfulness-based psychotherapy, Somatic Experiencing, a tailored use of meditation and body awareness techniques, suggestions for lifestyle adjustments, and emphasis on Being in the moment. I am also interested in existential issues like aging, transitions and losses, relationships/communication problems, and managing changes. Being mother tongue Italian, I am happy to offer bilingual services to Italian-speaking clients.
Fairy Shaw
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Newport Beach, CA 92660 (Online Only)
My approach is a multimodal, and I use well-researched treatment methods such as Existential, Humanistic, Family Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
My name is Fairy Shaw, I am a clinical Associate Marriage & Family Therapist who is passionate about helping you find solutions that work for you, accomplish your goals, and discover the true potential to attain your personal growth. I recognize the need to identify and treat the cooccurring disorders, such as anxiety, depression, codependency, trauma, grieving, life transitions, and low self-esteem.
My approach is a multimodal, and I use well-researched treatment methods such as Existential, Humanistic, Family Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
My name is Fairy Shaw, I am a clinical Associate Marriage & Family Therapist who is passionate about helping you find solutions that work for you, accomplish your goals, and discover the true potential to attain your personal growth. I recognize the need to identify and treat the cooccurring disorders, such as anxiety, depression, codependency, trauma, grieving, life transitions, and low self-esteem.
Ryan Parino
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
Waitlist for new clients
My experience has been in receiving advanced training and education in attachment theory, substance use, sexuality counseling, and in the existential.
Although I have experience, education, and training in psychology, you will always be the expert on “you”. I approach therapy as a collaboration where we unite as a team to hold space for, explore, and honor some of the most important aspects of your life. I look forward to building a unique approach to therapy with each client that values you as the other half of our team, and I recognize that what might work for one person may not be the best way to collaborate with you.
My experience has been in receiving advanced training and education in attachment theory, substance use, sexuality counseling, and in the existential.
Although I have experience, education, and training in psychology, you will always be the expert on “you”. I approach therapy as a collaboration where we unite as a team to hold space for, explore, and honor some of the most important aspects of your life. I look forward to building a unique approach to therapy with each client that values you as the other half of our team, and I recognize that what might work for one person may not be the best way to collaborate with you.
Romina Schnelle
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Hayward, CA 94544
I use an eclectic approach, drawing from various techniques, such as: CBT, Somatic, psychoanalytic, DBT, Existential, Humanistic, and Narrative.
My name is Romina Schnelle, and I am a California-licensed marriage and family therapist with over 8 years of experience in the field of mental health. I approach therapy in a collaborative way and believe each client is the expert of their own life. I have experience treating a variety of disorders, such as ADHD, OCD, nightmares, depression, anxiety, and panic, and specialize in treating PTSD. I typically provide individual online therapy to adults 18+. I am comfortable treating a variety of disorders, but my specialization is in treating trauma.
I use an eclectic approach, drawing from various techniques, such as: CBT, Somatic, psychoanalytic, DBT, Existential, Humanistic, and Narrative.
My name is Romina Schnelle, and I am a California-licensed marriage and family therapist with over 8 years of experience in the field of mental health. I approach therapy in a collaborative way and believe each client is the expert of their own life. I have experience treating a variety of disorders, such as ADHD, OCD, nightmares, depression, anxiety, and panic, and specialize in treating PTSD. I typically provide individual online therapy to adults 18+. I am comfortable treating a variety of disorders, but my specialization is in treating trauma.
Rollo May Center for Therapy and the Humanities
PhD
Verified Verified
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Ed Mendelowitz is one of the leading practitioners of existential-humanistic psychotherapy. He is the recipient of the Rollo May Award for "independent and outstanding pursuit of new frontiers in psychology," an apt encapsulation of his role in the discipline over many years. Dr. Mendelowitz is Associate Editor of the Humanistic Psychologist and a major contributor to the literature of existential-humanistic practice and thought. In addition to a faculty position at Saybrook University, he has lectured widely on psychology, psychotherapy, and the broader humanities in the USA, Canada, Europe, and Asia.
Ed Mendelowitz is one of the leading practitioners of existential-humanistic psychotherapy. He is the recipient of the Rollo May Award for "independent and outstanding pursuit of new frontiers in psychology," an apt encapsulation of his role in the discipline over many years. Dr. Mendelowitz is Associate Editor of the Humanistic Psychologist and a major contributor to the literature of existential-humanistic practice and thought. In addition to a faculty position at Saybrook University, he has lectured widely on psychology, psychotherapy, and the broader humanities in the USA, Canada, Europe, and Asia.
See more therapy options for California
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.