Existential Therapists in California
Arielle Hastings
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Davis, CA 95616
I utilize integrative approaches, including expressive arts interventions, somatic awareness, systems, and existential influence.
I am offering in-person and telehealth. I support my clients through the use of expressive arts and somatic awareness. I work with youth, teens, young professionals, parents/single-parents and couples supporting issues with anxiety, fear, shame, life transitions, grief, daily stressors, relationship challenges of many varieties, and formation/re-formation of self. You are capable of transforming challenges, pain, breakdowns or trauma into self-actuating power and wisdom. I offer warm presence, encouraging easeful participation and invitation of your creative spirit.
I utilize integrative approaches, including expressive arts interventions, somatic awareness, systems, and existential influence.
I am offering in-person and telehealth. I support my clients through the use of expressive arts and somatic awareness. I work with youth, teens, young professionals, parents/single-parents and couples supporting issues with anxiety, fear, shame, life transitions, grief, daily stressors, relationship challenges of many varieties, and formation/re-formation of self. You are capable of transforming challenges, pain, breakdowns or trauma into self-actuating power and wisdom. I offer warm presence, encouraging easeful participation and invitation of your creative spirit.
I am also heavily trauma and addiction focused with my adult clients and often view both through a growth-based and existential lens.
Hi there! My name is Janelle Gervais and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Sacramento, CA working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults, adolescents, children, and family systems and specialize in treating trauma, addiction, depression/anxiety, family conflict, and parenting/behavior management from a humanistic person-centered approach.
I am also heavily trauma and addiction focused with my adult clients and often view both through a growth-based and existential lens.
Hi there! My name is Janelle Gervais and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Sacramento, CA working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults, adolescents, children, and family systems and specialize in treating trauma, addiction, depression/anxiety, family conflict, and parenting/behavior management from a humanistic person-centered approach.
I work with couples, adult individuals, families, and transitional age youth (age 18-25). I come from a humanistic and existential therapeutic framework, placing a high value on human capacities, including ones own free will, self determination, and search for meaning. Whether you are seeking therapy to approach or work through a despair within yourself and/or your relationship, have difficulty navigating through life transitions, managing a psychological condition such as anxiety, depression, or trauma, the choice to engage in therapy is a brave and invaluable one
I work with couples, adult individuals, families, and transitional age youth (age 18-25). I come from a humanistic and existential therapeutic framework, placing a high value on human capacities, including ones own free will, self determination, and search for meaning. Whether you are seeking therapy to approach or work through a despair within yourself and/or your relationship, have difficulty navigating through life transitions, managing a psychological condition such as anxiety, depression, or trauma, the choice to engage in therapy is a brave and invaluable one
My approach draws on existential and humanistic traditions, as well as somatic practices that integrate the body and the mind.
Being human can be wild, messy, beautiful, and painful. Whatever has brought you to therapy, it has taken courage and belief in yourself to arrive here. I honor your commitment to your own healing and growth. Suffering is part of the human condition, but there is no reason to suffer alone. Whether you're dealing with anxiety or depression, loss or overwhelming change, or stress due to work, family, or intimate relationships, therapy can help shift your perspective, clarify your deepest values and life goals, identify unhelpful thought patterns, and transform your experience of life.
My approach draws on existential and humanistic traditions, as well as somatic practices that integrate the body and the mind.
Being human can be wild, messy, beautiful, and painful. Whatever has brought you to therapy, it has taken courage and belief in yourself to arrive here. I honor your commitment to your own healing and growth. Suffering is part of the human condition, but there is no reason to suffer alone. Whether you're dealing with anxiety or depression, loss or overwhelming change, or stress due to work, family, or intimate relationships, therapy can help shift your perspective, clarify your deepest values and life goals, identify unhelpful thought patterns, and transform your experience of life.
I hold a trauma-informed approach, drawing upon neuroscience, attachment theory, humanistic, multicultural, internal family systems (IFS) and existential models of healing.
Life can leave us feeling stuck and disconnected from ourselves and our communities. Often, symptoms are natural reactions to painful circumstances and foreclose access to our innate wisdom and ability to navigate tough situations. I believe in the unique healing journey of each individual and work with you to open space and reconnect with your authentic ways of being. I help folks get curious about their life, get unstuck from difficult patterns, make meaning of life experiences, and ultimately create more choice and freedom.
I hold a trauma-informed approach, drawing upon neuroscience, attachment theory, humanistic, multicultural, internal family systems (IFS) and existential models of healing.
Life can leave us feeling stuck and disconnected from ourselves and our communities. Often, symptoms are natural reactions to painful circumstances and foreclose access to our innate wisdom and ability to navigate tough situations. I believe in the unique healing journey of each individual and work with you to open space and reconnect with your authentic ways of being. I help folks get curious about their life, get unstuck from difficult patterns, make meaning of life experiences, and ultimately create more choice and freedom.
Hi there, I am Dr. Stephen Gutknecht! I have a rich experience covering a wide range of issues. My approach stems from both Cognitive Behavior Therapy as well as Existential theory. I believe how we communicate with ourselves, and others, changes the perspective we hold and are seen through. When people are empowered through being heard, emotionally supported, helped to develop skills they have a greater ability to lead emotionally healthy lives.
Hi there, I am Dr. Stephen Gutknecht! I have a rich experience covering a wide range of issues. My approach stems from both Cognitive Behavior Therapy as well as Existential theory. I believe how we communicate with ourselves, and others, changes the perspective we hold and are seen through. When people are empowered through being heard, emotionally supported, helped to develop skills they have a greater ability to lead emotionally healthy lives.
My approach integrates the empathetic and existential roots of humanistic therapy, relational work grounded in attachment, present-focused mindfulness tools, and somatic awareness of sensations and feelings within the body.
I create an experience tailored to your individualized needs and goals. Instead of sticking to a template, we’ll identify how to ensure you feel most comfortable expressing yourself. Therapy can deepen your awareness—which could mean welcoming back parts that you feel disconnected from, discovering new thoughts or ideas, or working with feelings that don’t seem to fit easily in your day-to-day life. As a result, you’ll start to better understand the unique factors that influence your relationships and behaviors: your strengths, values, intuition, and emotions. With new perspectives, you can prepare to live with greater authenticity.
My approach integrates the empathetic and existential roots of humanistic therapy, relational work grounded in attachment, present-focused mindfulness tools, and somatic awareness of sensations and feelings within the body.
I create an experience tailored to your individualized needs and goals. Instead of sticking to a template, we’ll identify how to ensure you feel most comfortable expressing yourself. Therapy can deepen your awareness—which could mean welcoming back parts that you feel disconnected from, discovering new thoughts or ideas, or working with feelings that don’t seem to fit easily in your day-to-day life. As a result, you’ll start to better understand the unique factors that influence your relationships and behaviors: your strengths, values, intuition, and emotions. With new perspectives, you can prepare to live with greater authenticity.
Whether you are experiencing anxiety, stress, relationship issues, coping with trauma, wondering if the world has gone mad, seeking answers to spiritual or existential questions, or pursuing personal growth, I will work hard to empower you. Together, we will explore, clarify, and address issues at the root of your concerns, clearing a path towards inner peace.
Whether you are experiencing anxiety, stress, relationship issues, coping with trauma, wondering if the world has gone mad, seeking answers to spiritual or existential questions, or pursuing personal growth, I will work hard to empower you. Together, we will explore, clarify, and address issues at the root of your concerns, clearing a path towards inner peace.
Lukas Dziemidok
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Studio City, CA 91604 (Online Only)
As a therapist, I am rooted in a cognitive approach based on insight. However, I also incorporate a psychodynamic, humanistic- existential, and trauma-focused perspective in my work. My main goal is to help you get unstuck and achieve your potential for a fulfilling and meaningful life. I aim to make our sessions inclusive and focused, while also bringing in some humor and lightness to enhance our therapeutic journey.
As a therapist, I am rooted in a cognitive approach based on insight. However, I also incorporate a psychodynamic, humanistic- existential, and trauma-focused perspective in my work. My main goal is to help you get unstuck and achieve your potential for a fulfilling and meaningful life. I aim to make our sessions inclusive and focused, while also bringing in some humor and lightness to enhance our therapeutic journey.
Sam Elliott Pow
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
West Hollywood, CA 90046
Healing from trauma, reclaiming power, growing from struggle and learning to work WITH emotions rather than AGAINST them are the goals I strive to support my clients in achieving. I want to help my clients move beyond simply not feeling so depressed, anxious, angry or manic. I want to help them transcend their pain, feel like they are fulfilling their purpose in life, are able to truly love themselves and are cultivating relationships that feed their soul. Narrative Therapy teaches my clients to transform the meaning of what they have been through and techniques from Existential Therapy help clients create or discover their purpose.
Healing from trauma, reclaiming power, growing from struggle and learning to work WITH emotions rather than AGAINST them are the goals I strive to support my clients in achieving. I want to help my clients move beyond simply not feeling so depressed, anxious, angry or manic. I want to help them transcend their pain, feel like they are fulfilling their purpose in life, are able to truly love themselves and are cultivating relationships that feed their soul. Narrative Therapy teaches my clients to transform the meaning of what they have been through and techniques from Existential Therapy help clients create or discover their purpose.
'Online Therapy Until Midnight by Dr. John Silver'
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Dr. John Silver says, “If you'd like to know why you do what you do, Modern Psychoanalysis may be for you”. Do you want to deal with the causes of your obstacles to happiness and fulfilment or the effects (symptoms)? Do you have the courage, curiosity and intelligence to look into the corners of your mind? It is where we store our baggage, in our Unconscious. Using Certified Modern Psychoanalysis together we explore your unhealthy behaviors and patterns. Using Existential Analysis we embolden your special unique talents, desires and abilities to find purpose and meaning in your life. Take the journey. Together.
Dr. John Silver says, “If you'd like to know why you do what you do, Modern Psychoanalysis may be for you”. Do you want to deal with the causes of your obstacles to happiness and fulfilment or the effects (symptoms)? Do you have the courage, curiosity and intelligence to look into the corners of your mind? It is where we store our baggage, in our Unconscious. Using Certified Modern Psychoanalysis together we explore your unhealthy behaviors and patterns. Using Existential Analysis we embolden your special unique talents, desires and abilities to find purpose and meaning in your life. Take the journey. Together.
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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.
Brian Ilagan
Associate Clinical Social Worker, MSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Long Beach, CA 90803 (Online Only)
Employing motivational interviewing, CBT, narrative, existential, and mindfulness techniques, we cultivate growth and resilience together.
Embark on an empowering journey of self-discovery with me as your trusted guide! As a GPS expertly navigates your route, I provide a confidential and supportive space for exploration and growth. Together, we'll tackle life's challenges head-on, address any obstacles in your path, and cultivate the confidence needed to navigate through uncertainty. With each step forward, we'll uncover your unique strengths and passions, empowering you to chart a path toward a purposeful and fulfilling future. Let's embark on this transformative journey together and unlock the extraordinary potential that lies within you!
Employing motivational interviewing, CBT, narrative, existential, and mindfulness techniques, we cultivate growth and resilience together.
Embark on an empowering journey of self-discovery with me as your trusted guide! As a GPS expertly navigates your route, I provide a confidential and supportive space for exploration and growth. Together, we'll tackle life's challenges head-on, address any obstacles in your path, and cultivate the confidence needed to navigate through uncertainty. With each step forward, we'll uncover your unique strengths and passions, empowering you to chart a path toward a purposeful and fulfilling future. Let's embark on this transformative journey together and unlock the extraordinary potential that lies within you!
Hannah Veselinovic
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, MFT, CTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Irvine, CA 92612 (Online Only)
I base my work in Psychodynamic Therapy and Existential-Humanistic theory.
My name is Hannah (she/her/hers). I’m an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. My passion lies in fostering healing and resilience, particularly for survivors of childhood abuse, sexual assault, abusive relationships, mass violence, and religious trauma/cult experiences. I also work with clients struggling with attachment issues, personality disorders, and sex and porn addiction. For couples, I offer emotion-focused therapy and psychodynamic couples therapy.
I base my work in Psychodynamic Therapy and Existential-Humanistic theory.
My name is Hannah (she/her/hers). I’m an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. My passion lies in fostering healing and resilience, particularly for survivors of childhood abuse, sexual assault, abusive relationships, mass violence, and religious trauma/cult experiences. I also work with clients struggling with attachment issues, personality disorders, and sex and porn addiction. For couples, I offer emotion-focused therapy and psychodynamic couples therapy.
You are on a path toward healing. I would love to partner with you and bring my training and experience to support your healing and growth. Individuals, couples, families, and children are all welcome. I work with Narrative, Existential, and Strengths Based modalities to help you find meaning in suffering, create a new narrative, and capitalize on the strengths you already have. I am trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and EMDR. I provide therapy in English and in Spanish.
You are on a path toward healing. I would love to partner with you and bring my training and experience to support your healing and growth. Individuals, couples, families, and children are all welcome. I work with Narrative, Existential, and Strengths Based modalities to help you find meaning in suffering, create a new narrative, and capitalize on the strengths you already have. I am trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and EMDR. I provide therapy in English and in Spanish.
I use an eclectic approach using Existential Therapy, Systems Therapy, Transpersonal Therapy, EMDR, and Brief Therapy.
My name is Mike Godby, and I am a psychotherapist with a master's degree in clinical psychology. I have been trained in relationships with myself and others. Many of my clients have issues with family, friends' bosses, and spouses. I use an approach of uncovering the self. When a person begins to know themselves. it's possible to have the right relationships with others because they have taken responsibility for themselves and have the clarity to decide who is in their inner circle. I use a gentle approach derived from over 50 years of meditation. I invite you to uncover yourself. Mike
I use an eclectic approach using Existential Therapy, Systems Therapy, Transpersonal Therapy, EMDR, and Brief Therapy.
My name is Mike Godby, and I am a psychotherapist with a master's degree in clinical psychology. I have been trained in relationships with myself and others. Many of my clients have issues with family, friends' bosses, and spouses. I use an approach of uncovering the self. When a person begins to know themselves. it's possible to have the right relationships with others because they have taken responsibility for themselves and have the clarity to decide who is in their inner circle. I use a gentle approach derived from over 50 years of meditation. I invite you to uncover yourself. Mike
Hi there I’m Debby! My name is Debby Diamond. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who is available via Telehealth, and based out of California. I use a strength-based approach with clients and will seek ways to promote resilience-building throughout the treatment process, regardless of the therapy modality used. Any combination of cognitive-behavioral, narrative, solution-focused, existential, reminiscence therapy, or other related modalities could be implemented, depending on what would be most effective for a client’s individual treatment plan.
Hi there I’m Debby! My name is Debby Diamond. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who is available via Telehealth, and based out of California. I use a strength-based approach with clients and will seek ways to promote resilience-building throughout the treatment process, regardless of the therapy modality used. Any combination of cognitive-behavioral, narrative, solution-focused, existential, reminiscence therapy, or other related modalities could be implemented, depending on what would be most effective for a client’s individual treatment plan.
In my 20+ years of practice I have often used cognitive-behavioral therapy; however, I also integrate person-centered, humanistic, existential, and relational approaches.
Feel better now! As a Diplomate and Founding Fellow in the Academy of Cognitive Therapy, I would like to assist you in feeling better fast using this research-based, evidence-based approach.
I also am a member of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy (ABCT), the American Psychological Association (APA) and the California Psychological Association (CPA). Given my interest in helping you in the best possible ways, I continually attend conferences and workshops, in addition to reading journal articles and books on the latest issues in the field.
In my 20+ years of practice I have often used cognitive-behavioral therapy; however, I also integrate person-centered, humanistic, existential, and relational approaches.
Feel better now! As a Diplomate and Founding Fellow in the Academy of Cognitive Therapy, I would like to assist you in feeling better fast using this research-based, evidence-based approach.
I also am a member of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy (ABCT), the American Psychological Association (APA) and the California Psychological Association (CPA). Given my interest in helping you in the best possible ways, I continually attend conferences and workshops, in addition to reading journal articles and books on the latest issues in the field.
I use interventions based on emotion-focused, psychodynamic, existential, and humanistic theories and therapy.
You're on a merry-go-round of your thoughts, with the fake horses as concerns about school/work and your relationships. As much as you try to do everything right, something can still go wrong. Or, you've tried to tell the story in English, but it just doesn’t translate when you talk about growing up Latinx in the US. I’m a first generation Latinx therapist creating space for individuals to experience radical self-compassion. My style is warm and authentic, with some humor. I work with clients struggling with anxiety, perfectionism, and generational differences within Latinx culture. I support clients through better understanding
I use interventions based on emotion-focused, psychodynamic, existential, and humanistic theories and therapy.
You're on a merry-go-round of your thoughts, with the fake horses as concerns about school/work and your relationships. As much as you try to do everything right, something can still go wrong. Or, you've tried to tell the story in English, but it just doesn’t translate when you talk about growing up Latinx in the US. I’m a first generation Latinx therapist creating space for individuals to experience radical self-compassion. My style is warm and authentic, with some humor. I work with clients struggling with anxiety, perfectionism, and generational differences within Latinx culture. I support clients through better understanding
I worked as a Chinese Clinical Psychologist in the city of Nanjing, China for 9 years; and a Research Psychoanalyst in Los Angeles for 8 years. Therefore, in the past 17 years I have had over 16,000hours individual therapy hours with my clients in both countries. I integrated therapeutic methods of Psychoanalysis, Existential, and Gestalt Therapy. I am bilingual (English/Mandarin) Psychoanalyst graduated from the Institute for Contemporary Psychoanalysis, Los Angeles, and hope to work with clients from all culture backgrounds/nationalities.
I worked as a Chinese Clinical Psychologist in the city of Nanjing, China for 9 years; and a Research Psychoanalyst in Los Angeles for 8 years. Therefore, in the past 17 years I have had over 16,000hours individual therapy hours with my clients in both countries. I integrated therapeutic methods of Psychoanalysis, Existential, and Gestalt Therapy. I am bilingual (English/Mandarin) Psychoanalyst graduated from the Institute for Contemporary Psychoanalysis, Los Angeles, and hope to work with clients from all culture backgrounds/nationalities.
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.